Commercial apprenticeship. 1974-94, Director of an agricultural cooperative; 1994-2008, Director, Zurich Union of Farmers; 1978-86, Councillor, Hinwil; 1983-91, Member of the Cantonal Council, Zurich; 1991-2008, Member of the National Council; 1996-2008, President of the Swiss People's Party. December 2008, elected to the Swiss Federal Council; currently Federal Councillor of Defence, Civil Protection and Sports.

influential, World Affairs, World Economic Forum,