Historian and economist, Elmar Ledegerber was a member of the Cantonal Council of the canton of Zurich from 1979 to 1987, a member of the National Council from 1987 to 1998, a member of the executive of the city of Zurich from 1998 to 2002 and Mayor of Zurich from 2002 to 2008. He has also been President of Zurich Tourism.