Gilles Despas Departs as Swiss Marketplace Group (SMG) CEO

Gilles Despas has left his role as CEO at the Swiss Marketplace Group after 16 months in the role.

Despas was the first CEO at SMG after its foundation as a joint venture between TX Group, Ringier, die Mobiliar and General Atlantic in September 2021.

He was appointed in November of the same year after a successful four-year tenure at Scout24 Switzerland, the best-known real estate marketplace in Switzerland and a major shareholder in the newly formed Group.

Despas had announced his departure on a LinkedIn post two weeks ago, with SMG confirming his decision earlier this week—while also giving him the moniker "Gilles the Builder".

He said: "I enjoyed every moment of it [SMG] and every person that was part of the journey. I will miss you. Take care of yourselves and of our wonderful company and brands." Despas did not say where his next career step will take him.

SMG also announced that Christoph Tonini will become the new CEO—although his full job title is "CEO and Delegate of the Board of Directors" according to his personal LinkedIn profile.

Simon Baker spoke to Gilles Despas in 2021. Watch the interview in full below: