Christa Rigozzi: Migros is highly regarded by the Swiss. Why is that? What is your recipe?

Cornelia Wiederkehr: Migros does in fact enjoy an out­standing reputation – and in my opinion, a well-deserved one. I have had the chance of experiencing Migros as both a customer and an employee. Even though it may sound like a bit of a cliché, I’m delighted by this experience! The reputation of Migros cannot be earned overnight with­ ­isolated acts. It’s the result of the tireless commitment ­provided by many, many employees day in and day out. Our success is based on an interplay of many different ­factors. Wherever Migros comes into contact with customers, we have to win them over and prove that we’ve earned their trust – time and time again. 

Migros is considered to be a reliable company. What does that mean exactly? 

Reliability means that you can trust a person or a com­pany. Trust is a key Migros value. Maintaining the trust that has been placed in us by our customers and our partners is our top priority. We keep our promises. That’s a trait that our customers and our partners value highly.

What does Migros expect from a partner like Cembra Money Bank?

Trustworthiness and reliability are indispensable. A partner of Migros or Cumulus also needs to be committed to ­these values and practice them in daily business. A focus on customers and service is also very important. Customers and their needs are our top priority. Only if a partner feels the same way can customer satisfaction be achieved. 

The credit card business is based on trust and reliability. How does reliability manifest itself at Cembra Money Bank?

Migros and Cembra have a very close working relationship. Cembra’s reliability is apparent to our customers on a daily basis in the processing of their queries and concerns, but also to my team in the management of the highly successful joint card product: the Cumulus-Mastercard. Reliable, trustworthy partners are essential for a successful col­laboration. These values are easy to list, but they have to be actively practised and put to the test before products and services can emerge that are attractive in the long term. The Cumulus-Mastercard is the best proof of this. The large number of cardholders and their high level of satisfaction speak for themselves. The successful collaboration be­tween Migros and Cembra also manifests itself in the fact that both companies contribute new ideas and have the courage to give something a try. Only in this way can we bring innovations to the market. In doing so, however, we don’t just follow every trend. An innovation always has to have a benefit for our customers.

Which values do Migros and Cembra share?

As I mentioned earlier, trust and reliability. I also perceive Cembra to be highly committed. Customer focus exists not just on paper, but is also actively practised by committed employees. Neither Migros nor Cembra is content with the first solution that comes to mind. Both parties strive to ­offer their joint customers the best product and the best service. Even though we have collaborated ­successfully for many years, this aspiration continues to spur us to ­deliver maximum performance.