Early Life
Hans-Ueli Rihs was born in Zürich, Switzerland, on January 3, 1944. He is a Swiss entrepreneur whose family's involvement in the hearing aid industry dates back to 1965 when his father, Ernst Rihs, acquired a majority shareholding in the AG für Elektroakustik, which was later renamed Phonak in 1977.
Rise to Success
Hans-Ueli, along with his brother Andy Rihs and Beda Diethelm, played a key role in developing Phonak into a global leader in hearing care, specializing in hearing instruments, cochlear implants, and wireless communication. The company was later renamed Sonova Holding AG. After the passing of his brother Andy Rihs in 2018, Hans-Ueli inherited a significant portion of the family's stake in Sonova, a publicly traded company. His wealth is rooted in the stable demand for hearing solutions, a crucial medical device sector.
Key Business Strategies
Sonova's success is linked to its dedication to acoustic technology, miniaturization, and digital processing in hearing aids. The company's strategic moves, including its IPO and acquisitions, have been pivotal in its growth. Sonova's brands include Phonak, Unitron, Advanced Bionics, and Sennheiser (Consumer Division). The company's focus on R&D and strategic acquisitions has contributed to its global market leadership.
Philanthropy
Hans-Ueli Rihs’s philanthropy is channeled through Sonova's role in providing life-changing medical devices to millions globally. Sonova has created a lasting social impact by improving the communication and quality of life for people with hearing loss. Beyond this, Hans-Ueli also supports medical research and community initiatives, often tied to audiology and sports development.