Ralf Heckner | |
|---|---|
| Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States | |
| Assumed office 20 September 2024 | |
| President | Viola Amherd |
| Preceded by | Jacques Pitteloud |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Ralf Heckner 1967 (age 58–59) Davos, Switzerland |
| Spouse | Ilaria Macconi |
| Children | 2 |
| Education | University of Fribourg PhD |
| Occupation | Diplomat |
| Website | FDFA website |
Ralf Heckner (German pronunciation: [ʁalf ˈhɛknɐ]; born 1967) is a Swiss diplomat who currently serves as Ambassador of Switzerland to the United States since 2024. He previously served as Ambassador to India and Bhutan.
Heckner was born 1967 in Davos, Switzerland, to German-born Gert Heckner, a professor for French and Latin, and Margrit Heckner, into a Catholic family. During his youth he served as an altar server.
His father is originally from Cologne, Germany and came to Switzerland in the 1950s, obtaining a Doctorate from the University of Fribourg. Heckner attended the local schools and subsequently studied History at the University of Fribourg and the University of Rome and obtained a PhD.