As a shining example of Lions’ dedication to service, PID C. Robert Rettby has taken on pivotal roles in recent years, ranging from leadership within the Global Action Team (GAT) and the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to mentoring and training future leaders and instructors. His unparalleled knowledge of the organization has made him the go-to expert for Lions International, which has repeatedly entrusted him with critical responsibilities, including serving as the Coordinating Lion for District 135.

PERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL CAREER

• Born in Stockholm, Sweden
• Holds Swiss and Swedish citizenship, citizen of Neuchâtel
• Moved to Switzerland with his family at the age of 6
• Studied at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL), graduated as a Civil Engineer
• Married to Catherine, born Hildenbrand
• Father of two sons (Nils, 1981, EPFL Engineer in Life Sciences, and Sten, 1985, Civil Engineer EPFL and MBA) and grandfather of four
• Worked as a civil engineer (mainly in steel construction) for various companies domestically and internationally, including in Iraq and Nigeria
• Upon returning to Switzerland, took over the family business Hildenbrand & Cie. SA in Neuchâtel with approximately 80 employees
• Shareholder and board member in several other companies
• Founded a new company, LaboSafe SA, specializing in drinking, wastewater, and industrial water treatment as well as occupational safety, after transferring operational management to a management team
• Now retired but still professionally active, mainly for Lions International
• Hobbies: Mountain biking, hiking, alpine and touring skiing
• Former competitive skier (slalom and freestyle)

LIONS CAREER

LC Neuchâtel

• Active member of LC Neuchâtel (since 1992)
• Active board member of LC Neuchâtel in various roles such as Secretary, LionsBase Master, Webmaster, President, etc. (since 1993)
• Organizing Committee member for the 50th-anniversary celebration of LC Neuchâtel (2001-2002)
• Organizing Committee member for the National Convention MD 102 in Neuchâtel (2001-2002)
• Organizing Committee President for the 60th-anniversary celebration of LC Neuchâtel (2011-2012)

District 102 West and Multiple District 102

• Cabinet member of District 102W in various roles such as Secretary, Webmaster, Zone Chairperson, delegate for the music and peace poster contests, etc. (1998-2006)
• District Governor (2006/2007)
• Council Chairperson (2008/2009)
• Member of various committees such as SODIS or IT (2003-2012)
• Organizing Committee President for Lions Day (2011-2012)
• Organizing Committee President for the 2017 Europa Forum in Montreux (2014-2017)
• Organizing Committee member for the 75th-anniversary celebration of MD 102 (2021-2023)
• Member of the extended Governor Council of MD 102 (since 2013)

Lions International

• International Director (2013/2015), Chairperson Membership Development Committee
• Chairperson of the Host Committee for the Europa Forum (2013-2017), Forum President Montreux (2017)
• Chairperson of the Centennial Action Committee CA 4, Europe (2014-2018)
• GMT Area Leader CA 4b (2015-2017)
• Group Leader for the DGE/FVDG Seminar (2016-2021)
• Vice-President of the Elections Committee (2016 & 2021)
• Member of the Host Committee for Lions Day at the United Nations in Geneva (2017, 2019, 2023, 2025)
• GST Area Leader CA 4, Europe (2017-2019)
• Board Appointee, Member of the Service Activities Committee (2018/2019)
• Co-Vice-President of Campaign 100 International Committee CA 4, Europe (2018-2022)
• Team Leader for the Global Action Team (GAT) CA 4, Europe (2019-2021)
• Chairperson of the GMA Steering Committee CA 4, Europe (2020-2022)
• Faculty member of Institutes, FDI, LCIP (2022-2025)
• Co-Leader of LCIF CA 4, Europe (2022-2025)
• Coordinating Lion for District 135 (2023)
• Chairperson Credentials Committee (2024)
• Associate for the DGE/FVDG Seminar (2024/2025)

Participation in Conventions and Other International Lions Events

• 26 National Conventions MD 102
• Numerous other conventions in Europe, Africa, and North America
• 21 Europa Forums
• 5 Lions Days at the United Nations
• 16 International Conventions
• Numerous other international events

Awards

• Melvin Jones Fellowship (2001)
• 40 Progressive Melvin Jones Fellows (white gold with 10 blue sapphires)
• 11 International President’s Awards (2013-2024)
• Ambassador of Good Will (2015)
• Recognition award for International Directors (2015)
• Various President’s and Governor’s Certificates of Appreciation

(As of 01.01.2025)