Mark Dittli is appointed editor-in-chief of NZZ

Mark Dittli will assume the role of editor-in-chief at the Neue Zürcher Zeitung starting February 1, 2027. He replaces Eric Gujer, who has led the traditional Swiss newspaper’s editorial team since 2015. Gujer will transition into a newly created position titled Publisher for Germany. The media company announced the leadership change on Wednesday, describing Dittli as a proponent of analytical and independent journalism with a distinct liberal orientation. The firm noted that Dittli combines more than 25 years of journalistic experience with proven success in managing editorial teams and building modern digital media offerings. Dittli, who is 52 years old, studied business economics at the Higher School of Economics and Administration in Winterthur. He entered journalism in 2000 at the financial publication Finanz und Wirtschaft. For five years, he served as a foreign correspondent based in New York. From 2012 until 2017, he held the position of editor-in-chief at that outlet. Following a one-year part-time stint as an editor at the online magazine Republik in 2018, Dittli focused on an entrepreneurial venture. In 2019, he co-founded the digital finance portal The Market with six partners. The NZZ was initially a minority shareholder in the project. By the end of 2023, the newspaper acquired all remaining shares. Since 2024, The Market has expanded its operations to include the German market. Eric Gujer, 64, brings four decades of service to the NZZ publishing house before his new appointment. Prior to leading the entire editorial staff, he oversaw the foreign affairs desk. Under his tenure, the newspaper significantly increased its readership and public weight in neighboring Germany. In his new capacity as Publisher for Germany, Gujer will focus on strategically expanding the media group’s presence in the region. He will also address major lines of German and international politics. The NZZ stated that this move aims to further strengthen its journalistic footprint in Germany. The announcement highlights the internal restructuring of roles within the organization. While Dittli takes over daily editorial control, Gujer shifts to a strategic oversight role specifically targeting the German audience. Both men have long histories with Swiss media institutions. Dittli’s path moved from traditional print journalism to digital entrepreneurship before returning to the helm of a major daily paper. Gujer’s career remained largely within the NZZ structure, rising through ranks to lead the masthead. The transition marks a shift in how the publisher manages its cross-border ambitions. The specific start date for Dittli’s tenure is set for early next year, allowing time for handover procedures. No other personnel changes were mentioned in the immediate release regarding the editorial board. The company emphasized Dittli’s track record in both reporting and business development as key qualifications for the post.