At the beginning of February, Silvia Fleury, a new director, took over the management of the Swiss Association of Painters and Plasterers. In future, the Aargau native will be at the forefront of representing the professional interests of around 1,900 member companies with almost 10,000 employees throughout Switzerland. In her job, she wants to focus on continuity: “The association is on the right track. I will continue what has proven its worth,” explains Fleury. "But of course the industry is also confronted with challenges that we will tackle together with the regional associations, with our members and with everyone interested in the industry." As examples, she cites the shortage of skilled workers, wage dumping and digitization.
Combine craftsmanship and digitization profitably
Fleury intends to pay particular attention to digitization over the next few years: "Craft and digitization are not mutually exclusive, on the contrary," she is convinced. There are enough examples that show that the balancing act between tradition and modernity is possible and that digital tools used in a targeted manner can also strengthen and advance craft trades and businesses. "It is important that we do not stop at the companies, but that digitization is also promoted in training and further education as well as in the association itself." Digitization is a sign of modern work execution and thus an important argument for young people and parents alike when choosing a career. Especially in times of an ever-increasing shortage of skilled workers, this is becoming more and more important in order to be able to recruit the best junior staff. Combined with craftsmanship, which will remain central in the future, painting and plastering jobs can offer young people varied, modern and future-oriented work. Fleury sees her task in this process as "leading the way, initiating the discussion and pointing out opportunities, but also risks, so that we can all benefit as best as possible from the great possibilities of digitization."
Well known and networked in the industry
Silvia Fleury is well known and well connected within the association and the industry. As head of the central services, she was responsible for the entire association administration for 13 years and knows the SMGV from the ground up. "With Silvia Fleury, the Board of Directors has been able to win its preferred candidate for the demanding position of Director," says SMGV Central President Mario Freda. “She knows the strengths, challenges and processes of the association very well. At the same time, she has the professional and human qualities that are necessary to successfully lead the SMGV into the future. We look forward to walking this path with her and tackling the upcoming challenges together.”
