FIPRA Network
Key to public affairs success is a realistic approach: Dominique Reber
It is important to set clear and measurable goals for public affairs work, says Dominique Reber, Senior Partner & Co-Owner of Hirzel.Neef.Schmid Konsulenten / FIPRA Switzerland.
With an illustrious background of working as a journalist, head of communications, international public affairs manager and being a board member of the Swiss business association Economiesuisse, Dominique Reber has been Co-owner and Senior Partner of Switzerland’s leading business and communications consultancy Hirzel.Neef.Schmid.Konsulenten / FIPRA Switzerland since 2012.
A large focus of his work is on the positioning of companies and personalities, strategic communication planning, M&A communication and public affairs with an accent on sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Dominique led also political work relating to major infrastructure projects, energy supply and environmental issues.
Dominique, who serves as President of the FIPRA Network Advisory Board, takes a look back at this career so far, shares with us his formative experiences, and tells us what sets apart winning public affairs strategies.
Tell us about your origin story
Dominique: I’m someone who has always believed in dialogue with stakeholders and in the power of clear, focused communications — underlined by a Swiss sense of clockwork timing and organisation, of course!
Since the mid-90s, I’ve worked in various positions in journalism, education, lobbying and corporate communications, with an emphasis on IT and communications technology. This included spells as Head of Public Affairs at Swisscom AG in 2001, as Senior Public Affairs Manager at eBay International in 2005 where I took care of their government relations in nine European countries, and as Head of Communications at Sunrise Communications in 2007.
In 2010, I became a board member of the Swiss business association Economiesuisse, responsible for sustainability, energy and infrastructure. And since 2012, I’ve been a partner & co-owner of Hirzel.Neef.Schmid Konsulenten — also known as FIPRA Switzerland.
During this time, I have also been working as a trainer and teacher. Working with students keeps you on your toes and sharpens your thought-process.
Most memorable career highlights
Dominique: I think a pivotal moment in my early career was a project in Mali for the World Summit on Information Society, and the unbundling of the local loop back home in Switzerland. Through this invaluable experience, I learned how important it is to respect local cultures as well as how to engage in dialogue with stakeholders. What’s key to success is working based on reality, not wishful thinking. I also recognized how important it is to set clear and measurable goals for public affairs work.
Another personal career highlight was attending the 2009 Copenhagen Climate Change Conference negotiations as a member of the Swiss government’s delegation. Since then, I have started to engage in projects related to sustainability such as the Swiss Green Economy Symposium and Swiss Diversity Awards.
It is so important that global company strategies are embedded and implemented by local experts and translated into local processes and stakeholder dialogues using robust, democratic, consensus-driven solutions.
– Dominique Reber, Senior Partner & Co-Owner of Hirzel.Neef.Schmid Konsulenten / FIPRA Switzerland
Distinct characteristics about public affairs in your region
Dominique: Switzerland is not only multilingual but also multinational with a 20% foreign population, operating under a direct democratic system with a popular vote.
Often, companies fail to understand that Switzerland is a country with a globally connected population living in a bottom-up culture when it comes to shaping policy.
I have learned in Switzerland how important it is to respect local structures and stakeholders in order to be successful. The FIPRA Network embodies the same culture. We truly understand and reflect the global needs of our clients and then translate them into successful local approaches. In the same vein, Washington DC, Beijing and Brussels all merit localized solutions as their cultures are very distinct when it comes to public affairs.
That’s why it is so important that global company strategies are embedded and implemented by local experts and translated into local processes and stakeholder dialogues using robust, democratic, consensus-driven solutions.
How does the FIPRA Network add value for your clients?
Dominique: FIPRA has a truly global network. We are all entrepreneurs, which is why we set measurable goals when we work with our clients.
The entrepreneurial spirit is very important to me as it is an asset that differentiates us as a Network from big institutional competitors. In every country, our client will find a successful entrepreneur to serve as an interlocuteur. Someone who has proven to be successful and committed as a standalone, independent agency. In the FIPRA Network, we cooperate because we believe in superior quality.
Every member in the Network is experienced, with at least 20 years in the industry. We also truly embrace a culture of mutual respect and learn from each other. I’m personally convinced there’s no better platform where highly professional public affairs and government relation experts exchange and reflect on international trends to finetune their own strategies for local implementation. I find this process inspiring and effective.
It’s one of my life’s great honours to serve as President of the FIPRA Network Advisory Board. I look forward to this journey of growing together and helping our clients navigate through the extraordinary combination of crises we are currently facing.
My simple message to clients would be: the FIPRA Network has got your back.
(As told to Rahul Venkit)
