Andy Rihs
Andy Rihs | |
|---|---|
| Born | 2 November 1942 Switzerland |
| Died | 18 April 2018 (aged 75) |
| Occupation | Business leader |
| Known for | Owner of BMC Switzerland, Team Phonak, BMC Racing Team; co-owner of Stadion Wankdorf and BSC Young Boys |
Andy Rihs (born 2 November 1942, died 18 April 2018) was a Swiss business leader known for his significant influence in medical technology and the sports industry.
Biography
Following the passing of his father Ernst in 1966, Rihs assumed control of AG für Elektroakustik, a Zurich-based firm originally purchased by his father in 1965, partnering with family associate Beda Diethelm. His brother Hans-Ueli later became involved in the company. Over time, the business transformed into the leading global manufacturer of hearing aids, employing approximately 17,000 people worldwide and generating annual sales of CHF 2.4 billion. The company was rebranded as Phonak and subsequently Sonova, relocating its headquarters to Stäfa in 1987.
A passionate cyclist, Rihs acquired BMC Switzerland in 2000 and established a carbon fiber production plant in Grenchen. Under his guidance, BMC racing bicycles secured victories at prominent UCI Pro Tour competitions such as the Tour de France, with the objective of positioning BMC as the "Porsche of race bikes." He also funded an 8,000-square-meter velodrome in Grenchen dedicated to Swiss Olympic cyclists and provided support to various cycling competitions and the Swiss Cycling federation during difficult times.
In 2000, Rihs created Team Phonak and supported it until 2006 when doping scandals emerged. Beginning in 2007, he initiated the BMC Racing Team, sponsored by his bicycle brand; this team achieved a Tour de France victory in 2011 with rider Cadel Evans. The team remained active until Rihs’ death in 2018 before transitioning into CCC Pro Team.
Rihs expanded his involvement into football by becoming co-owner of Stadion Wankdorf and BSC Young Boys based in Bern in 2004. Although he died shortly before the club ended a 32-year Swiss championship drought in April 2018, the triumph was dedicated to his memory. In 2022, his brother Hans-Ueli took full control of both the club and stadium by purchasing Andy’s family stake.
Beyond sports and medical technology, Rihs invested in emerging companies and owned La Coquillade, a vineyard featuring a luxury hotel located near Avignon in southern France.