Rolf Theiler
Rolf Theiler | |
|---|---|
| Born | November 5, 1957 Zurich, Switzerland |
| Occupation(s) | Entrepreneur, Equestrian |
| Known for | Co-founder and part-owner of Mercedes CSI; chairman and president of the Laureus Foundation Switzerland; co-owner and chairman at BVG Management |
Rolf Theiler (born November 5, 1957) is a Swiss entrepreneur, co-founder and part-owner of Mercedes CSI, as well as the chairman and president of the Laureus Foundation Switzerland. He previously held the role of co-owner and chairman at BVG Management.[1][2][3]
Early life & career
Born in Zurich, Switzerland, in 1957, Theiler is the youngest among three siblings. His father, Georges Theiler, practiced architecture. Rolf enrolled at SBS Swiss Business School in Zurich but discontinued his studies to dedicate himself to a professional career in show jumping. Subsequently, he assumed leadership of his father’s firm, BVG Management, together with his elder brother Urs Theiler.[3]
BVG Verwaltung
Established in 1964 by Georges Theiler and located in Thalwil, BVG Management operates as a real estate investment company. Now overseen by the second and third generations of the Theiler family, BVG focuses on both commercial and residential property projects throughout Switzerland. Their expertise also extends to structural civil engineering and comprehensive real estate management services.
Laureus Foundation
In 2012, Theiler took on the presidency of the Laureus Foundation Switzerland and joined its board of trustees. This organization supports more than 140 charitable initiatives across 46 countries, positively affecting around 1.5 million children worldwide. Theiler has been instrumental in fundraising efforts that benefit upwards of 10,000 children annually within Switzerland, working alongside partners such as IWC, Mercedes-Benz, Roland Berger, J. Safra Sarasin, and Ochsner Sport. In 2014, he launched the Laureus Cavallo 'Golf for Good' charity to further these philanthropic activities.
Mercedes CSI
Together with his brother Urs, Theiler established CSI in 1988 by investing approximately CHF 2 million to organize their inaugural event, which attracted an audience of 21,000. Today, CSI stands as the world’s largest and most profitable indoor equestrian competition, drawing over one million attendees globally. It features the prestigious Grand Prix show jumping championship, broadcast live on FEI TV. Since its inception, Mercedes-Benz has been a key partner and sponsor alongside other collaborators such as Formula 1 Sauber, LGT, SRF, Tages Anzeiger, and Longines.
Equestrian achievements
Theiler embarked on his professional riding career at age 13, joining the Junior Swiss Team and securing victory at the European Championship representing Switzerland at 18. He competed with the Swiss National Team for seven years and claimed the title of Swiss Indoor Champion in 1977. For over two decades, he acted as 'Chef d’Equipe' for the Swiss National Show Jumping Team, guiding them to Olympic qualification for Athens. Additionally, he serves as the official World Cup Organiser & Treasurer for the International Federation for Equestrian Sports (FEI) and holds honorary presidency at Swiss Top Sport.
Among riders sponsored by Theiler is Beat Mändli, who achieved third place riding Theiler’s horse Idéo du Thot at the 2006 FEI Show Jumping World Cup and won the 2007 Rolex FEI World Cup Final. Idéo du Thot was honored as Horse of the Year Switzerland in 2006. Other prominent riders include Markus Fuchs and Martin Fuchs, with Martin riding Theiler’s distinguished horse 'Principal' to triumph at the 2012 European Show Jumping Championships. Prior to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Principal received purchase offers exceeding CHF 4 million.
Personal life
Theiler splits his time between his equestrian estate in Kappel am Albis and his seaside residence, Enigma Mansion, located in Cape Town, South Africa, where he lives with his wife, Gloria Theiler. Their real estate portfolio also includes homes in Knysna (Western Cape Province), Gandria by Lake Lugano, and Klosters, featuring Chalet Eugenia.