Hotel Bernerhof Gstaad: Majority Sold to New Owners After 30 Years

For three decades, Thomas and Brigitte Frei shaped the 'Bernerhof Gstaad' with passion, foresight, and personal dedication. Under their leadership, the 'Bernerhof' developed into one of Switzerland's leading gourmet hotels – recognized for outstanding culinary quality, sustainability, and genuine warmth. Brigitte and Thomas Frei emphasize how important a responsible handover was to them: 'After all these years as owners and directors of the 'Bernerhof', we are happy to pass this vibrant legacy to a group driven by a positive and ambitious vision for the 'Bernerhof' and for Gstaad.' They are particularly pleased that François Grohens is taking over the operational management.

New Owners with a Clear Vision for a Vibrant Village Centre The new owners, RMG, The Risk Management Group SA based in Geneva, and Holdingstone AG, an investment and holding company based in Zug, intend to carefully develop the 'Bernerhof' further. The aim is to enliven the village centre of Gstaad year-round – in line with a clear warm bed strategy – and to tailor the offerings to the needs of a changing guest demographic. Jean-Guillaume Pieyre, founder and CEO of RMG, who has had a special connection to the Bernese Oberland since childhood, explains: 'I am very grateful to Brigitte and Thomas Frei for the trust they have placed in us. I am particularly pleased to advance a project with Emmanuel Kilchenmann that approaches Gstaad and the region with respect and shares the vision of a vibrant village centre all year round.'

Emmanuel Kilchenmann, CEO of Holdingstone AG, also emphasizes the long-term approach: 'At the heart of our commitment is a sustainable development that strengthens the village core of Gstaad and serves the welfare of the entire region. The central location and historical anchoring of the hotel bring responsibility and require humility. We look forward to working with Jean- Guillaume Pieyre to realise this project. A key factor is implementation in close coordination with authorities, the local population, and the local business community.'

François Grohens Takes Over Management of Hotel Bernerhof Gstaad As of early December, François Grohens (55) has taken over the operational management of Hotel Bernerhof Gstaad. For the experienced hotelier, it is a return to a previous place of employment: from 2002 to 2011, he was already working at the 'Bernerhof' before moving to the 'Park Gstaad', where he most recently served as director for six years. The French-born hotelier has been at home in international hospitality since his training at Maison Kammerzell in Strasbourg. After gaining experience in the USA and on cruise ships, he arrived in Switzerland in 1997 and in 2000 in Gstaad. There he started at Hotel Le Grand Chalet before joining the 'Bernerhof Gstaad' – first as restaurant manager, later as F&B manager / HR. Now Grohens takes over the overall management of the 46- room hotel and its four awarded restaurants. 'I am proud and highly motivated to take over the management of the 'Bernerhof' and continue the excellent work of Brigitte and Thomas Frei together with the dedicated team,' he says. His focus is on 'maintaining the 'Bernerhof' as a warm and familiar place for regular guests and at the same time thrilling new guests with the quality of service, restaurants, and vibrant atmosphere.'

Note for Editors: Character count: 4071 including spaces. RMG is a financial company based in Geneva, founded in 2004 by Jean-Guillaume Pieyre. The company advises a select clientele on wealth management, real estate investments, and private equity investments. RMG has proven expertise in developing exceptional real estate and hotel projects in Switzerland and abroad, acting as investor, developer, and operator.

Holdingstone AG Holdingstone AG is an investment and holding company based in Zug. Holdingstone AG focuses on selected, complex investment projects in the areas of real estate and agribusiness. The investment policy is consistently long-term and includes development, holding, and sustainable management of investments and their assets. Holdingstone AG acts as a strategic investor and active owner, pursuing a value-oriented approach with a focus on substance, stability, and sustainable development.

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Esther Beck
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