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.
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.
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.
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 PGCE at Cambridge University. Padraig then went on to complete a Master’s in Education at Cambridge with a focus on learning outside the classroom.
Christoph Küng
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.
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.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Jon Peer, Chairman, Entrepreneur
Christian Gürtler, Member, Vice-Chairman EiM Group
Duosch Fadri Felix, Member, Civil Engineer
Fraser White, Member, Founder and Chairman EiM Group
