In the section Backstage, interesting personalities from the financial sector and beyond provide insights into their personal preferences every Wednesday.

What do you do first in the morning?

I start every day the same way – with gratitude. I am grateful for a new day that I can begin with my wife. We consciously take time for a relaxed breakfast together. Starting the day without that moment is hard for me to imagine.

What is the best part of your job?

Without a doubt, people are at the center for me - and their development, both professionally and personally.

A moment that changed your life?

When I was diagnosed with cancer in 2023, it was a shock. I asked myself: Why me? I had always tried to live consciously and healthily. After the initial shock, however, I decided to fight this invisible intruder consistently from day one. Today I am in complete remission. But the experience – the intensive chemotherapy and the time in a hospital in Munich, where I also witnessed many difficult fates – has fundamentally changed my perspective on life. It continues to shape how I approach every new day.

What cars do you own? Which is your favorite?

I own a Jeep Willys from 1970 – my grandfather’s car. It is in the Dolomites, in my hometown of Sappada, where my family comes from. I also have a MINI Cooper in Milan, where my daughters live. When I am there, I use it – although now my daughters can also drive it since they have their licenses. In return, they take care of it. I learned to drive in my grandmother Nonna Nella’s old MINI, which is why I have a very personal connection to the brand.

What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self?

Be more relaxed - and enjoy everyday life more consciously.

What are you particularly proud of?

My family, my three children. Like all of us, they have their strengths and weaknesses. But they carry strong values within them – and that is what matters most to me.

What do you do when you have doubts?

I speak with people I trust – depending on the topic, with my team, my wife or close friends.

What is your favorite wine?

Amarone della Valpolicella – from the region where my wife was born. Since I also lived in Spain for some time, I also appreciate excellent Spanish red wines, for example from Ribera del Duero.

What projects are you currently working on?

Professionally, there are many topics running in parallel at the moment. Personally, I have started playing the guitar regularly again.

What do you admire in other people?

Personal values, mental strength, reliability and dedication.

What would be the biggest surprise for someone who had to take over your job for a day?

How committed, motivated and high-performing my team is.

What is your personal drive?

To give my best every day – at home as a father and husband, but also at work. And to consciously appreciate every moment.

What are you afraid of?

Spiders – I simply do not like them. Before my cancer diagnosis I worried more about myself. Today my biggest concern is that our generation may not leave a better world for our children.

Your favorite watch brand?

I am not a big fan of men’s jewelry. I prefer practical things like the Apple Watch, which I wear every day and which helps me stay active. The Rolex Datejust my father gave me when I graduated from university usually stays at home.

Is there an unfulfilled dream you would still like to realize?

I would have liked to spend more time playing music in a band. As a teenager I did that for a short period. Today I often lack the time – but whenever possible I play and sing, sometimes with friends.

Ihr bestes Investment?

A Fender Telecaster that I bought when I was 18. It is still a fantastic guitar, has never let me down and is also played by Bruce Springsteen – my favorite singer and songwriter, whom I have seen live more than ten times in the past 40 years. I rarely play it, but every time it is a special moment.

Sergio Solero has been President and CEO von BMW (Schweiz) AG since March 2024. The Italian native has been with the BMW Group since 1997 and brings extensive international experience in sales, marketing, aftersales and dealer development. Among other roles, he served as Sales Director of BMW Group Italy and later as President and CEO of BMW Group Italy. Most recently, he worked at the company’s headquarters in Munich as Vice President Retail Development.