Every week, interesting personalities from the world of finance and beyond share their personal preferences in our section Backstage.

What do you do first in the morning?

I like to start the morning with a black tea. I also take time to read the newspapers and online news and check my agenda to see what the day has to offer. I also think about and ask myself the question: «What else do I want to do today?»

What ist he best thing about your job?

The fact that I can set my own agenda fort he most part and do things that are exciting and fun. This also makes me feel very privileged.

A moment that changed your life?

Definitely the birth of my children.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

I mostly get around by public transport. I also own a vintage car, but my true favorite is my Indian motorcycle, which I occasionally take for a ride over the Alpine passes.

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

None - because a 20-year-old wouldn’t listen to my advice, and frankly, I probably wouldn’t have either.

What are you particularly proud of ?

I am very proud of my two sons. My wife and I were able to instill them the values most important to us – personal responsibility, kindness and openness – which they now embody in their own lives. It's incredibly rewarding to see that.

What was your biggest defeat?

Fortunately, my biggest defeats have been limited to my professional life. There have been a few of these in the course of my career. Probably the most pivotal experience was the demise of Swissair.

What is your favorite wine ?

I don’t have one favorite wine. I like strong and expressive red wines from Europe or a nice Chasselas from Switzerland.

What projects are you currently working on ?

I am supporting swissICT in the organization of the sixth Digital Economy Awards, which will be held on November 13, 2025 in the Hallenstadion. Form e, this is one oft he most wonderful and important platforms for digital Switzerland. With the Digital Economy Award, we want to motivate and promote companies and organization that are driving digital transformations and digitalization in Switzerland.

What is most important to you at the moment?

Above all, the health of my family, and my own.

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

How varied my working day is.

What is your personal drive?

Having good experiences with business partners, friends and my family every day.

What are you afraid of?

Being lonely and rotting away in a closet.

Your favorite watch brand?

Mechanical watches fascinate me.

What do your employees value most about you ?

My open and communicative nature.

Your best investment ?

Real estate.

Robert Bornträger is a member of the Board of Directors of swissICT . He was a member of the Executive Board of SIX from 2006 to 2018. Bornträger has more than 25  years of management experience and studied business informatics at the University of Zurich.