Born in 1959, Swiss and Italian, attorney at law (lic.iur.) licensed in Switzerland, family man, grandfather, jazz trumpet player at a modest level.
My native language is German, I am fluent in English, French and Italian.
I have dedicated practically all my working life so far to public benefit issues and I wish to continue in this vein. I have learnt how to realise successful nature conservation projects – often on a tight budget, yet with major results.
Genuine sustainable development, as I learned in numerous projects, is based on careful management but also on treating people and nature with respect. Architecturally innovative projects in the sustainable building sector taught me to appreciate the meaning of culture for genuine, experienced sustainability.
I am a networker who is quick to develop new contacts, is well disposed to people and can rapidly familiarize myself with new subject matter.
1987 to 1990: joint partner of a legal practice in Chur, Switzerland.
1990 to 1996: executive director of the Bergwaldprojekt (Mountain Forest Project) Foundation in Switzerland, an organisation that asks for volunteers to work in forested areas, bringing them closer to nature through their work.
1996 to 2012: executive director of CIPRA, the International Commission for the Protection of the Alps. I set up and managed a team of some 20 staff, initiated international networks and was responsible for communication, projects and campaigns. I managed annual budgets of several million Swiss francs and was also responsible for all fundraising activities.
Since 2012 I have been running Götz Charity Consulting AG in Liechtenstein.