I have known Gretta for about twenty years, as we both 'grew up' in the anti-corruption movement. Gretta always greeted with a warm hello. She was smart, for sure, but even more -- she always seemed clear about who she was and where she was, even as she stepped into rather big shoes and took on the challenges of running the Basel Institute!
We both worked in a space that had largely been defined by well-connected, established men, leading thinkers and doers in their respective fields. Gretta never appeared intimidated by that; she just dove in. I admired her ability to speak eloquently to any crowd – and to remain very human off the stage, too. On many occasions we caught up on work, life and on raising two boys. Hers were younger than mine, but the balancing act of work, family, travel and beyond was something we discussed several times.
I was lucky enough to work with her and her team on many occasions, to take part in events in Basel and elsewhere with her, where the discussions were always full of substance, commitment and purpose. This no doubt reflected who she was and the culture she nurtured. In recent years, I also noticed that she was very outspoken when she felt politics was not living up to its promise, even in her own country, Switzerland.
Leading the Basel Institute from a comparatively young age, always sharpening her expertise, showing diplomacy and guts and credibility... Gretta was brave. She will be sorely missed, and I sincerely hope her ambition and spirit live on in our community. My deep condolences to her family – may her memory be a blessing.
~ Robin Hodess, Strategy Lead, The B Team, formerly of Transparency International