The Rhaetian Railway (RhB) has announced a significant leadership transition within its executive team. Starting October 26, 2026, Viviane Grobet will step into the role of Head of Sales and Marketing, bringing her extensive experience in tourism and strategic development to the iconic Swiss rail operator. Her appointment marks a new chapter for the organization as it looks to strengthen its market presence and service offerings.
Grobet, who currently serves as the Head of Business Development and is a member of the executive board at Switzerland Tourism in Zurich, will also join the RhB’s management board upon her arrival. Her selection follows a rigorous search process to find a successor for Piotr Caviezel, who is departing the company after a notable 29-year tenure. Caviezel has decided to pursue new professional challenges following nearly three decades of service to the organization, as confirmed in the official announcement from the Rhaetian Railway.
A Strategic Transition in Leadership
The appointment of Viviane Grobet is viewed as a strategic move to leverage her deep-rooted expertise in tourism marketing and product development. Grobet’s background includes academic credentials from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and the University of St. Gallen, where she focused on business administration, marketing, communication management and leadership transformation. Since 2015, she has held various roles at Switzerland Tourism, ascending to the executive board in 2022. This track record of success in managing complex market dynamics is expected to play a pivotal role in her upcoming responsibilities at the RhB.
Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Grobet maintains an active presence in the broader travel and transport sector. She currently serves as a board member for the “Grand Train Tour of Switzerland” association and contributes as an advisor to various academic institutions. Her transition to the Rhaetian Railway will involve overseeing the strategic direction of sales and marketing initiatives, a core component of the railway’s efforts to maintain its status as a vital transport and tourism artery in the region.
The Legacy of Piotr Caviezel
Piotr Caviezel’s departure represents the end of an era for the Rhaetian Railway. Having dedicated 29 years to the company, his tenure has spanned a period of significant modernization and growth for the rail network. The company’s leadership and board of directors have expressed their appreciation for his long-standing commitment and contributions to the firm’s development. While the specific details of Caviezel’s future endeavors remain private, his transition is part of a planned leadership handover intended to ensure continuity in the company’s commercial operations.
Looking Ahead: Objectives for the RhB
The Rhaetian Railway, a backbone of regional connectivity and a major draw for international tourism, faces an evolving landscape in the transportation sector. With the arrival of a new Head of Sales and Marketing in October 2026, the organization is positioning itself to address shifting consumer preferences and the ongoing digital transformation of the travel industry. The management board has indicated a positive outlook regarding the collaboration with Grobet, emphasizing the importance of her professional background and her established reputation within the Swiss tourism ecosystem.
As the company prepares for this transition, stakeholders and industry observers will be monitoring how the new leadership influences the railway’s marketing strategy and its integration into the wider Swiss transport network. The RhB continues to operate as a key player in regional development, balancing the demands of daily commuters with the needs of the global tourism market.
Key Takeaways
- New Leadership: Viviane Grobet will officially assume the role of Head of Sales and Marketing at the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) on October 26, 2026.
- Executive Change: Grobet succeeds Piotr Caviezel, who is stepping down after 29 years of service to the company.
- Professional Background: Grobet joins the RhB from Switzerland Tourism, where she served as a member of the executive board and Head of Business Development.
- Strategic Focus: The appointment aims to capitalize on Grobet’s extensive experience in tourism, product development, and leadership transformation.
The official transition is scheduled to take place on October 26, 2026. Further updates regarding the company’s strategic initiatives are expected to be released through the Rhaetian Railway media center as the new leadership team settles into their roles. We invite our readers to share their thoughts on this leadership change in the comments section below.
