The CGN SA Group consists of two subsidiaries: CGN SA and CGN Belle Epoque SA. Its shareholders (roughly 10,000) come from the private and public sectors. Its public shareholders (cantons and towns around Lake Geneva), with their majority stake (57.3%), have a decisive influence on the company’s operations. The cantons of Vaud, Geneva and Valais provide most of the investment needed to renew the fleet and balance the company’s non-profit services through a service mandate.
Structure and Aim of the Company
CGN SA Group
The group’s aim is to acquire and manage participations in any commercial, industrial, financial or real estate undertaking linked to navigation on Lake Geneva, notably through the companies CGN Belle Epoque SA and CGN SA (hereafter referred to as “subsidiaries”).
The subsidiaries, in which the group may invest, must directly or indirectly pursue one or more objectives fully or partly in line with the following goals :
To contribute to the sustainable development of tourism in the Lake Geneva area by ensuring an attractive service along its shores;
To develop and pursue any activity directly or indirectly linked to operating a fleet of boats (modern and historic) on Lake Geneva;
The group may create subsidiaries in Switzerland and France.
CGN SA
The company’s aims are :
To develop and manage any activity directly or indirectly linked to the operation of a fleet of boats on Lake Geneva;
To operate a public transportation service on Lake Geneva, particularly in places where boat transport is faster or even more cost-efficient, in a global approach, than other means of transport;
To maintain and operate the fleet, including the Belle Epoque paddle steamers, owned by CGN Belle Epoque SA, in compliance with the contract(s) concluded with the latter.
The company may :
Carry out any financial, commercial or industrial activity, or any activity linked to movable or immovable property, directly or indirectly relating to its aims;
Create branches or subsidiaries in Switzerland and France.
CGN Belle Epoque SA
The company’s aims are :
to maintain and restore as close as possible to their original state, compatible with their operation, and to permit their navigation on Lake Geneva by the CGN SA, its eight historic Belle Epoque paddle-wheel boats (Montreux, Vevey, Italie, La Suisse, Savoie, Simplon, Helvétie and Rhône), thus maintaining a listed heritage item, as per the listing decision of the Department of Infrastructure of 9 June 2011, and contribute to the sustainable development of tourism in the Lake Geneva area.
The company does not exercise any financial, commercial, industrial or real estate activity independently or in competition with CGN SA and CGN SA Group.
It is authorised to collect funds in order to carry out its aims.
It does not pursue any profit-making aims.
Missions of the group
Public Transport
CGN provides a public transportation service on Lake Geneva, in particular in places where boat transport is faster or more cost-efficient, through a global approach as opposed to other means of transport.
Development of Tourism
CGN contributes to the sustainable development of tourism in the Lake Geneva area by ensuring an attractive service to its tourist destinations.
Conservation of heritage
CGN maintains and operates the world’s largest Belle Epoque fleet (in terms of passenger capacity). As such, it is the guardian of a unique industrial heritage.
Managers
Vincent Pellissier
General Manager since 2025
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A cantonal engineer and head of the mobility department of the canton of Valais from 2015 to 2025, he previously held positions within the planning and logistics vice-presidency of the EPFL and worked closely on the construction of the m2 metro in Lausanne. He has a solid background in the transport sector and in strategic project management, as well as in leading multi-disciplinary teams with a strong focus on people.
Caroline Dayen
Sales and Marketing Manager since 2023
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A graduate of the HEC business school with a master's degree in business management, she has been active in the field of marketing for over 20 years. She has worked successively in Geneva, Paris and Valais, where she has put her skills to good use and developed numerous projects, notably as Director of Monthey Tourisme, Sales and Marketing Director of Aquaparc and Marketing, Communications and Events Director of Cave Les Fils de Charles Favre.
In September 2023, she will join the CGN management team.
Benoît Lecocq
Human Resources Manager since 2023
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He is holding a Master's degree in Business Law, as well as a certificate in Adult Education and a Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Data Protection and has been working in the field of Human Resources for 25 years. His experience, particularly within industrial groups (railway industry, Luxury watchmaking), has enabled him to lead numerous organisational and HR projects. He joined the CGN management team in October 2023.
Irwin Gafner
Technical Manager since 2017
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After having received a masters degree in mechanical engineering from the EFPL (2001) and another one at the National School of Petroleum and Engines (2002), he first began his career in the automobile industry abroad. He continued his professional experience at the LIEBHERR Machines company in Bulle for a total of 3 years, where he has also contributed to the development of new V8 engines.
In 2008 he was appointed as lecturer at the EPFL, a position he would carry out for 9 years. In the same year, he joined the world’s leading cement manufacturer HOLCIM, where he improved the performance of the Eclépens cement plant. From 2013 to 2017 he led all production activities of the site and was involved in the realization of many industrial projects. He finally joined the CGN as technical director on November 1st 2017.
Maria Semenova
Financial Manager since 2021
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Born in Siberia, Maria Semenova moved to Switzerland to pursue her studies. After receiving a PhD in Finance at the HEC Lausanne (2006), she worked in the Lake Geneva region for various import, export and commodity transport companies. She has also worked in strategic consulting in the field of corporate finance.
Equipped with solid financial skills and an excellent analytical mind, she took over the management of CGN's finances on July 1, 2021 in order to face the numerous challenges incurred by a sensitive economic context.
