I help family businesses to successfully master their many challenges at the interface between family and business. I see myself as a partner who can support you competently and sustainably.
Owner- and business strategy – A compass for your success
A stringent owner strategy is an essential compass for successful family businesses. It defines who has a share in the family business, and under which conditions, the values and aims both family and business pursue, what the basic features of the business and its business model look like, which key principles are relevant for the executives, how to negotiate important power and financial matters, the guidelines that apply to the owners, and what the long-term role plan looks like. Such an owner strategy is the starting point for the development of a business strategy and the structures and processes that stem from that. I develop successful owner and business strategies cooperating with all owners, and function both as a moderator and as an expert, sparring partner and aid to implementation.
Family constitution – Guidelines for family and business
I advise business families to develop their strategic principles together and on a consensus basis, in the form of a family constitution put together in their own words. Gaining understanding together and building consensus are as important as the written end product. Studies indicate that such family constitutions make family businesses more successful and business families more content. I am happy to support you with working out your family constitution as a moderator, expert, sparring partner and aid to implementation.
Governance and Organisation – Rules for working together in your business
Successful family businesses need intelligent rules for the interplay between the executives, board, company meetings and partners. How family members work together must be clearly regulated, and the flow of information between different bodies must be properly defined. Financial matters like compensation, dividends, business loans and the conditions when exiting family business ownership need clear and consensual rules. To ensure that good Corporate Governance meets its aims in practice, organisational structures and processes must be adapted as necessary. I am happy to help you optimise your governance and organisation as a moderator, expert, sparring partner and aid to implementation.
Advisory board – establishment and optimisation of control and advisory committees
Professional advisors make a marked contribution to the success of your family business. The basic proviso is a clear definition of roles for the board, the establishment of precise requirements and search profiles for board members, and an appropriate remuneration policy. Another important thing is good reporting and effective and efficient means of working with owners and the executives. I am happy to support you with the establishment and optimisation of your advisory or supervisory board and with the search for suitable board members as a moderator, expert, sparring partner and aid to implementation.
Succession – A chance instead of a risk
Well-prepared succession is a chance for a new chapter of success in the history of the family business, and should not be understood as a “planned crisis.” To reach this aim, careful planning and preparation is required based on open dialogue in the family and in the business. In particular, the development of a suitable succession concept, the definition of a clear development path for successors, setting a step-back strategy for those handing over the reins, and the adaption of strategy and organisation of leadership are the most significant factors. I am happy to support you in the development and implementation of your succession strategy as a moderator, expert, sparring partner and aid to implementation.
Equity capital for growth companies
Together with entrepreneur friends, I invest in promising growth companies and start-ups. In addition to capital, we also provide our experience and our network. We operate across industries and invest long-term in companies with innovative, scalable business models and high-caliber management teams.
