A human and family adventure
Interview with Catherine Burrus, Founder and Honorary President
To celebrate Welcome Service’s 35th anniversary, we wanted to look back at the company’s beginnings and the values that still drive it today through the words of its founder, Catherine Burrus. A woman of conviction, teamwork… and intuition.
The turning point
You founded Welcome Service 35 years ago, do you remember the turning point that gave birth to the company?
Yes, very well. I was 34 years old, mother of three children. I was fulfilled, but I aspired to build something of my own. In 1989, I discovered the concept of relocation in a women’s magazine. I immediately felt a spark and decided to go for it. I researched the subject, learned computer skills, created a database, and an offer… And after six months, I started calling companies—sometimes up to 40 calls a day! That’s how it all began. It was the end of 1990.
My first client, namely IMEDE (IMD) back in the days, was followed by others. In 1991, I registered the company under the name Welcome Service Catherine Bédat. Two years later, in 1992, I hired my first consultant.
How would you describe the needs Welcome Service addressed at the time?
Originally, it was about supporting expatriate employees in all aspects of their resettlement: orientation, housing, education, and integration. It was a comprehensive, tailor-made, and very human service. This service was virtually unknown at the time, and companies were immediately receptive. We had to be daring, structured, and convincing.
First major challenges and memories
What were the first major challenges we had to overcome?
Landing our first client, of course. And delivering: offering impeccable service, worthy of the expectations of the companies. Then, learning to grow, to delegate, to trust. In 1995, we signed our first group move with UNESCO (UEFA), which was moving its offices to Nyon.
The mandates multiplied, and the team grew. And in 2002, we landed our first global company, Cartus, which entrusted us with group arrivals that we had to successfully complete without neglecting our other clients.
What are your strongest memories?
I remember meetings with business leaders to whom I enjoyed sharing my passion. I remember colleagues, couples, or families who were worried upon arrival, but so sad to leave Switzerland when they left. Helping them was rewarding. I remember working extremely hard, but I was passionate.
Our DNA: Values & Standards
What values guided the development of Welcome Service?
“Passion, high standards, hard work, the desire to do well… and humanity. Always.”
The humanity in our team, and the humanity we welcome. We have no error: our duty, our commitment, is the result.
What has enabled Welcome Service to last for three decades?
Our strict respect of our corporate clients’ instructions has always been a cornerstone. Our determination, our independence, our ability to adapt, all without ever compromising quality. The quality and commitment of our team—three of our employees have over 30 years of experience today!
We’ve grown gradually without seeking growth at all costs, but always with the pursuit of excellence as our sole objective.
The next generation
How did you experience the transition?
When Laetitia joined in 2004, she started from the very beginning. She learned the trade quickly and in 2010 took over with strength and energy. Guillaume arrived at the end of 2014. He came from a finance background but wanted a more human project and joined the family adventure. Initially managing communications, prospecting, and the redesign of the website.
In 2017, Laetitia opened Lausanne. I then decided to hand over the company to them; I knew they were ready. Welcome Service was my fourth child, and I was proud to entrust its future to them.
Any advice for those who make it thrive today?
I truly believe people are a company’s greatest asset. A professor I admired at IMD once said: « People are a company’s primary value. Only companies that recognize the irreplaceable value of their employees succeed in the long term. »
Summing it up
And if you had to sum up Welcome Service in one sentence?
“An entrepreneurial, human and family adventure driven by passionate and committed individuals. That, to me, is the story of Welcome Service.”
Many thanks to Catherine Burrus for her words, her passion, and the vision that continues to shape Welcome Service today.
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