Skyguide: Peter Merz to succeed Alex Bristol

After eight years in office, Alex Bristol will step down as CEO of Skyguide on October 31, 2025. He will be succeeded by Peter Merz, former commander of the Swiss Air Force, who will take up the post on November 1, 2025.

Bristol, who initially joined skyguide as Chief Operating Officer, became CEO in 2017. Under his leadership, skyguide strengthened its position as an international innovator in air traffic management and received the world's first GreenATM accreditation.

His successor, Divisional Commander Peter Merz, brings with him extensive aviation and leadership experience. As commander of the Swiss Air Force, he has made a significant contribution to the modernization of air defence and the further development of Swiss aviation technology. Merz will start at Skyguide on October 1 to ensure a smooth transition before taking over as CEO on November 1.

In its press release, the Defense Group writes that the departure of Divisional Commander Merz is painful, but also confirms that the leadership skills of the armed forces are also in demand in the business world.