At the marcus evans Elite Summit 2026 in Montreux, Andreas von Specht, Managing Partner & Chairman of AvS Advisors, will speak about why even the most sophisticated governance structures in family enterprises ultimately depend on people. The outcome rests on how family members communicate with one another and whether there is enough trust to navigate difficult decisions together.

The keynote takes the form of a fireside chat with former CNN anchor Todd Benjamin on November 19 at 18:00 CET, the second day of the summit, which runs from November 18 to 20 at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace. Andreas draws on decades of advising business-owning families and their investors on leadership succession and governance. He also speaks from his own experience as a long-standing family shareholder and board member.

The conversation covers succession as an ongoing process and the selection of CEOs who fit both the business and the family. Andreas will also discuss how mediation can resolve conflict among owners early, and share lessons from his own succession planning and his long-term involvement with Berenberg Bank.