Zurich, 15 September 2023 – Helvetica, one of the leading real estate fund and asset management companies, is implementing organisational measures to optimise its future-oriented processes. The Executive Board is becoming more streamlined with certain roles being refilled, whilst the company’s portfolio is being optimised and its value creation chain expanded through the integration of property management.

Growth and consolidation
Following an intense growth phase – and in the context of a new market dynamic – Helvetica is reinforcing its focus on consolidation, portfolio optimisation and risk management. As such, portfolio returns are being further optimised and funds adapted in light of new market conditions. At the same time, the management of the company is taking a yet more robust approach to ensuring it can face the challenges of the future. The current uncertain and challenging market environment requires the strategic leadership of the company to focus more strongly on orienting towards the needs of investors and, hence, on establishing leaner, more efficient processes as well as adopting a high level of digitalisation. 

The process of portfolio optimisation through the sale of non-strategic properties as part of the company’s wider strategy began in early 2023 and is being pursued on a consistent basis. At the same time, Helvetica remains committed to listing the Helvetica Swiss Living Fund (HSL Fund) by the end of 2024 as planned and is preparing for the merger of the Helvetica Swiss Opportunity Fund (HSO Fund) with the listed Helvetica Swiss Commercial Fund (HSC Fund) in order to generate more liquidity for investors. This is subject to FINMA approval.

Staff reinforcements
Urs Kunz will take on the role of CCO, Head Sales & Marketing and become a member of the Executive Board as of January 2024. Urs Kunz has many years of experience in the Swiss financial and real estate market and replaces Salman Baday, the previous Head of Sales & Marketing, who has decided to move on after six successful years in the Helvetica team. During this time, Salman Baday has made a decisive contribution to Helvetica's prosperous development. Lucas Schlageter, Head Portfolio Management, has decided to leave Helvetica after more than four intensive and dedicated years. The new Executive Board consists of Hans R. Holdener, Peter R. Vogel and Urs Kunz. The appointment of the new Head of Portfolio Management is imminent and will be communicated in due course. These changes are subject to FINMA approval.

“I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation for the terrific work that Salman Baday and Lucas Schlageter have done over the years. Their names are closely associated with our successful growth story. We look forward to continuing to write their story with new vigour and wish them all the best for their future careers”, Hans R. Holdener, CEO of Helvetica, said. 

This process goes hand in hand with personnel changes being made to the leadership of the company. Andreas Benz has been heading up the Business Development team since the beginning of the year. At the beginning of September 2023, Helvetica was able to secure an experienced Head of Legal, Risk and Compliance in Thomas Stadelmann. In addition, from October the role of Head of Marketing and Communication will be taken up by Patricia Neupert, who has many years of experience in the real estate and capital market. At Group level, Michel Hafner has recently joined the team as Head of Property Management and will be leading the process of integrating property management as an additional element of the value creation chain.

“Our consistent orientation towards new market conditions gives us the chance to develop Helvetica further with renewed strength and fresh ideas. Our 30-person strong team of experts is well equipped to achieve our strategic goals”, Dr Hans Ueli Keller, Chairman of the Helvetica Board of Directors, explained.

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About Helvetica
Helvetica Property Investors AG is a leading real estate fund management and asset management company. We offer our clients sustainable value through active, long-term ownership of secure and stable real estate investments. With a fully integrated real estate investment platform, we offer standardized investment products as well as customized investment programs. We are proud of our long-standing reputation for excellent customer service and our commitment to responsible business practices. Our firm is li-censed and regulated by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA.

About Helvetica Swiss Commercial Fund
The HSC Fund is a Swiss real estate fund listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and open to all investors. The HSC Fund invests in commercial and industrial properties in the most important economic areas of Switzerland. The fund's portfolio is geared towards long-term value preservation and features high location and property quality as well as broad diversification. The investment objec-tive is primarily the long-term preservation of substance and the distribution of appropriate income. The HSC Fund is authorized by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority, FINMA.

Listing SIX Swiss Exchange; ticker symbol HSC; security 33 550 793; ISIN CH0335507932

Disclaimer
This media release does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of Art. 35 et seq. of the Federal Act on Financial Services or Art. 27 et seq. of the Listing Rules of SIX Swiss Exchange Ltd, nor does it constitute a Key Investor Information Document (KIID) within the meaning of the Swiss Collec-tive Investment Schemes Act or a basic information sheet. It does not constitute an offer or a recommendation to subscribe for or redeem fund units but is intended solely for information purposes. This media release may contain forward-looking statements that are subject to uncertainties and risks and may change. Historical performance is no guarantee of current or future performance. The performance data do not take into account any commis-sions and costs charged on the subscription and redemption of units. The documents that are solely relevant for an investment decision, the prospec-tus with integrated fund contract as well as the current annual report can be obtained free of charge from the fund management company. This media release is not addressed to persons resident and/or domiciled outside Switzerland. In particular, this media release may not be made available or hand-ed over to US persons within the meaning of the US Securities Act or US tax regulations, nor may it be distributed in the USA.