From his very first day at SHL, Nils Urwyler knew: this was the right place for him. The hotel management school became a school for life – self-confidence included. Unforgettable remains his assignment at the Zurich Opera Ball in his second semester: “Jesses…,” he comments dryly.
After graduation, his path led him to Pernod Ricard, where he started in 2008 as a Brand Ambassador. Today, more than 15 years later, he proudly celebrates his anniversary – in an industry that could hardly be more fast-paced. As Sales Manager On-Trade, he thrives on competition, variety, and a touch of 24/7. The fixed points of his day? Emails, meetings, selling – and plenty of new contacts.
Privately, Nils loves the tranquility of Lake Greifen, the swing on the golf course, and a good bottle of Perrier-Jouët in the fridge. Honest, content, curious – that’s how he describes himself. As a guest, he is generous, fair, yet also critical: professionalism and joy are indispensable for him. Digitalization, however, he views with some skepticism – he prefers the personal greeting at a hotel and flipping through a bar menu.
And SHL? It remains formative for him to this day: “SHL gave me the confidence to follow my own path.” A path that has taken him from graduation day to his anniversary at Pernod Ricard – with golf courses, champagne, and a good dose of joie de vivre along the way.
First SHL day I felt I was in the right place right from the star
The SHL is A kind of school of life – I built up a lot of self-confidence there.
Most beautiful moment I can't answer that – there were so many
I will never forget it! Our assignment in the second semester at the Opera Ball in Zurich... Jeez...
What I miss A structured daily routine
What I particularly like about where I live The proximity to Lake Greifensee and the tranquillity that comes with it
Always in the fridge Almost a bit of a cliché – but of course a bottle of Perrier-Jouët
Relaxing after a busy day Golf
When I'm not working I can usually be found on the golf course
Me in three adjectives Honest – content – interested
Milestone(s) This year, I celebrated my 15th anniversary at Pernod Ricard Swiss – something I can truly be proud of in such a dynamic industry.
My job in three words Competition – variety – 24/7
Daily routine Emails, phone calls, meetings, sales, driving
Current projects There are quite a few – every day brings new contacts and opportunities
Still want to achieve There is no specific plan – satisfaction in performing my job is most important to me.
Favourite Restaurant I'd rather not answer that
Favourite Hotel I thought The Chedi in Muscat was absolutely fantastic.
Me as a guest I give feedback, I am generous, I am tough but fair
I appreciate Professionalism, strong customer relationship management, and genuine enthusiasm
No-go to Disinterest, preconceptions
This should change I am a little bothered by the rapid pace of digitalisation. For example, I like leafing through a bar menu or receiving a personal welcome at a hotel.
Makes me laugh My friends when we talk silly stuff
This person I admire Greta Thunberg
Last holiday destination Tuscany
Dream Holiday Destination Road trip through Canada in a camper van
Catchy Tune Nightwish - The Greatest Show on Earth
Discovery Body and mind must be in balance
I wish I could say no more often