audienzz vs SMG Swiss Marketplace Group

Attackera Hires Timo Müller for AI Visibility

Zurich-based digital agency Attackera has appointed Timo Müller as Head of Organic Growth, a newly created role focused on integrating traditional SEO with Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) to enhance brand visibility in AI-driven search systems like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude. Müller, who started on September 21, previously led the Search, Social Media, and Programmatic Advertising teams at Mediaschneider. His experience also includes a partnership at MIK Group and co-founding the digital agency Gobox. The move underscores a growing industry trend where agencies are adapting to the rise of AI-powered search, moving beyond conventional Google rankings to ensure brands are recommended by AI chatbots. Attackera, which has been part of the digital marketer Audienzz since fall 2024, aims to expand its service portfolio in digital advertising, data analysis, and strategic consulting with this new offering.

• Timo Müller started as Head of Organic Growth at Attackera on September 21, 2026.
• The new department focuses on combining SEO with Generative Engine Optimization (GEO).
• Müller previously led Search, Social Media, and Programmatic Advertising at Mediaschneider.

NZZ Appoints Corine Blesi to Executive Board

Swiss media company NZZ is reorganizing its commercial operations by separating the subscription business (user market) from the advertising market. From October 1, Corine Blesi will lead the new 'NZZ Experience' division, which bundles advertising, events, and partnerships, and will join the executive board. The user market, focusing on subscription growth in Switzerland and Germany, will be led by a new hire, with Roman Bretschger serving as interim head. CEO Felix Graf stated the reorganization aims to focus on the different growth opportunities of the two business fields. Blesi, who has led NZZ Connect's conference business since 2021, will also oversee NZZ Academy, NZZ Live, Audienzz, and NZZone.

• NZZ separates subscription business from advertising market.
• Corine Blesi to lead new 'NZZ Experience' division and join executive board from October 1.
• NZZ Experience bundles advertising, events, partnerships, and related commercial activities.

Ricardo Data Leak Affects 890,000 Accounts

Swiss online marketplace Ricardo suffered a data breach affecting approximately 890,000 user accounts. The unauthorized access, discovered on October 7, 2026, exposed names, postal addresses, and phone numbers, as well as company names for business customers. Email addresses and passwords were not compromised. Affected users were notified on October 10, and the company has filed a criminal complaint. The Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner (FDPIC) and the Federal Office for Cybersecurity (BACS) have been informed. No ransom demands were made. Owner Swiss Marketplace Group (SMG) has implemented enhanced security measures, including AI-based fraud detection and multi-factor authentication, though the breach occurred despite these safeguards.

• Approximately 890,000 user accounts were affected in the Ricardo data breach.
• Exposed data included names, postal addresses, and phone numbers; business customers' company names were also leaked.
• Email addresses and passwords were not compromised.

SMG announces leadership changes in Real Estate and corporate functions

SMG Swiss Marketplace Group announces leadership changes in Real Estate and corporate functions, as detailed in a press release dated September 22, 2026.