Carl Elsener played a major role in transforming the company from a simple cutler’s workshop to a global multi-product brand. He is a passionate advocate of traditional Swiss heritage and craftsmanship, and is proud that the “Original Swiss Army Knife” has become one of Switzerland’s most well-known ambassadors around the world. Renowned for its quality, functionality, innovation and design, Carl Elsener has dedicated himself to ensuring that the DNA of the little red knife has been incorporated into all other product categories from watches to travel gear to fragrance. His achievements have been rewarded numerous times in the past, with the latest addition being the “Swiss Marketeer of the Year Award” in 2018. Carl Elsener is a firm believer in humane, sustainable and fair business practices and his business philosophy is the foundation of his success as a business leader: “The founding principle of our company is to produce practical and functional high-quality products for people around the world. Our customers and employees, and the quality of our products, are the cornerstones of our corporate philosophy. The key factors in our long-term success are basic human values like credibility, openness, trust, respect, gratitude, modesty, courage and responsibility.”
