Despite flexible working models and the increase in working from home in recent years, the office remains an important hub for professional activities. This observation underlines the importance of contemporary office buildings not only as places for collaboration, social exchange and corporate culture, but also as investment properties. Due to their potential for a wide range of usage concepts, office properties are of great economic importance.
Our interview partner of the month is Head of Real Estate Management at TX Group.
The company, which is known for its media titles such as Tages-Anzeiger and 20 Minuten, established its real estate expertise with its own portfolio as an independent division at Group level in 2023. With five centrally located properties in Zurich, Bern and Lausanne, which serve as office buildings and printing centers, the TX Group owns properties with great potential for the future. In a market that is constantly changing and characterized by new challenges, the TX Group focus not only on sustainability, but also on new technologies and digitalization in property management. These elements are crucial in order to be successful in the current climate and remain future-oriented at the same time.
The TX Group's main building and trademark is the pioneering solid wood office building on the Sihl in Zurich. Experienced real estate investment manager Marcel Weiler, who has been Head of Real Estate Management at TX Group since April 2023, also works here. TX Group is. From architecture studies to real estate management and portfolio and asset management, Marcel Weiler's career path exemplifies the versatility and dynamism of the real estate industry. It shows how diverse interests and skills can come together in one career. Find out more about him in our interview of the month.
Mr. Weiler, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?
"As a schoolboy, being a pilot was my undisputed dream job. I completed an apprenticeship with the aim of studying architecture later on. Being able to help shape our built environment also fascinated me. After my studies, I went through the selection process to become an airline pilot at Swissair and failed at the last hurdle. Two years later, the airline was history and a second attempt to launch my career as a pilot was unnecessary.
I am convinced that further training after initial training is much more decisive for a professional career. The more complex our world becomes, the more important it is to be able to recognize, assess and overcome as many facets of a challenge as possible. A helpful prerequisite for this is also being able to admit your own gaps in knowledge and the curiosity and ambition to keep learning new things in a targeted manner."
What is your favorite way to start your day?
"My favorite way to enjoy the early morning calm is with a cappuccino in a quiet café bar on the banks of the Sihl in Zurich. In this relaxing atmosphere, I take my time to prepare for the day before the hustle and bustle of the day begins. The fresh air and calm water provide a perfect balance to the busy city life and help me start my day with positive energy and a clear head."
What does success mean to you personally?
"Achieving the goals we set ourselves is an experience that we all need. It gives us self-confidence in our own abilities. Everyone has to define what success is for themselves, and it is very likely that they will have to do so again and again in order to lay the foundations for their own personal happiness. Apart from the ability to achieve the goals you set yourself, for me success also means being independent in your actions and thoughts and achieving a healthy level of balance and satisfaction.
Professionally, it's especially rewarding when employees, colleagues, companions and supporters are beaming after a challenging goal has been achieved. It is an even greater success when my team sets itself new goals on its own initiative and tackles the challenges it has set itself with great enthusiasm."
What would you work for free for a week?
"I would love to spend a week working as a kitchen assistant in a high-altitude Swiss Alpine Club hut. I imagine the combination of manual work, meeting outdoor enthusiasts and the breathtaking scenery of the Swiss Alps would be a fulfilling week."
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
"I can't remember any actual advice, but there were definitely people who repeatedly placed their trust in me and gave me responsibility. Team leaders and superiors who also serve as human role models for me, even today. They motivated me to trust my instincts when in doubt, because where there is no certainty, where there is no right or wrong, it is no longer just professional qualities that decide."
We would like to thank Mr. Weiler for his contribution to this article.
This interview was conducted in writing.
Batterman Consulting Basel AG
Executive Search,
Byfangweg 1a, CH-4051 Basel
T +41 58 680 55 55
basel@batterman.ch
