Nationality: Dutch/Swiss | Year of birth: 1965

Ton Buechner is an engineer by training who started his career in the oil and gas construction industry. Before becoming the CEO of Sulzer AG, he held several divisional leadership roles at the company and worked in markets including Asia. Mr. Buechner most recently served as CEO and chair of the executive board of AkzoNobel NV, where he introduced industry-leading ESG policies.

Professional experience

• CEO and chair of the executive board, AkzoNobel NV, Netherlands (2012‑2017)
• CEO, Sulzer AG, Switzerland (2007‑2011)
• President, Sulzer Pumps, Switzerland (2003‑2006)
• President, Sulzer Turbomachinery Services, Switzerland (2000‑2002)
• Various managerial positions at Sulzer AG, China and Switzerland (1994‑2000)

Mandates

Current:

• Chair of the board of directors and the strategy and sustainability committee, Burckhardt Compression AG, Switzerland
• Chair of the board of directors and the sustainability committee, Swiss Prime Site AG, Switzerland
• Member of advisory committee to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (“Adviescommissie Maatwerkafspraken Verduurzaming Industrie”), Netherlands

Past:

• Member of the presidential and shareholder committees, Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA, Germany (2014‑2020)
• Member of the supervisory board, Voith GmbH & Co. KGaA, Germany (2014‑2018)

Education

• Master of business administration, IMD business school, Switzerland
• Master’s degree in civil engineering, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands

Key skills

• Environmental, social and governance (ESG)
• Leadership/management 
• Finance/accounting
• Law/regulatory/risk management