Board of Trustees
Jean-Marc Probst, chairman of the foundation
Born in Lausanne in 1956. Mr Jean-Marc Probst is a mechanical engineer and CEO of Probst Maveg SA in Crissier. He is President of ‘AERA+’. 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. Mr Burillo studied business administration at the University of Bern. He has been CFO of the Probst Group since 1999. Between 1990 and 1999, he was a professional ice hockey player and won the Swiss championship with SC Bern in 1991 and 1992.
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
