SMG reorganises its management structure

At SMG, the change of leadership is already being coordinated with the next change of leadership on the Board of Directors. Christoph Tonini is stepping down as CEO on 31 December 2026, but is set to take over as Chairman of the Board of Directors in April 2027. This means that the group’s property portals are set to undergo a management reshuffle characterised by a high degree of continuity.

From 1 January 2027, Alberto Sanz de Lama will take over the operational management of SMG. The current CEO, Christoph Tonini, will step down on 31 December 2026 and is set to be elected Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Annual General Meeting in April 2027. For the Group’s property platforms, this restructuring is more than just a personnel change. SMG brings together, amongst others, Homegate, ImmoScout24, Flatfox, CASASOFT and IAZI under one umbrella, thereby managing a large part of the digital marketing, valuation and data infrastructure in the Swiss property market. A transition with a clear path Until the Annual General Meeting in April 2027, Pietro Supino will take over as interim Chairman of the Board of Directors. The current Chairman, Jörn Nikolay, is stepping down from the role but will remain a member of the Board of Directors until the Annual General Meeting. SMG describes this as a structured succession process and has chosen Sanz de Lama, an internal candidate from the Executive Board. Sanz de Lama has been part of the management team since 2023 and has previously headed up the automotive business. According to the company, he brings more than 20 years’ experience in technology and digital marketplaces, including roles at eBay and AutoScout24 in Germany. The property market is also affected The change in leadership is significant for the property sector because SMG is one of the key operators of digital listing and transaction channels in Switzerland. According to the company, the group generated turnover of 332 million Swiss francs in 2025, employs around 1,000 staff and is headquartered in Zurich. The holding company has been listed on the SIX since 19 September 2025. Tonini took over operational management at the start of 2023 and steered SMG through to its stock market listing. The change therefore comes shortly after the IPO and at a time when the company aims to further consolidate its position as a listed platform group in the sectors of property, motoring, classifieds, and financial and insurance comparison services.