Steffi Buchli is leaving the Blick Group after five years, a move that has taken many by surprise. Rolf Cavalli will take over the journalistic responsibility for the Blick media brand as Editor-in-Chief, effective immediately, as announced by Ringier on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Buchli, who most recently served as Chief Content Officer, will exit the company following an orderly handover. Her departure marks a significant transition for the media group, which has undergone a restructuring that separates content responsibilities across its various brands.
Buchli's tenure at Ringier Medien Schweiz (RMS) has been notable, particularly for her role in the digital transformation of Blick Sport. She has been a prominent figure in Swiss media, having previously gained national recognition as a sports presenter for Swiss Radio and Television (SRF). "Thank you, it was nice," Buchli expressed on LinkedIn, reflecting on her time at the company without disclosing specific plans for her future.
During her five years at Ringier, Buchli was instrumental in shaping the content strategy of various publications under the Ringier umbrella, including the Handelszeitung and Bilanz. Her leadership was characterized by a commitment to modernizing the Blick brand, steering it away from its traditional tabloid roots toward a more sophisticated approach. This shift was part of a broader effort to enhance the publication's image, which had struggled with a reputation for sensationalism.
The restructuring at Ringier has led to the decoupling of content responsibility for the entire RMS portfolio from the journalistic oversight of Blick. Cavalli, who has worked in Swiss editorial offices for over twenty years, will now lead the Blick newsroom alongside Sandro Inguscio, the Chief Digital Officer. The two will work together to navigate the challenges of maintaining high editorial standards while adapting to the evolving media landscape.
Prior to his new role, Cavalli served as Deputy Chief Content Officer and has a wealth of experience, having worked at CH Media as both Digital Chief and Editor-in-Chief of the Aargauer Zeitung. His appointment comes at a critical time for the Blick brand, which is striving to maintain its relevance amid financial pressures and a shifting advertising market.
Financial challenges have been a significant factor in Buchli's departure. Ladina Heimgartner, CEO of Ringier Medien Schweiz, noted that the company is facing considerable financial pressure, which is expected to intensify in the coming months due to uncertainties in the advertising market. This environment necessitated a reorganization to better position the company for future challenges. Heimgartner expressed gratitude for Buchli's contributions, stating, "Her leadership and vision have played a key role in shaping our content strategy and creating value for our audience."
Buchli's exit also coincides with the arrival of Markus Wirth, who will assume the role of Chief Operating Officer at RMS in the fall of 2025. Wirth brings over 25 years of experience in digital transformation and innovation, which will be crucial as RMS aims to enhance its operational excellence and financial performance.
As part of the restructuring, Roman Sigrist, the outgoing COO, will transition to the newly created position of Head of Business & AI Transformation. This move reflects RMS's commitment to integrating advanced technologies and business strategies into its operations.
Buchli's departure raises questions about the future direction of the Blick brand. Her efforts to redefine the publication have been met with some success, but challenges remain. In January 2025, the Zug Cantonal Court ruled against Ringier in a case involving the violation of personality rights related to articles published in 2014 and 2015. This judgment has further complicated the media house's standing, leading to a need for a more careful approach to content management.
Despite these hurdles, Buchli's legacy at Ringier is significant. She has been a vocal advocate for responsible journalism, often addressing issues of ethical conduct directly. In one of her recent videos, she criticized readers who contacted a young woman after a controversial article was published, highlighting the need for boundaries in journalism.
Moreover, Buchli's influence extended beyond traditional media; she also co-founded a blockchain investment firm with her husband, Florian Kohler. This venture has attracted attention in the industry, especially after she conducted an interview with the founder of the cryptocurrency Ether for Ringier's business magazine, Cash. Despite concerns about potential conflicts of interest, Ringier maintained that all activities were compliant with their guidelines.
Looking ahead, Buchli has indicated that she plans to take a break and enjoy some time off, although her future endeavors remain uncertain. As she steps away from the Blick Group, the media landscape in Switzerland will undoubtedly feel the impact of her departure.
In the wake of this leadership change, Ringier will continue to focus on its goal of becoming Switzerland's leading media house, with a diverse range of topics, outstanding reach, and strong content. With an audience of nearly five million users, RMS positions itself as a valuable partner for advertisers, navigating the complexities of modern media.
