YBR – History - YBR Geologists Ltd

About the job

History

[1997 – present] Labor omnia vincit improbus

1997- Foundation and return to roots

YBR Geologists Ltd originated in 1997 when Yves-Alain Brechbühler founded an engineering geology and geotechnics office in Neuchâtel. A geologist and hydrogeologist, former assistant/researcher in soil mechanics at ETH Zurich, then executive in several renowned offices in German-speaking Switzerland and the Lake Geneva region, Mr Brechbühler – born in La Chaux-de-Fonds – thus made a true return to his roots.

The activity started in March 1997 under the sole proprietorship Yves-Alain Brechbühler Consulting Engineer SIA. The founder worked alone for nearly ten years, collaborating on call with a freelance draughtswoman and, between 2005 and 2007, with a part-time geology intern.

2007 – Integration of Mikaël Hänni

The handover is organised

In 2007, Mr Brechbühler’s reputation in the fields of geotechnics and engineering geology was well established within the regional construction economic fabric. The founder decided to hire a full-time geologist/geotechnician to assist him in engineering geology, geotechnical design, and to pass on his knowledge as a senior project manager. He chose Mikaël Hänni, also a geologist from La Chaux-de-Fonds, an academic specialised in engineering geology and rock mechanics researcher, then working on special works projects for a geotechnical consultancy in Geneva, alongside his role as scientific collaborator at the University of Fribourg.

This duo was built between the two specialists on a demanding and concrete experience transfer, as well as anticipating future developments in the profession. Mr Brechbühler passed on to Mr Hänni – beyond theoretical excellence – what cannot be learned from books or courses: the practical feedback of a lifetime as a geotechnician and engineering geologist serving construction sites. Mr Hänni gradually added modern methodologies and outlined future developments. This alchemy, based on independence of mind, rigour, passion for applied sciences and inventiveness, became the office’s DNA.

2008-2012 – Expansion of areas of expertise

Environment and Natural Hazards

From 2008, Mikaël Hänni proposed expanding the office’s areas of expertise by developing two new sectors close to his heart: Environment and Natural Hazards.

Between 2008 and 2010, the office’s expertise in contaminated sites and environmental consulting was created by Mr Hänni: successfully, as this sector has since become one of the office’s pillars.

From 2010, he created the natural risk management expertise (modelling rockfall and flood phenomena, design of protective structures, etc.), the office becoming a pioneer in these modelling topics for the Jura arc.

2011-2016 – Strengthening resources and expertise

In anticipation of the office’s handover to Mr Hänni planned for the end of 2016, the company name was changed in 2011. The office became YBR Geologists Ltd. Mikaël Hänni formally joined the management.

Client trust in the Brechbühler/Hänni duo and the expansion of services increased the workload. The freelance draughtswoman Line Berset was hired full-time.

At Mr Hänni’s request, Charles Robert-Charrue joined the team in 2012 as a recognised specialist in underground works (tunnels) and structural geology, strengthening the office’s expertise in these fields. The staff then reached 4 full-time employees. Between 2013 and 2016, these methods and expertise were consolidated.

Sharing a common strategic vision for the office’s future and with complementary scientific, technical and human skills, Messrs Hänni and Robert-Charrue decided that the office takeover at the end of 2016 would be as two partners. Mr Robert-Charrue joined the management team in 2014.

2017 – Handover completed and modernisation

On 1 January 2017, the full purchase of the company by Messrs Hänni and Robert-Charrue was finalised. The founder then enjoyed a well-deserved retirement.

From 2017, the new leaders implemented a modernisation plan: software and hardware investments, process structuring, preparation for growth.

The past achievements, reinforced by present methodologies, attracted historic clients and new customers. Staff numbers grew from 4 employees in 2017 to 15 in 2025, with the arrival of geotechnical engineers (ETH or polytechnic), specialists in contaminated sites and environment, CHYN hydrogeologists, geothermal specialists, pedologists, as well as technical draughtsmen, 3D modellers and a full administrative team (HR + accounting).

The growing staff made departmental structuring necessary (see below). The geotechnical department has been led by Émilie Decrausaz (civil engineer EPFL specialised in geotechnics) since 2023, the CAD department by Stéphanie Donner since 2024. The other departments are led by Messrs Hänni and Robert-Charrue.

2021–2022 – Establishment in France

YBR Geotechnics Environment (Paris)

Driven by Mr Hänni’s international commitments (expertise, associations and geotechnical working groups) and successful collaborations on major sites, various economic actors in the Paris region showed interest in YBR methods.

After market research, the company YBR Geotechnics Environment was created in 2021 in Paris, with the official inauguration of our offices in the 9th arrondissement in 2022.

After a phase of establishment, prospecting and reputation building, word of mouth worked: dozens of assignments have since been successfully completed for private clients and public authorities (Paris City Hall, hospitals, etc.).

Although the Swiss and French companies are legally distinct, a strong synergy exists within the group: shared methods, specialists mobilised on both sides as needed, working groups, methodological transfers.

More information at www.ybrfrance.fr

2025 – Strengthened proximity in Eastern French-speaking Switzerland

Opening of the Nyon branch

In Switzerland, YBR Geologists Ltd also sees its clientele expand. Through the trust relationship created, many partners and clients call on our services for assignments in the Geneva region, La Côte and adjacent Jura arc regions. To serve them with perfect responsiveness and proximity, management decided to open a new dedicated structure in the nerve centre of this region: the Nyon branch has been serving our clients since summer 2025.

Two new employees – experienced geotechnicians with strong regional experience – started the same year in our new premises in Eysins (Nyon, VD).

Today – An integrated, independent and ethical expertise

To date, our company employs more than 15 staff in Switzerland, organised into five departments:

• GEOTEC: geotechnics, engineering geology, site management in special works and earthworks
• GEO-ENV: geology, hydrogeology, contaminated sites, geothermal energy, pedology, natural hazards and environmental protection
• CAD: technical drawing, 2D and 3D CAD modelling, GIS
• INSTRUMENTATION-TESTS: vibration measurements, displacement measurements, piezometric measurements
• ADMIN: administration, accounting, HR, strategy

YBR Geologists Ltd belongs to the Anticlinal Holding Ltd group (wholly owned by Messrs Hänni and Robert-Charrue), free of any external participation, guaranteeing independence and ethics.

The current team is a living testimony of what constitutes the office’s DNA, a deliberate mix of decades of experience coupled with the cutting edge and dynamism of the new generation of scientists and engineers. The interactions between our interregional and international structures are a performance lever serving our clients and an exciting working environment for our staff.