Chief Communication Officer and Program Management Officer Space Stations
Calista studied archaeology, German language and literature, and religious studies at the University of Zurich, earning a PhD in archaeology. She has completed voluntary military service, has a diploma in commerce, a CAS in science communication, worked for the Office Suisse d’Expansion Commerciale (OSEC) and in a senior position in the Cantonal Archaeology of Zurich with experience in field missions. She has many years of experience in the Swiss nuclear industry and as a communication officer for the Science Faculty of the University of Zurich. Currently, Calista is head of special missions and chief communication officer of the Innovation Cluster Space and Aviation of the University of Zurich (UZH Space Hub) and Chief Communication Officer and Program Management Officer Space Stations of the Center for Space and Aviation Switzerland and Liechtenstein (CSA).

Contact: calista.fischer@spacevalley.ch

Jeannette Varzandeh is a C-level executive with a distinguished career in senior positions at Credit Suisse, Sotheby's and Space Adventures, currently serving as the Head of Family Office. With two decades of experience, she has established an international career in the Financial and Luxury industry, advising UHNW clients across a wide range of services, including M&A, Asset Finance, and Private Space Missions. She is an expert in Finance, Strategy and Operations.
Her career began at Credit Suisse, where she led global growth initiatives and M&A transactions, managing multi-billion-dollar deals over a span of seven years. She was based in Zurich and New York City. Afterwards she specialized in financing luxury assets - such as private jets, helicopters, mega yachts and real estate - across Europe, the Middle East, the US and Asia. Following her career in Finance, Jeannette pursued her passion for aerospace, joining Space Adventures as Head of Sales for Europe and Middle East. She was dedicated to selling private missions to the International Space Station for three years. Subsequently, Jeannette returned to earth-based missions and expanded her career into Art Finance at Sotheby’s. As the Global Head of Strategic Partnerships, Jeannette successfully launched a new business area and led it into a global business, generating three-digit-million-dollar art loan referrals from leading banks, family offices, and law firms. Jeannette holds an MBA in Finance from the European Business School Oestrich-Winkel, including international study experiences in San Francisco and Nice. Fluent in German and English, with proficiency in French, she excels at engaging with international stakeholders and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Jeannette is deeply committed to community service, actively volunteering with organizations like Doctors without Borders and the Maltese. Jeannette exemplifies a leader who merges extensive financial acumen with a dedication to innovation, client service, and making an impact across industries from banking to aerospace.

Contact: jeannette.varzandeh@spacevalley.ch