Hans Schaffner

He grew up as the son of Robert Schaffner, head judge in Interlaken, and Margaretha (born Abplanalp), a teacher.

After receiving a degree in law, he entered the federal civil service as the head of the Division in charge of wartime economy (1941).

With the president of the Board of Trade Reginald Maudling, he was during a meeting of non EEC countries in the Alabama Room in Geneva, one of the initiators of the European Free-Trade Association (EFTA) in December 1958.

During his time in office he headed up the Department of Economic Affairs and was President of the Confederation in 1966.

After retirement, he held positions in several Boards of directors (Sandoz, Rieter, Câbleries de Cossonay).