The WFE's Women Leaders 2025 - Hannah Zaunmüller, Chief Human Resources Officer, SIX

Name: Hannah Zaunmüller

Job title: Chief Human Resources Officer

Organisation: SIX

1. Brief description of nominee’s role and job. 

Hannah Zaunmüller is Chief Human Resources Officer of SIX since 2021 and was appointed a full member of the Executive Board in May 2024. She leads the Human Resources organisation and plays a pivotal role in aligning SIX’s growth strategy with its people and organisational development. 

2. Short bio (career highlights, education, interests/hobbies). 

After completing her university degree (Master of Economics) in the Netherlands and earning a doctorate (Dr. rer. pol.) at RWTH Aachen University in Germany, Hannah started her career at Deutsche Post DHL in 2005. In 2009, she moved to Swiss Post, where she was responsible for HR strategy and governance and later for talent and development. In 2017, she became Chief Human Resources Officer and a member of Ringier's extended Group Executive Board, before joining SIX as Chief Human Resources Officer in 2021. Hannah is passionate about developing people and fostering inclusive cultures. Outside of work, she enjoys hiking in the Swiss Alps and travelling with her family.

3. What were your professional highlights and challenges of 2024? 

My appointment as a full member of the Executive Board by the SIX Board of Directors was the highlight of 2024. This milestone is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the growing strategic importance of HR at SIX. Elevating HR to the Executive Board signifies a commitment to positioning people at the heart of our organisational strategy.    

A key challenge in 2024 was talent retention and fostering a culture of adaptability. To address these challenges, we enhanced our employee value proposition, invested in leadership development and prioritised initiatives that build resilience and engagement in a rapidly changing world. 

4. Tell us about a few of your key achievements throughout your career? 

Building a high-performing HR leadership team has been a significant achievement. Under my leadership, we implemented a new HR operating model and transformed HR into a global setup, enabling us to better support the company’s growth strategy. 

5. What and who inspires, and has inspired, you to achieve your professional success? 

My professional success has been inspired by a combination of individuals, values and experiences. I find great motivation in shaping organisations and creating environments where people can thrive. The ability of HR to drive growth, culture and performance continues to inspire me every day. 

6. How have you overcome setbacks, and what advice would you give to others dealing with setbacks? 

Setbacks are inevitable, but they are also opportunities to grow and adapt. View setbacks as temporary and focus on what you can control. Seek support from mentors and peers, reflect on lessons learned and remember that resilience is built one step at a time. 

7. What advice do you have for other women who aspire to be in leadership positions? What is the biggest takeaway you want to leave with the reader? 

Self-leadership and lifelong learning are key to success in leadership. For women aspiring to leadership positions, my advice is to embrace your unique perspective, build a strong network of allies and mentors and be ambitious. Speak up and do not hesitate to take on challenges that push you out of your comfort zone.