Dr. Beat Curti is one of Switzerland’s outstanding entrepreneurs. After studying Economics and Oenology, Dr. Curti worked as a Management Consultant with McKinsey in Europe, North America and Japan. In 1973, he set up "Bataillard Wein-Import," which has become Switzerland’s leading wine importer.

In 1980, he entered the food retail business (with revenues at his Bon Appètit Group growing to reach CHF 3.2bn in 2002) and introduced many household retail brands, such as Pick’n’Pay, Prodega Cash und Carry, Primo / Vis à Vis, Starbucks Switzerland and Austria as well as the specialty wholesaler Howeg.

Along with building his retail businesses, Dr. Curti established himself as a media entrepreneur. In the early 90’s, he successfully rebuilt the Jean Frey publishing house. He is a founder of Goldbach Media, Switzerland’s leading private electronic media company, where he also serves as a member of the Board of Directors.