Welcome from the Head of Campus

230 YEARS OF HISTORY, A CLEAR VISION FOR THE FUTURE

André Niedermann brings more than 18 years of experience in higher education and over two decades in international leadership roles. Having lived and worked across Taiwan, Singapore, Bangkok, Hamburg and Shanghai, he offers a global perspective and deep intercultural understanding.

Most recently, he served at the School of Business FHNW in Olten, where he led successful executive education programmes in Digital Marketing, Innovation and Business Transformation. He also held previous roles with Laureate International Universities and holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool. He is passionate about shaping future-ready education that combines academic excellence with innovation.

Having grown up internationally with strong Swiss roots, and having spent more than a decade shaping professionals through higher education in Switzerland, I feel very well placed to guide Hochalpines Institut Ftan through the next stage of its development.

André Niedermann

Meet the leadership team

André Niedermann

Head of Campus

Having spent his formative school years in Taiwan and Singapore, followed by several years of professional assignments in Bangkok, Hamburg and Shanghai, Mr Niedermann brings a distinctly international mindset and cross- cultural leadership experience, together with more than 25 years of professional experience across senior leadership, lecturer and executive roles. 

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Larissa Kessler

Head of Gymnasium

Larissa Kessler is deeply rooted in the Engadin – culturally, linguistically, and at heart. Having grown up in Scuol and being an alumna of the Hochalpines Institut Ftan herself, she has known the special spirit of the Gymnasium since her own youth. 

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TBD

Head of International

Coming soon.

Padraig Hogan

Head of Ignite and Boarding

Padraig comes from a background of Outdoor Education and Pastoral care. Having worked in the outdoor industry Padraig then did a degree in Geography before undertaking his PGCSE at Cambridge University. Padraig then went on to complete a Master’s in Education at Cambridge with a focus on learning outside the classroom.

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Christoph Kueng

Director of Business Administration

Christoph Küng completed his education at the University of St. Gallen, where he earned a degree in finance and accounting. He later obtained a Master’s in Finance at the London Business School, specialising in Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Finance.

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Alma Buchli

Head of Admissions, Marketing and Community Experience

Raised between the Engadine Valley and the wider world, Alma graduated from Hochalpines Institut Ftan many moons ago and now brings both local authenticity and international perspective to her role.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Jon Peer, Chairman, Entrepreneur
Duosch Fadri Felix, Member, Civil Engineer
Christian Gürtler, Member, Vice-Chairman EiM Group
Fraser White, Member, Founder and Chairman EiM Group

BOARD OF ADVISORS

Andri Lansel, Fiduciary

André Niedermann

Head of Campus

Having spent his formative school years in Taiwan and Singapore, followed by several years of professional assignments in Bangkok, Hamburg and Shanghai, Mr Niedermann brings a distinctly international mindset and cross- cultural leadership experience, together with more than 25 years of professional experience across senior leadership, lecturer and executive roles. 

Mr Niedermann brings over 18 years of experience in the education industry, including previous appointments with Laureate International Universities, and most recently at the School of Business FHNW in Olten. There, as Lecturer and Programme Director, he successfully led a broad portfolio of executive education programmes in Digital Marketing and Innovation as well as Business Transformation, growing participation from a small cohort to more than 650 participants annually. 

He also holds an MBA from the University of Liverpool and combines academic excellence with visionary innovation in education – qualities that will be central to the continued development of HIF. 

Jared Nolan

Head of Campus

Jared Nolan leads with integrity, energy, and influence. Drawing on his experience as a former detective specialising in serious crime, and his international leadership across numerous prestigious schools across the globe, he brings stability and direction to complexity – helping others see what matters when the way forward isn’t always straight.

A passionate advocate for enabled leadership and a firm believer in putting students first, Jared works tirelessly to ensure the highest quality of provision, experiences, outcomes, and lasting memories for every student and family at Hochalpines Institut Ftan.

He holds a BSc in Psychology, an MA in Leadership & Management (Education), and the UK’s National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH). He is also a certified UK School Inspector, a Level 7 Master Coach, and is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education at the University of Bath.

Originally from Wales, Jared is married to Emma, also an international school leader. Deeply committed to sports, the outdoors, and the environment, he has played and coached Rugby at high levels, and now enjoys running, skiing, mountain biking and hiking – often challenging himself in the high mountains and at international events, using this platform to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Larissa Kessler

Head of Gymnasium

Larissa Kessler is deeply rooted in the Engadin – culturally, linguistically, and at heart. Having grown up in Scuol and being an alumna of the Hochalpines Institut Ftan herself, she has known the special spirit of the Gymnasium since her own youth. After completing her Matura, she studied German and Italian in Zurich and for a time in Florence, and obtained her teaching diploma for upper secondary schools.

Returning to Scuol felt like coming home for Larissa: back to the mountains, the community and HIF. She has been teaching at the Gymnasium for many years and helps shape everyday school life with great joy and a strong sense of connection. The openness of the students, the close collaboration within the faculty, and the school’s strong sense of community define her daily work. The mother of two sons is deeply anchored in the region – skiing, hiking, or taking part in village life. This enables her to bring an authentic closeness to the lived reality of young people and families.

 

In her role as Head of Gymnasium, Larissa places great emphasis on an appreciative, clear, and supportive leadership style. She is fluent in all the cantonal languages and attaches great importance to open communication that remains true to the unique character of the HIF.

Olivia Bugden

Head of International & Boarding

Olivia Bugden began her teaching career in 2005 after graduating from Charles Sturt University, Australia with a double degree in Arts and Education, majoring in Literature and Drama at Moree Secondary College, Australia.

As an English teacher, Olivia has guided many students through the International Baccalaureate (IB) and IGCSE programs in Literature and Language. In addition to her core teaching responsibilities, Olivia has spent the last decade developing and implementing wellbeing curricula in various leadership roles in England, China, Hungary and Australia.

Olivia has worked in two other EIM schools in her career, in Dulwich College Beijing, where she was Deputy Head of IB years and Dulwich College Shanghai, where she was Head of Year 12 and 13 and Assistant Head of Student Enrichment and Wellbeing. Prior to moving to Switzerland, she was a Deputy Head of Personal Growth at a Private Girls’ School in Melbourne, Australia.

Olivia is currently completing a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership with the University of NSW, Australia.

Padraig Hogan

Head of Ignite and Boarding

Padraig comes from a background of Outdoor Education and Pastoral care. Having worked in the outdoor industry Padraig then did a degree in Geography before undertaking his PGCSE at Cambridge University. Padraig then went on to complete a Master’s in Education at Cambridge with a focus on learning outside the classroom.

Having worked in leadership positions in international schools in Kenya, Jordan, Panama, South Korea and Japan, Padraig has joined HIF with a wealth of experience. His aim is to always put students first with a focus on making the boarding house a home away from home for students.

 

Academic Interests include positive psychology and coaching and incorporating these into student leadership, accomplishment, and wellbeing. Padraig enjoys trail running, biking, snowboarding and being outdoors in his time off.

Christoph Kueng

Director of Business Administration

Christoph Küng completed his education at the University of St. Gallen, where he earned a degree in finance and accounting. He later obtained a Master’s in Finance at the London Business School, specialising in Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Finance.

Christoph has extensive experience in the financial industry and has worked in various international locations, including Zurich, London, Bangkok and Vaduz. In his professional career, he has held important positions in various companies, including Head of Finance and member of the Executive Board at an asset manager/private bank in Liechtenstein and Group Chief Financial & Operations Officer at Private Debt Capital Group in London and Zug. He also worked for Swiss Life for seven years in various functions.

Christoph is married and has two school-age daughters. He speaks German, French, English and Italian. He comes from a sports-loving family and has a keen interest in outdoor activities, especially skiing and mountaineering, which can be extensively practised in the Lower Engadine.

Alma Buchli

Head of Admissions, Marketing and Community Experience

Raised between the Engadine Valley and the wider world, Alma graduated from Hochalpines Institut Ftan many moons ago and now brings both local authenticity and international perspective to her role. Fluent in six languages – including Romansh – she builds trust across cultures and serves as a natural bridge for families from near and far.

With a background in international communications and audience engagement, Alma leads HIF’s strategic direction across admissions, marketing, and communications. She ensures that every story told – whether online, in person, or in print – is aligned, coherent, and reflective of the school’s values. Her work connects people and messages with clarity and intent.

A passionate nature lover and certified breathwork coach, Alma brings that same grounded focus into her professional life. Her leadership is calm, structured, and intentional – helping others cut through noise, reduce stress, and stay connected to what truly matters.

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