Top Fifty procures management personnel for difficult management tasks in change processes. Top Fifty provides experienced and practically-minded interim managers, who get the job done. They strive for quick, actionable results for the company and its employees.

Top Fifty seeks out the best interim managers on the market and recruits them in advance. The selection criteria are determined by market demand, economic trends and the nature of our clients’ assignments. Using our broad expertise and good understanding of people, we identify the leaders with the best performance and efficiency. The successful track records of Top Fifty’s interim managers build trust and create demand at the same time. Over 60% of the requests we receive stem from follow-up mandates or recommendations on the part of satisfied clients.

In the mid-90s, many companies began to rejuvenate their management boards. Those over fifty years of age entered the labour market and wanted interesting jobs again. That was when Carlo von Ah, Hanspeter Brändli and Peter Arbenz founded Top Fifty AG in Zug. Providing good and experienced managers for a limited period of time in business and administration became Top Fifty's main vision. Twelve successful years later, this idea was adopted and continued by its successors.

The networks were reorganised and a new category of members "Associate Partners" was created. The increased market presence and the increasing awareness of interim management has enabled Top Fifty to grow strongly in recent years. Interim management is beginning to gain acceptance in companies.

Today our name stands for our standard: a close circle of top interim managers.

Two Sisters – The Leading Duo of Top50! personal, courageous and warm-hearted

By the end of 2024, we took over the leadership of Top50! and are guiding the company into a new era. Authenticity, honesty, and humanity shape our work. In this personal interview, we discuss how we experience the generational transition, why interim management nowadays is much more than bridging vacancies, and how it keeps Swiss companies running in uncertain times.

What sets you apart, Natalia?

Natalia: I love efficiency and quality. And I am also convinced that honesty is the best way - even if it’s uncomfortable sometimes.

Is there a childhood memory that affected you?

Pierina: Our grandfather: an incredibly humble man. I remember when we went from the mountain village to the forest, it was twilight and we went for watching wildlife. Without the need for many words, but with strong presence. He showed us what decency, closeness to nature, inner calm, and patience mean. His attitude has accompanied me till this day. 

Natalia: Inner calm and patience, I’m still working on that. (laughs)

What is it like to take over a company that your father shaped for 20 years? How do you handle the responsibility?

Natalia: It’s both an obligation and an opportunity. Our father shaped the company for over 20 years—with clarity, discipline, and passion. He always encouraged us to find our own way—and that’s what we’re doing: with respect of the past and the courage to change.

Pierina: With Top50!, we’ve taken over a fantastic brand—a real privilege that we’re developing further with respect and enthusiasm. We live in different times now, with new challenges, which require leaders with new skills. Values like responsibility and authenticity are more relevant than ever. In a complex and fast-paced world, leadership needs to be genuine and trustful.

 

What have you learned from him?

Pierina & Natalia: He has exemplified humility, empathy, and respect for all people. He taught us that success doesn’t come easily—it’s the result of effort, resilience and honest work.

What does working with your sister mean to you?

Natalia: Everything. We understand each other intuitively. Without her? No way!

Pierina: We’re incredibly different and totally complementary. I love Natalia’s speed and her spontaneous, down-to-earth, and comicly charming manner. She can really inspire people. Together with her, the horizon is unlimited.

What fascinates you about your work?

Pierina: I’m inspired by Switzerland’s business landscape. It’s amazing how many hidden champions enrich the world every day with their products and services. Supporting these companies—even if only for a short period of time—motivates me again and again.

Natalia: I find it incredibly exciting to get to know companies, understand their current situation and culture. Listening attentively and then giving everything to find the “perfect match.”

 

How do you explain Top50! in an elevator pitch?

Pierina & Natalia: We provide the right leader within a few days—for turnarounds, transformations, or to bridge vacancies. This way, we help Swiss companies remain effective in critical situations. Our interim managers are operational from day one, create clarity and lastingly structures. We act according to our principle: Quality never goes out of style.

Where do you see the future of interim management?

Pierina: Interim management is more than just bridging personnel bottlenecks: we see it as a strategic tool for executive management, enabling them to act flexibly and innovatively even in challenging times. The current challenges are huge: geopolitical tensions and rising costs require efficient solutions, and that’s what we offer.

What is your USP?

Pierina & Natalia: We believe in the power of personal encounters. AI is an impressive chance. But people sense people. We distinguish ourselves by combining technology with genuine humanity, and we’re convinced that it takes people to make the “match” perfect. We go for this reality check!