Tell us about your professional experience before discovering the Corporate Governance Institute.*

With almost 25 years in senior roles—CEO, Managing Director, and CFO—I have led in sectors including Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC), Facility Management, Private Equity, Banking, and Mining. 

My experience includes conglomerates like SGS Group Germany, SMEs such as ifp-labs GmbH, and managing teams across Eastern Europe, the Baltics, Russia, and the UK.

Across these roles, I developed deep expertise in stakeholder management, corporate governance, finance, and steering international teams toward strategic goals.

My international experience has strengthened my perspective on governance as not just a structure but a critical foundation for achieving sustained organizational success. One core lesson I’ve learned is that while financial results are crucial, robust governance and risk management systems are fundamental to long-term resilience and growth.

What challenges or opportunities were you facing in your career or on your board before taking our course?

As CFO and CEO, I faced several recurring challenges that highlighted the critical need for strong governance frameworks. Managing cross-border M&A integrations, overseeing restructuring initiatives, and adapting to rapidly evolving regulatory landscapes exposed the complexities of aligning diverse stakeholder interests and balancing short-term goals with sustainable growth.

One of the most pressing challenges was implementing robust risk management systems within companies undergoing rapid change, such as private equity-backed SMEs and publicly traded conglomerates. Ensuring consistent standards across international operations, especially in regions with varying regulatory expectations, presented both a challenge and an opportunity to create unified governance structures that could withstand external pressures.

These experiences made it clear that while financial and operational strategies are essential, a resilient governance framework is key to long-term success. 

This realization ultimately drove me to pursue the Corporate Governance Institute’s programme to formalise my expertise and deepen my understanding of best practices in corporate governance and compliance

Why did you choose to study for the Diploma in Corporate Governance with us to help with these challenges/opportunities?

I chose the Corporate Governance Institute’s Diploma because it provided a focused, practical approach to governance directly aligned with the complex challenges I’ve faced in my career. 

The programme’s emphasis on global standards and robust risk management frameworks equipped me with tools to enhance governance across diverse industries. Additionally, Corporative Governance Institute’s community, with its active exchange of experiences and ideas, offered a valuable network of professionals committed to governance excellence—a resource that continues to enrich my approach as a leader and board member.

Can you describe any particular elements of the course that stood out to you or made a significant impact?

It’s challenging to single out one element, as the course was structured to build each aspect on the next, creating a comprehensive understanding of governance. I found it particularly valuable to clarify the roles and responsibilities of key parties—management, directors, chairs, shareholders, and stakeholders—because unclear boundaries often lead to conflicts. Equally impactful were the modules on strategy, culture, and risk management, and how these elements interconnect to form a solid, resilient governance structure.

How has completing this course influenced your career, leadership approach, or governance or ESG skills?

The course reinforced the importance of integrating Environmental and Social (ESG) elements into a strong governance framework. With ESG as a key part of the curriculum, I now apply a more structured approach, ensuring that environmental and social considerations are integral to sustainable decision-making and long-term success.

What did you find most beneficial about studying with the Corporate Governance Institute?

The most beneficial aspect of studying with the Corporate Governance Institute was the programme’s practical, real-world approach to governance challenges. The curriculum combined best practices with case studies that mirrored the complexities I face in leadership roles, making it highly relevant and actionable. Additionally, the access to the Corporate Governance Institute’s active community of governance professionals created a dynamic platform for exchanging insights and experiences, further enhancing my perspective and strategies in corporate governance.