Board of Trustees
Jean-Marc Probst, chairman of the foundation
Born in 1956 in Lausanne, Mr Jean-Marc Probst is a mechanical engineer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Probst Group Holding SA, the family-owned group which operates in the construction machinery trade. His passion for collecting began when, as a student travelling the world, he discovered The Little Prince in Japanese in Tokyo. From then on, he began buying the book wherever he went, in every language he could find.
Monika Vollmer Michel
Monika Vollmer Michel was born in 1974 and grew up in eastern Switzerland, where she also completed her business studies at the University of St. Gallen (HSG). Monika worked in the family business for 20 years and has lived in Solothurn with her husband and two sons since 2009. Since 2014, she has been heavily involved in the field of sustainability and impact – which fits perfectly with the message of The Little Prince.
Thomas Burillo
Born in Herzogenbuchsee in 1971, he studied business administration at the University of Bern. He has been CFO of the Probst Group since 1999. Prior to that, he was a professional ice hockey player from 1990 to 1999 and won the Swiss championship title with SC Bern in 1991 and 1992.
As a long-standing member of the Board of Trustees of the ‘Fondation Jean-Marc Probst pour le Petit Prince’, the Little Prince, with his values and his special charm, has been a constant companion to him for many years.
"It is wonderful to be part of this extraordinary project and to be able to help make the dream of a museum dedicated to the Little Prince a reality."
Nicola Probst
Nicola Probst was born in Lausanne in 1985. He studied economics at the University of Lausanne. Following various experiences during his studies and professional engagements in St. Moritz, Lisbon, Berlin, Zurich, Hong Kong and Dijon, he joined the family business permanently in 2015 and, as CEO of Probst Maveg SA, represents the third generation.
“At a time when everything has become digital, fast-paced and fleeting, I believe it is more important than ever to consciously set aside time for oneself – whether that means visiting a museum or reading a book. With this conviction, I am delighted to be involved in the development of this museum, which, through the story of a man and a book, reminds us of life’s simple yet essential values.”
Philipp Eng
Born in Grenchen in 1993. Philipp Eng studied law in Bern and works as a self-employed lawyer as well as managing director of the social media agency bevisible and Grapperia Soletta in Solothurn. He is a part-time member of the Independent Complaints Authority for Radio and Television (UBI) and, in his spare time, is committed to regional culture as president of the Selzach Summer Opera. The Little Prince has been a constant companion since his school days, and the values and philosophies of life embodied in this book have shaped his everyday life in many ways ever since.
“I travel from planet to planet to understand people.”
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
