On Friday, 31 January 2026,PaulLowerre, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Franklin Switzerland; and President of the Board of Directors, FondazioneFranklin Svizzera,made the following announcement to Franklin Students and Alumni:
Dear Members of the Franklin Community,
I am writing to share that Dr. Samuel Martín-Barbero will be concluding his term as President of Franklin, effective 31 January 2026. This transition reflects the natural close of a chapter for both Samuel and our institution, and is part of a mutual decision.
On behalf of the Board, I want to thank Samuel for his dedication and service to our community during these years. We are grateful for his accomplishments with Franklin through his global and innovative vision stated in the Strategic Plan 2030, inspiring leadership across our teams and stakeholders, intercultural stewardship, and meaningful institutional partnerships both, nationally and internationally.
In recognition of this work, the Board has conferred upon Dr. Martín-Barbero the honorific title of Senior Fellow in Global Education.
To ensure continuity, Dr. David Mills, currently Dean of Academic Affairs, will assume responsibilities as Interim President from 1 February 2026. We thank Samuel for his significant contributions to Franklin during his term, and express our support of Dave and his team in this transition; they have the full confidence of the Board.
Our strategy and priorities remain unchanged, and we appreciate everyone’s focus as we continue serving our students and their families with the professionalism and care that distinguishes our organization.
Please join me in thanking Samuel for his remarkable dedication to Franklin and welcoming Dave to his role.
With appreciation,
PaulLowerre
Chair, Board of Trustees, Franklin Switzerland
President, Board of Directors, Fondazione Franklin Switzerland