Leadership Transition: Christoph Arpagaus to Be Succeeded by Jan Stöcker as CEO
After nearly two decades of committed leadership at Itten+Brechbühl (IB), Christoph Arpagaus will entrust the CEO role to Jan Stöcker on July 1, 2025, and will leave the company at the end of the year. He has decided to pursue new professional and personal endeavors.
“Over the past 19 years, we’ve delivered exceptional projects, celebrated the firm’s centennial, and expanded across Switzerland. I will look back on my time at IB with great fondness and am deeply grateful for all the experiences along the way,” says Christoph Arpagaus.
Arpagaus joined IB in 2006 as Head of Project Management and a member of the Executive Board. He went on to play a pivotal role in developing the company into one of Switzerland’s leading architecture and general planning firms. “With entrepreneurial vision and unwavering dedication, Christoph Arpagaus has been instrumental in shaping IB’s trajectory over many years,” says Carlo Conti, Chairman of the Board.
In close consultation with the firm’s partners, the Board has appointed Jan Stöcker as CEO, effective July 1, 2025. Jan Stöcker will take on this role in addition to his responsibilities as Head of the Basel office. Together with Christoph Arpagaus, he will ensure a well-coordinated handover of all ongoing projects and areas of responsibility. His appointment secures a seamless transition across all areas of the company’s operations.
Jan Stöcker has been with IB for nearly 20 years and has successfully headed the Basel office since July 2022. He has served on the Executive Board for a decade and was named partner in 2019. His long-standing experience and proven leadership make him exceptionally well-equipped to guide the company into a dynamic and sustainable future. “I’m honored by the trust placed in me and excited to take on this new role,” says Jan Stöcker. “I look forward to helping shape the company's next chapter with energy and commitment.”
We also take this opportunity to thank you for your continued trust in and collaboration with IB. “With Jan Stöcker, we’re gaining a proven leader with deep institutional insight and strong personal commitment,” Carlo Conti concludes. “We are confident that he will lead IB and its projects forward with fresh momentum and vision. We extend our sincere thanks to Christoph Arpagaus for his tremendous contributions and wish him every success in his future endeavors—both professionally and personally.”
Photos © Werner Tschan, Dirk Wetzel