Procter & Gamble Marks 60th Anniversary in Switzerland, its EMEA Headquarters

NEW YORK, Sept. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Procter & Gamble, one of the world's most admired companies, celebrated its 60^th anniversary in Switzerland on September 9. Daniel Bangser, Director North America for Switzerland Trade & Investment Promotion, commented that Procter & Gamble has been growing in Switzerland ever since it started its operations in Lucerne in 1953. Its Geneva office, established in 1956, evolved to become the headquarters for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) in 1999.

"P&G today is among the 50 largest companies in Switzerland and also among the largest US-based firms there in terms of employees," Mr. Bangser said.  "Its employment roster in the alpine nation numbers nearly 3,000 representing 70 nationalities. This mirrors P&G's and Switzerland's multinational and multicultural roles on the world stage of commerce."

Vice-Chairman of P&G Global Operations Werner Geissler noted that Switzerland is a treasure house of capabilities, experiences and attitudes making it a fertile area for creativity and innovation.  "It is a richly diverse and stimulating country," he said.

Swiss State Secretary and Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Mrs. Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, and President of the Geneva State Council, Mr. Charles Beer, joined P&G for the anniversary celebration along with more than 200 opinion leaders and CEOs, municipal and cantonal authorities, local suppliers and partners, employees and management.

Mr. Bangser commented on Switzerland's attractiveness as an FDI destination for North American companies.  "It continues to be a major recipient of US foreign direct investment," he said.  "With direct investment from the United States exceeding $148 billion (2009 figures) Switzerland ranks 6^th," adding, "there are now more than 1,200 US firms in Switzerland ranging from startups to world-leading multinationals like P&G."

SOURCE Switzerland Trade & Investment Promotion