SUISA’s Board of Directors has decided on the succession to Irène Philipp Ziebold. Claudia Kempf and Toni Falzetta will take seats on the Executive Committee of the cooperative society of music authors and publishers with effect from 1 January 2027. With these appointments, the Board is placing its trust in two internal leaders with proven industry expertise.
Two internal figures with extensive experience
After studying sociology and anthropology, Claudia Kempf worked in film production as a production manager and assistant director. Alongside her professional work, she also studied cultural and media management. From 1999 onwards, she took on various roles within SUISA. Since 2011, she has headed the Members Department. In addition, she has served the Swiss music sector in various capacities, including as a founding member of Swiss Music Export and, until 2018, as a member of the board of directors of mxLab AG (mx3).
“For me, SUISA is built on a strong and compelling idea: that creators should receive a fair share of the economic success of their works,” says Claudia Kempf. “The music world is going through a major transformation right now, and I am convinced that we, as a collective management organisation, will once again succeed in adapting to these new realities.”
Toni Falzetta studied business administration and holds a Master of Advanced Studies in pop and rock music. In 2023, he joined SUISA from the financial sector, where he had held a management position. Since then, he has headed the Events Department and has been responsible for licensing live events. As a musician and producer for national and international acts, he also brings many years of practical experience in the music industry.
“For me, SUISA is above all a reliable partner,” says Toni Falzetta. “Music creators can rely on us to manage their copyrights. And music users can rely on us to license things properly, so that they are allowed to use the entire world repertoire of music. The music industry will bring many changes in the future, but also a great many opportunities. And what matters is that all of us can benefit greatly from them together.”
“I am delighted that Claudia Kempf and Toni Falzetta will be joining SUISA’s Executive Committee,” says Xavier Dayer, President of SUISA. “Both bring extensive experience from within SUISA as well as from the music industry. I am convinced that SUISA’s Executive Committee is very well positioned to meet future challenges.”
The “Operations” department will be divided into “Members” and “Customers”
With these new appointments, SUISA is adapting its organisational structure. The existing “Operations” department will be split into two areas. Claudia Kempf will take over the “Members” area, while Toni Falzetta will be responsible for the “Customers” area.
Irène Philipp Ziebold will retire at the end of 2026 after more than 38 years with SUISA. She has been a member of the Executive Committee since 2010, first heading the Members Department and, from 2019, the newly created “Operations” department.
Future Executive Committee of SUISA
From January 2027, SUISA’s Executive Committee will consist of the current members Andreas Wegelin, CEO, and Vincent Salvadé, Deputy CEO, together with the two new members Claudia Kempf and Toni Falzetta. Andreas Wegelin and Vincent Salvadé will retire during 2027 and 2028 respectively. The process to determine the succession to the role of CEO will begin in April 2026.
