An entrepreneur through and through: Marcel Grünenfelder hands over the reins

An era is coming to an end: After 21 years, Marcel Grünenfelder is stepping down as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the GK Grünenfelder Group. His younger brother, Albert Grünenfelder, will succeed him. His resignation did not come as a surprise. In the year of his 70th birthday, Marcel Grünenfelder felt the time had come to hand over the leadership of the Board of Directors to someone else.

The eldest son of company founder Albert Grünenfelder grew up with the vehicle manufacturing company. Since its founding in 1948, GK Grünenfelder has become Switzerland’s leading vehicle manufacturer. On a 20,000-square-meter site, GK produces approximately 300 vehicles annually for general cargo, food, and military logistics. Every week, around five bodies, trailers, or semi-trailers of all sizes and weight classes for dry cargo, general cargo, and food transport leave the factory.

Marcel Grünenfelder played a pivotal role in shaping this development. For decades, he was an entrepreneur and visionary who dedicated himself wholeheartedly to the company, serving as one of its cornerstones. With his technical expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and keen understanding of people, he held various leadership roles within the group—including 20 years as CEO. Under his leadership, GK Grünenfelder AG grow and solidified its position as a leading manufacturer of commercial vehicle bodies in Switzerland. In 2019, he handed over operational management to Philippe Köppel and remained closely connected to the company as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to Marcel for his extraordinary dedication. As he embarks on this new chapter in his life, we wish him good health, happiness, and plenty of time to spend with his family. All the best, Marcel—and thank you so much for everything.