Relinquishing the Reign: Countess Bettina Bernadotte Steps Down from Mainau Island
Direction Set by Mainau's Managing Director - Mainau's island ruler relinquishes administrative roles
So long, royal scion! Countess Bettina Bernadotte, a mainstay at the helm of Mainau Island on Lake Constance since 2007, has decided it's time to shuffle the deck. Her departure allows for an exquisite blend of family and external talent to steer the company, as per the announcement from Mainau GmbH.
Her regal brother, Count Björn Bernadotte, will soldier on in his managing director role, ensuring continuity amidst the transition. If you're wondering where the Countess will be, fear not! She assures us she'll remain an integral part of the Mainau story, seated on the foundation board.
The beloved island near Konstanz, belonging to the grand old Bernadotte family — descendants of the Swedish royal line — has been their labor of love for five generations. A magnet for over a million visitors annually, this tourist sensation in the heart of Lake Constance goes by the nickname “Flower Island.”
Charming park and garden vistas, a Baroque-style chateau, a lush palm house, and a mesmerizing butterfly house mean 45 hectares of pure enchantment. The Mainau GmbH, with its year-round staff of around 150 and 30 trainees, grows even larger with the addition of approximately 200 seasonal workers each year.
The Lennart Bernadotte Foundation, a non-profit organization, holds the sole share in Mainau GmbH. As the search for a savvy new external manager kicks off, we eagerly await what fresh blooms will sprout on “Flower Island.” Stay tuned for updates, as the story of Mainau Island continues to unfold!
- The upcoming external manager for Mainau GmbH may bring new policies to align with the employment policies of the community and the home-and-garden lifestyle the island is known for.
- As the Countess Bettina Bernadotte transitions from her role as managing director, she hopes to maintain an active presence in shaping the lifestyle and future employments policies on Mainau Island, much like she has in the past.
