The Gstaad Guy sits down with Ronnie Kessel, CEO of Kessel Group, and co-founder of The I.C.E. St. Moritz, to explore a life shaped by speed, discipline, and a deep-rooted passion for the automotive world. From early dreams of becoming a racing driver and competing at the highest levels of motorsport, to inheriting the responsibility of the family business, following his fatherβs passing, Ronnie reflects on the pivotal moments that defined both his career and his character.
The conversation dives into the transition from racing to leadership within Kessel Group, the balance between competition, dealership life, and classic cars, and why heritage matters as much as performance. Ronnie shares his perspective on how motorsport has evolved, the growing intersection of luxury and racing, and the shared values between craftsmanship in fashion and precision on the track. From obsession with perfection to lessons learned at iconic races such as the 24 Hours of Spa, this is a candid look at ambition, responsibility, and the enduring romance of cars.
Filmed in Andermatt, Switzerland.
Chapters:
(00:00) Intro β¨
(03:18) Racing ποΈπ¨
(04:44) F1 & Family ππ¨βπ©βπ¦
(06:49) Sport Today ποΈβ‘
(09:03) From Racing To The Family Business ποΈβ‘οΈπ’
(12:17) Racing, Dealership, or Vintage Cars? ππ
(13:16) I.C.E. St Moritz π§π
(14:36) Inheriting Responsibility π§¬βοΈ
(17:18) Then vs. Now β³π
(19:17) C.A.R.S. ππ
(19:57) Racing As A Fashion ποΈπ
(21:13) Specialising vs. Expanding π―π±
(25:43) Importance Of Classic Cars & Heritage πποΈ
(27:01) What Do People Think Of Cars? π€π
(30:46) Formula 1 ποΈπ
(34:24) 24 Hours of Spa β±οΈποΈ
(36:43) Intersection of Luxury, Motorsport & Performance πποΈ
(39:46) Shared Values Between Racing & Loro Piana π€π»π§΅
(40:51) Perfection & Obsession π―π₯
(43:37) Lessons Learnt ππ‘
(45:49) Advice To Younger Self πͺπ¬
(50:54) Entering The Automotive World πͺπ
(53:14) Γ La Poubelle vs. Fantastique ποΈβ¨
(55:18) Dream Three-Car Garage π
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