The Ringier initiative EqualVoice is opening a new chapter: Founder and Ringier CFO Annabella Bassler is handing over the operational lead to Ladina Heimgartner, Head Media and CEO of Ringier Media Switzerland. The reason for this change is the steady growth of EqualVoice in recent years. To sustainably maximize its impact, the initiative will now be directly embedded in the operational media business and core operations.
The transition will be seamless. Ladina Heimgartner will assume leadership from the beginning of September 2026. Annabella Bassler will remain closely connected to the initiative, taking on the role of Chair of the national and international Advisory Boards.
Success story continues
Annabella Bassler, CFO of Ringier and founder of EqualVoice: “EqualVoice has evolved from an idea into an impactful movement. My heartfelt thanks go to all the editorial teams, staff, and partners who have shaped this journey with so much passion. With the immense growth in recent years, now is the perfect time to embed the initiative even more deeply into daily media operations. Ladina Heimgartner is the ideal person to take EqualVoice to the next level. I am very much looking forward to actively guiding its strategic development as Chair of the Advisory Boards.”
Ladina Heimgartner, Head Media and CEO of Ringier Media Switzerland: “Annabella Bassler has achieved a pioneering feat with EqualVoice, firmly establishing the topic of gender equality in the media in a fact-based and pragmatic way. It is an honor for me to take the lead. Our goal is to expand the existing EqualVoice initiatives, set new content priorities, and leverage the power of our media brands even more effectively for equality and diversity.”
Technological milestone: EqualVoice Assistant for companies
Parallel to the leadership change, EqualVoice is making technological strides: In September 2026, EqualVoice will publicly launch the EqualVoice Assistant. The AI solution, which has already proven its worth in newsrooms with over 32,000 articles per month, is now also aimed at companies and organizations. As a web-based writing environment, the tool detects unconscious gender biases and stereotypes directly while texts are being written and provides real-time alternatives for balanced communication.
In addition, EqualVoice is further expanding its EqualVoice United partner network and developing an exclusive masterclass for executives in collaboration with the IMD business school.
Strengthening the Advisory Board
In addition to Annabella Bassler’s new role as Chair, the national EqualVoice Advisory Board is gaining high-profile reinforcement with Tatjana Haenni and Deniz Kayadelen.
Tatjana Haenni is a pioneer of international women’s football and can look back on an impressive career as a Swiss national player and as an executive at UEFA, FIFA, and the SFA. As the first woman on the executive board of the Swiss Football Association, she played a key role in shaping professionalization and equality in the sport. After positions as Sporting Director of the US-based NWSL, the award-winning sports manager took on the role of CEO at RB Leipzig at the beginning of 2026.
Deniz Kayadelen is an extreme swimmer, business psychologist, bestselling author, and speaker. She has 15 years of Big Four experience, including as Head of Talent Management Consulting at EY Switzerland. As a multiple ice swimming world champion, Guinness World Record holder, and conqueror of the Triple Crown, she swam at the North Pole in 2026. As the founder of “Out of Comfort Zone” and developer of the Peak Flow Method®, she helps executives overcome fears and build mental resilience.
Information & access to the EqualVoice Assistant:
The web-based writing environment of the EqualVoice Assistant is available now at: www.equalvoice.ch/equalvoice-assistant/
About EqualVoice
The EqualVoice initiative was launched in November 2019 by Annabella Bassler, CFO of Ringier AG, and is chaired by Publisher Michael Ringier and CEO Marc Walder. The initiative’s goal is to promote gender equality and increase the visibility of women in the media. At its core is the EqualVoice Factor, which measures the presence of women and men in editorial content. EqualVoice is now active in seven countries and across more than 32 media brands, reaching over 50 million users. The initiative is supported by the EqualVoice United network, which includes over 20 companies committed to equality. For more information: www.equalvoice.ch