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?

Get up 😊. I'm usually up to speed very quickly in the morning and need very little time before leaving the house.

What is the best part of your job?

The diversity of topics and people we work with. Many of our clients are very interesting personalities.

A moment that changed your life?

When I resigned from Credit Suisse in 2001. On a Thursday, I discussed the idea of founding an agency with my then co-team leader. The following Monday, we both handed in our resignations.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

A car has to work for me - nothing more. Unfortunately, our 15-year-old car doesn't always do that anymore.

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

Go abroad. When you come back, you will appreciate Switzerland even more. Try new things, stay curious, and approach people openly.

What are you particularly proud of?

Of my agency's 25th anniversary, which we will be celebrating this year.

What do you do when you have doubts?

I talk things through - with my wife or with friends.

What is your favorite wine?

I don't have one. Wine doesn't have to be expensive; it just has to taste good to me. At the moment, I particularly enjoy «Courage» from the Leukersonne winery - also because I know the special story behind it. The name really says it all.

What projects are you currently working on?

Alongside various exciting client projects, my current focus is on expanding our presence in Geneva. We are well positioned locally, but we want to grow further.

What do you admire in other people?

A quick grasp of things. What I value most, however, is when people treat each other with respect and act fairly.

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

How many topics, exciting companies and people you encounter within just a few hours. You have to switch quickly and be able to place things in a broader context.

What is your personal drive?

I think it's incredibly important to enjoy your work. That requires a good team, mutual respect and a healthy dose of optimism - and ideally, plenty of laughter along the way.

What are you afraid of?

That people close to me might become seriously ill.

Your favorite watch brand?

I haven't worn a watch since I was 14. The only exception is my new Garmin Fenix 8, which my wife gave me as a birthday gift a few days ago.

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

Spending a longer period of time on an alpine pasture with animals, or going on a very long hike lasting several weeks.

Your best investment?

Founding my agency 25 years ago together with a partner.

Kilian Borter advises clients in the financial services, telecommunications and retail sectors. His areas of expertise include strategic communications consulting, media relations, crisis communications and content creation. Before founding open up in 2001, he worked as a spokesperson at a major bank and led corporate publishing and event PR. He studied economics and political science in Bern, Saragossa and Maryland. Borter is married and has two children.