Major General Jakob Baumann
Expert
Former CEO of armasuisse and Swiss National Armament Director, with extensive experience in defence planning, acquisition strategy, and military capability development at the highest levels of government.
Jakob has led major defence-industrial organisations, served as a Major General within the Swiss Armed Forces, and held multiple chairmanships and board roles across European defence and aerospace companies. He combines strategic military leadership with executive-level industrial experience across armaments, UAV systems, and defence technology manufacturing.
Expert Role
Jakob advises on defence procurement, armaments strategy, industrial partnerships, and defence-sector governance, with deep experience at national armament director level and in senior defence industry leadership.
Professional Background
Jakob served as CEO of armasuisse (2008–2011), acting as Switzerland’s National Armament Director and member of the Defence Council within the Ministry of Defence. Prior to this, he was Head of the Planning Directorate of the Swiss Armed Forces (Major General), and Chief of Planning Staff within the MOD, where he led major structural reform programmes including Armed Forces XXI and General Staff XXI.
Earlier in his career, he commanded artillery officer training and led development of integrated artillery fire control systems within the Federal Office for Artillery. His operational and instructional background spans artillery command, general staff education, and strategic planning roles.
In industry, Jakob has held multiple senior executive and board positions, including:
CEO & Delegate of the Board, UMS Skeldar AG (2015–2017)
Member of the Board, UMS Aero Group (2012–2024)
CEO & Board Member, KRISS Group SA (2013–2015)
CEO, Natural Gas Ostschweiz AG (2011–2013)
Partner, inneco AG (since 2010)
He currently serves as Chairman of Elbit Systems Switzerland AG and sits on the supervisory board of Mehler Vario Systems GmbH. He is active in Swiss defence and aerospace industry associations, including SWISS ASD and the Swiss Society for Technology and Armed Forces.
Education
Collège Interarmées de Défense, Paris (1997–1998)
General Staff Officer Course, Lucerne (1989–1997)
Military College I & II, ETH Zurich (1986–1988)
Bachelor of Arts (German, French, History), Universities of Basel and Geneva (1979–1984)
Continuing Education:
INSEAD International Executive Program for Senior Managers (2006)
General, Flag Officers and Ambassadors Course, Rome (2007)
CAS in Energy Management, University of St. Gallen (2011)