Meet our team

Academic team

Our deans are committed to quality education

Dominic Szambowski

Dominic Szambowski, PhD

Dean César Ritz Colleges Switzerland & Culinary Arts Academy Switzerland

Dr. Dominic Szambowski has a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Sydney and has held Senior Leadership roles at higher education institutes around the globe. Previously, he was CEO and President of the International College of Management, Sydney, Vice Chancellor of BERJAYA University College of Hospitality, and President and CEO of INTI International College in Subang Jaya, Malaysia. Most recently, he was Dean at Swiss Hotel Management School for over three years, leading the school to 3rd in the world according to global QS Rankings. Dr. Szambowski was appointed Dean of Cesar Ritz Colleges and Culinary Arts Academy, Switzerland, in 2024.

Claire Jollain

Claire Jollain

Dean HIM

Ms. Claire Jollain holds master’s degrees in both education and marketing, with extensive managerial and entrepreneurial experience. For over 10 years, she has organized prestigious events with high-profile clients in Europe, from fashion shows and celebrity weddings to seminars and film festivals. A Gen Z expert, Ms. Jollain was the Assistant Dean of HIM for 3 years before ascending to her current position as Dean.

Anton Mosimann OBE

Anton Mosimann OBE

Honorary Dean Culinary Arts Academy

Mr. Anton Mosimann OBE is a world-renowned, Michelin-starred Swiss chef, lauded for his revolutionary cuisine naturelle and beloved by royalty, dignitaries and celebrities. At 28, he became the youngest person ever to hold the position of maître chef des cuisines at London's Dorchester Hotel and has since continued to defy expectations and forge his own path, establishing a private dining club and his own catering company. In 2004, he was awarded Most Excellent Order of the British Empire for his services in the tourism and food industries, and in 2021, he was named honorary dean of Culinary Arts Academy. 

 

Dominique

Dominique Turpin, PhD

European Dean of CEIBS & Director and Academic Advisor of SEG

Mr. Dominique Turpin is the Dentsu Chaired Professor of Marketing and the Dean of External Relations at IMD. He served as IMD President and Nestlé Professor from July 2010 until the end of 2016. He was also previously the director of the IMD MBA (Master of Business Administration) and PED (Program for Executive Development). Professor Turpin has directed customized programs for companies such as Groupe SEB, Panasonic and Japan Tobacco International. He has extensive teaching, consulting and research experience in the areas of marketing and international strategy both in Europe and in Asia, particularly in the area of brand management, customer orientation and communications strategy.

Executive team

A global community of leaders & experts

The executive team at Swiss Education Group is comprised of professionals who have excelled in business and academia, drawing from years of experience and knowledge to blend innovation with academic rigor and quality.

Victor Goncalves

Victor Gonçalves

Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Victor Gonçalves joined Swiss Education Group in 2010, and before joining the executive team, he took on the role of Director of Operations at Swiss Hotel Management School. He has also held the position of Food & Beverage Manager and lecturer at both Swiss Hotel Management School and Hotel Institute Montreux. He was awarded a BA in Hospitality Management from the University of Derby and is a certified American Hotel & Lodging Association Educational Institute Instructor in numerous hotel operation departments, as well as an Internal Auditor for the Quality – ISO 9001:2000.

Tarsila Fercher Executive Director of Partnerships & Development

Tarsila Fercher

Executive Director of Partnerships & Development

Ms. Tarsila Fercher boasts a comprehensive education in hospitality from institutions in Switzerland, the USA, and the UK, complemented by an MSc in International Hospitality Management. Her career in the hospitality industry spans notable experience in Switzerland and large-scale operations in the USA. With over two decades dedicated to hospitality education and professional training, Ms. Fercher has advanced through various academic and leadership roles in the UAE and Switzerland. Her efforts have focused on identifying growth opportunities and strategically positioning educational brands. Recently, she has concentrated on bolstering the network and improving global partnership opportunities for the Swiss Education Group.

Claudio Raccanello Executive Director of Sales Operations, Admissions & Enrollment

Claudio Raccanello

Executive Director of Sales Operations, Admissions & Enrollment

With over 18 years of professional experience, Mr. Claudio Raccanello has acquired significant managerial skills in hospitality and tourism in Kenya, as well as in hospitality and culinary education in Switzerland. His background includes a diverse upbringing in several African countries and further education in France, where he earned a master's degree in International Business Management. In 2003, he moved to Kenya to invest in a safari company. Since 2009, Claudio has been employed by the Swiss Education Group, holding various positions in admissions, administration, sales operations, student affairs, and student recruitment.

Tanja Florenthal

Tanja Florenthal

Executive Director of Quality Assurance

Ms. Tanja Florenthal graduated from Cornell University with a BSc and holds an MBA and an MA in Education. She has extensive international experience in the hospitality industry and education. She has worked in hotel and hospitality management schools in the United States, Thailand, India, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel and is a member of the Cornell Hotel Association. Ms Florenthal joined César Ritz Colleges Switzerland in 2010 as Program Manager and was later appointed Dean. She successfully led the College to become Switzerland’s second Swiss Federal Accredited Hotel School. After 14 years at César Ritz Colleges, she is now the Executive Director of Quality Assurance for Swiss Education Group.

Cedric Fabry-CFO

Cédric Fabry

Finance Director

Mr. Cédric Fabry, joined Swiss Education Group in 2020. He began his career in external audit at KPMG SA. A Senior Finance professional, he is highly skilled in accounting, controlling, reporting, and financial planning and analysis with extended experience from working in various senior management positions in the retail industry sector at Bata Brands SA. He was awarded an M.Sc. in Management from HEC Lausanne and is an Expert-Accountant holding a Swiss CPA.

Ulrika Björklund

Ulrika Björklund

Executive Director of Industry Affairs & Career Services

Ms Bjorklund holds a master’s degree in Education from the University of Derby. She served as Academic Director of Hotel Institute Montreux (HIM) from 2013 to 2023, having successfully authored key developments for the overall development and positioning of this brand globally.  Ms Bjorklund has extensive experience in the hospitality industry, managing hotels and resorts in Europe, the United States, and the Caribbean.