Bischoff Changes Guard

Thomas Meyer, you are about to step down from your leadership position at Bischoff, after a long career at its helm. What are your feelings?
TM: Certainly, I am a bit nostalgic, but I am also filled with joy and gratitude. After a 44-year-long career at Bischoff, I am going to retire.
Over the years, you helped shape the strategic choices that ensured the company's success. With hindsight, what were the best decisions you made?
TM: Obviously, the most important strategic choices were made as a team, but I always strongly backed investment in creativity, up-to-date production facilities, and globalization, which started about twenty years ago.
While you are stepping down as head of the company, you aren't going into total retirement. What are your plans for the future?
TM: As a member of the Board of Directors, I will still have certain duties that require a strong presence, but I will also have much more time for my personal life, as I will no longer need to travel so much for work.
You are passing the baton to David Rygula, the young and dynamic manager who proved himself in the luxury brand market. Naming a successor is never easy; what qualities did David possess that makes you confident in your choice?
TM: He has all the necessary characteristics: open-minded; a deep love for the textile industry; understands people and creativity; and can handle stress well.
Did you give him any tips when he started?
TM: He has to find his own way, but I underlined the importance of customer service. To me, that was always the main concern. If the client is happy, they will return; working together as partners is much more efficient and rewarding.
David Rygula, you have worked for over 15 years in the textile industry. How can you apply your past experience to your tenure at Bischoff?
DR: I worked in important positions at various textile companies in sales, development and marketing, but I also have logistics and IT experience, as well as knowledge of retail management. As I result, I can bring this wealth of experience to Bischoff to better meet the needs of our clients in the future.
How would you define Bischoff, today?
DR: Bischoff is a company with a strong history and knowledge in the field of embroidery. It offers top-notch service, and is run by a team of qualified experts. We change with the times, as well as with the passing of generations, in order to create a positive impact in client relations.
How do you see the company evolving?
DR: Above all, we would like to focus on client-driven development, so that all our customers can have the marketing tools they need to succeed in today's market. We also hope to increase ties with our joint-venture partners in Thailand, while optimizing our Swiss production facilities, so that we can bring a new pricing structure to our clients. We will do this while maintaining the same high level of service and quality we are known for.
We have also updated out website, www.bishoff-textile.com, and opened an online boutique, which benefits from our social media presence. We aim to be a long-term, trustworthy partner for all our clients, and inspire their collections with our ideas, by offering attractive, creative, and cutting-edge products that will increase our customer's sales.