In the section Backstage, interesting personalities from the financial sector and beyond provide insights into their personal preferences every Wednesday.

What do you do first in the morning?

I start the day at the office with an espresso and by reading the Neue Zürcher Zeitung. Then I discuss the day’s schedule with my staff before the day usually gets underway early with meetings and sessions.

What is the best thing about your job?

The variety of my tasks. While in the agency or in my parliamentary work I often have to think, read and write, the tasks in the wine business are of a completely different nature. In the process, I meet very different people. I greatly value this exchange. I also have a great team. That is also an important motivating factor.

A moment that changed life?

There are always moments that open up opportunities for change. It is important to go through life with open eyes, to recognize opportunities and to be open to good ideas.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Anyone who is diligent and makes an effort to fulfill their task as well as possible will always reach their goal. Modesty and openness to self-criticism are also important. Whether one does an apprenticeship or studies, whether one is a tinsmith or an economist, is secondary. What matters is one’s attitude towards work and towards fellow human beings.

What are you particularly proud of?

Twenty years ago, we had the idea of founding the «IG Freiheit» and awarding the «Rusty Paragraph» each year for the dumbest law of the year. Today, this association has more than 2,000 members and the award ceremony takes place in front of 400 participants. This event gives me pleasure every year – and it is more necessary than ever!

What do you do when you have doubts?

A healthy degree of self-reflection is important. If I am unsure before making a decision, I think about it during our Sunday hikes and discuss it with my wife. She has a great deal of common sense.

What is your favorite wine?

As a wine merchant, I could list many examples here. In the Bordeaux region, where we buy our wines, there are many overpriced products – a lot of prestige and resonant names. I think it is great when you can get a fine wine at reasonable prices. Château Sociando-Mallet is such an example for me: François Hugueniot makes wonderful wines at affordable prices. Château Lagrange in Saint Julien is also one of these remarkable estates. Recently, we tasted a 1986 vintage – outstanding! This wine can hold its own against the very best names – but it has a completely normal price. That is the real art: quality goods at modest prices.

What projects are you currently working on?

In the agency, we have very diverse mandates that continually challenge me. At «Chardon Bleu», our wine business, we have just added new products to our range, which we now have to introduce to our customers. Politically, I am primarily concerned with the package of agreements between Switzerland and the EU. This proposal would turn our entire state system upside down and severely restrict democratic rights. From a constitutional-law perspective, this gives me stomach ache: We must take care of Switzerland’s constitutional order. It is the basis of our prosperity.

What do you admire in other people?

I like people who have a sense of humor, who are tolerant and who respect the person opposite them.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to take over your job for a day?

For a long time, I was an enthusiastic supporter of the 35-hour initiative – until I realized that the Juso meant this per week. No, seriously: My days start early and usually last until midnight. Anyone who enjoys meeting many different people, being confronted with a wide variety of tasks and repeatedly making the impossible possible will have fun in my job.

What is your personal drive?

I greatly enjoy working with people and fulfilling our customers’ wishes to their satisfaction. In politics, I am committed to freedom and personal responsibility – also out of deep conviction.

What are you afraid of?

Politicians who have too much time, who take themselves too seriously and who do not read the dossiers.

Is there an unfulfilled dream you would still like to realize?

Yes, to have more time for music and to learn a few more languages. During my studies, I earned money as a bar pianist. Today, unfortunately, I have far too little time for music – I regret that.

Your best investment?

Our wine business. This activity gives me pleasure and challenges me in various areas.

Gregor Rutz is a lawyer and entrepreneur. For almost 20 years, he has run the communications agency Rutz & Partner in Zollikon. He is also a co-owner of the wine merchant Le Chardon Bleu, which imports wines from the Bordeaux region. In addition, he holds various mandates on boards of directors and foundation boards. Gregor Rutz has been a member of the National Council since 2012. He is Vice-President of the Political Institutions Committee and a member of the Transport and Telecommunications Committee. Previously, he was a member of the Cantonal Council and the Constitutional Council in the Canton of Zurich.