Peter Merz

Visionary
DISC Type : Ds

Chief Executive Officer at skyguide

Bern, Berne, Switzerland

Overview

Peter Merz is the CEO of Skyguide, leveraging over two decades of aviation and military leadership experience. As the former Commander of the Swiss Air Force, he possesses deep expertise in safety-paramount environments and mission-critical operations. He holds a degree in Computer Science from the FHNW University of Applied Sciences.

Driven by a deep sense of responsibility, he finds purpose in empowering teams through trust and collaboration. His leadership style is founded on authenticity, integrity, and transparency. He believes genuine listening is essential for transforming diverse perspectives into a shared and sustainable direction, a value honed throughout his career.

After serving 37 years in the Swiss Air Force, he transitioned from its top commander to the CEO of a major civil air navigation service.

Personality Overview

Direct & Assertive

Big Vision Person

Risk Tolerant

They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together.  They exhibit a rare combination of being result-oriented but patient at the same time. They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily.

Topics They Care About

Aviation Safety
His entire career, both in the military and now at Skyguide, has been centered on fostering trust and collaboration in environments where safety is paramount.
European Defense
He actively discusses the need to enhance Europe's defense capabilities against modern threats like drones, cyberattacks, and advanced weapon systems.
International Cooperation
He has initiated and participated in collaborative meetings with the German and Austrian air forces to strengthen regional partnerships and operational alignment.

Media Appearances

Skyguide CEO Alex Bristol to Step Down in October 2025, Peter Merz to Succeed. Featured in Skyguide (official media centre)

See Now

S5E27 – Alex Bristol and Peter Merz – CEO Transition at Skyguide. Featured in Global Airspace Radar (Podcast)

See Now

Skyguide: Peter Merz to Succeed Alex Bristol. Featured in Aero‑Club der Schweiz

See Now

Work History

11-2025
Chief Executive Officer at skyguide
10-2025 - 11-2025
CEO Transition and Onboarding at skyguide
1-2021 - 9-2025
Kommandant Schweizer Luftwaffe at Schweizer Armee
1-2017 - 1-2021
Projektleiter neues Kampfflugzeug der Luftwaffe at Schweizer Armee
1-2015 - 1-2017
Unterstabschef Operationen / Planung at Schweizer Armee

Education

11-1993 - 11-1996
Dipl Ing Informatik HTL / FH from University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland FHNW

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 10 Location : Bern, Berne, Switzerland Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Executive Officer at skyguide
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Insights For Selling To Peter

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Ask them at the end if they see a strong value prop in your product; expect an honest answer
  • You can spend time on BANT (or other qualification methodology) but keep it to the point
  • Come across as a trustworthy professional and be respectful, they usually know their game

DONT's

  • Don't shy away from asking hard questions, but be extra polite
  • Don't take their patience for granted, avoid long-winding sermons
  • Don't go over them unless you are left with no other option

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Peter is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Peter

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Peter move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Peter take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Peter

Personality Compatibility


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