Alexandre de Senarclens elected President of the Comité permanent du Salon international de l’automobile Foundation

Members of the Foundation Comité permanent du Salon international de l’automobile de Genève, which organises the Geneva International Motor Show, unanimously voted to elect Alexandre de Senarclens as the new President of the Foundation. Alexandre de Senarclens will commence the role on July 1, 2023, succeeding Maurice Turrettini, whose term in office has ended. Alongside his extensive national and international network, Alexandre de Senarclens has strong roots in the Geneva region.

At the latest meeting of the Foundation Board and Committee, members of the supreme body which organises the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS) unanimously elected Alexandre de Senarclens as the new President of the Foundation. Alexandre de Senarclens was born in Geneva in 1975. He holds a degree in law from the University of Fribourg and a master’s degree in law (LLM) from Georgetown University in Washington DC. He has been a partner in a Geneva law firm since 2010. In parallel to his legal career, he has been politically active in Geneva’s political party FDP.Die Liberalen since 2003, of which he was president from 2015 to 2019. Today, he is a member of the Grand Council in Geneva.

“We are delighted to have found in Alexandre de Senarclens an experienced and committed President who will further strengthen and advance the Geneva International Motor Show”, comments Sandro Mesquita, CEO of GIMS, on the election. “Alexandre de Senarclens possesses not only a vast national and international network but also extensive political experience. These qualities make him the ideally suited to lead our Foundation and drive GIMS forward in the years to come.”

“I am honoured to take on the presidency of such a prestigious event that contributes to Geneva’s international reputation and has a profound effect on the regional economy and the automotive sector. It’s an exceptional platform for brands and their importers to showcase technological innovations within the industry. The GIMS teams are highly motivated to organise two upcoming automotive shows—one in Doha this autumn and another in Geneva at the end of February 2024,” stated Alexandre de Senarclens. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to GIMS’s strategic vision and to join the Foundation Board, and I am grateful to the Board and Committee members for their trust.”

Alexandre de Senarclens succeeds Maurice Turrettini, who is concluding his 12-year tenure as President of the Foundation. “Over the past years, we have wholeheartedly dedicated ourselves to the development of GIMS and successfully navigated the significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the event is well-positioned to embrace the future,” remarked Maurice Turrettini. “I extend my best wishes to Alexandre de Senarclens and the Foundation, which holds a special place in my heart, and I wish them every success.”

Sophie Dubuis, President of the Board of Trustees of Geneva Tourism & Convention, stated, “Geneva has long benefited from international reputation and the economic impact of the Motor Show, and in this new post-pandemic era, it is important to restore its full potential and its future-oriented positioning in a rapidly evolving sector.”

Andreas Burgener, Director of auto-schweiz, added: “The Swiss importers are fully supportive of the GIMS and its President in this promising market environment. The GIMS platform serves the interests of the entire industry, renowned for its innovative strength.”

The first edition of the Geneva International Motor Show Qatar is scheduled to take place in Doha from October 5 to October 14, 2023. Over a span of ten days the event will be an automotive festival, featuring the most prestigious car models. Furthermore, from Monday, February 26 to Sunday, March 3, 2024, the Motor Show in Geneva will mark its grand return and commemorate its 100th anniversary as a distinguished international event.

About the Geneva International Motor Show (GIMS):

The Geneva International Motor Show has been a springboard for the future of mobility since 1905. It is widely recognised as the most important motor show in Europe and is one of the most prestigious and influential shows in the world. With the launch of GIMS Qatar, the Geneva International Motor Show is extending its brand to a new location, Doha. The organiser and rights holder of the GIMS is the Geneva-based Comité permanent du Salon international de l’automobile Foundation.