After a career defined by selfless service to his country and more recently to leading institutions, Professor Dr Joseph Deiss has officially retired to channel his energy into his family and new pursuits. The former Swiss President’s announcement sees him also stand down from his post as a member of the China Horse Club’s International Advisory Council (IAC).
“Years have gone by and it is time for me to step down from most of my professional activities,” Professor Dr Deiss said.
“From my retirement I will, however, follow with interest as the China Horse Club takes up new challenges of the present and future times.”
Professor Dr Deiss was the inaugural Chairman of the China Horse Club’s IAC when the Club was formed in 2013 before standing down for family reasons. He returned to the IAC in 2018 to serve under the club’s current Chairman, the Honourable John Warren.
“Being chairman and a member of the International Advisory Country of the CHC has been a challenging but rewarding role,” Professor Dr Deiss said.
“I felt it an honour to be part of a team with outstanding people and renowned experts under the exceptional and motivating leadership of Mr Teo Ah Khing.
“I am very proud to have contributed to the CHC growing into one of the most respected competitors on the international thoroughbred racing circuit.”
In public life, Professor Dr Deiss served on the Federal Council of Switzerland (Swiss Cabinet) from 1999 to 2006. During this period, while holding the post of Economics Minister (2003 – 2006) he was elected to serve as the President of the Swiss Confederation (2004) – a position which is rotated annually among Cabinet members. In this post he headed his country’s presidential delegation to the United Nations General Assembly.
During his tenure with the IAC, Professor Dr Deiss has seen the China Horse Club take its formative steps as a lifestyle, business and thoroughbred racing club. He was also involved in the successful launching of the China Equine Cultural Festival (CECF) event in 2013 as well as its continued growth into international markets. In more recent years he has seen the club diversify further, including playing an advisory role in the creation of and the emergence of horse racing in Saint Lucia under the Royal Saint Lucia Turf Club. Mr Warren paid tribute to Professor Dr Deiss for his service to the IAC over an extended period of time.
“It has been a privilege and an honour to work with Professor Dr Deiss during his period as a senior advisor through the successful journey of The China Horse Club,” Mr Warren said.
“Indeed, his knowledge, council and advice has been at the core principles of this incredible lifestyle company. The many people that have got to know him through The China Horse Club will, I’m sure, join me in wishing Professor Deiss all the best in enjoying a happy retirement and also thank him for the work he has undertaken to help make this club what it is today.”
In retirement Professor Dr Deiss joins fellow former IAC members including Sir Owen Glenn, John Magnier, the late Dato Tan Chin Nam and Mr Poh Choon Ann.