In the Media
If the culture doesn't fit, the best CV is useless
Kai Ellerkmann
Senior Associate, Switzerland
Kai Ellerkmann has an international and entrepreneurial background in the telecommunications and energy sectors. He has held senior management roles in various functional areas including finance and human resources, gaining proven ability to assess talent, build strategic partnerships, and develop high-performing multicultural teams, aligning people and processes with organizational goals.
Professional Focus
- Over 10 years’ experience in senior management roles, primarily in telecommunications and energy
- Functional expertise in human resources and finance
- Broad operational background spanning marketing, communications, product management, accounting, IT and project management as well as recruitment, training and development
- Fluent in German and English, with basic knowledge of Italian
Business Expertise
- Head of HR and Finance at Car For You AG
- Head of Billing at EWZ
- Head of Products (Product Management, Marketing & Billing) and Board Member at Telecom Liechtenstein AG; promoted from Head of Billing
- Specialist Billing - Projects and Processes at Verizon Business; earlier roles included Senior Billing Executive, France/Switzerland Billing Technical Operations, Billing Executive, Billing Operations (Technical/Commercial); Billing Specialist, International Billing Development
- Founder and Managing Director of wine importer and retailer Ellerkmann & Hach Weinhandel (business sold to successor)
Additional Expertise
- Telecommunications
- Technology
Education & Certifications
- Certified Strengths Coach, Gallup
- Certified Product Manager (FH), Munich Marketing Academy
- Management effectiveness training, Malik Management Centrum, St. Gallen
- Coursework in business administration and managerial economics at the Open University in Hagen
- Certified IT Project Manager Telecommunications, Siemens Business Services, Bonn
- Studies in history, and political science and law at the Universities of Bochum and Bonn
Case Studies
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A Time-Critical CFO Hire for a Scaling, PE-Backed Manufacturer
Boyden partnered with a private equity-backed leader in automated test systems to execute a Partner-led search with disciplined assessment and rapid momentum, identifying a finalist within two weeks and closing the mandate within 60 days.
Transforming Operations in a Family-Owned Medical Device Business
Building a High-Performance HR Function for a Multi-Site Laboratory Organization
Through collaboration with Boyden, the Chief People Officer of a PE-backed company secured two pivotal leaders, a Vice President of Human Resources and a Head of Talent Acquisition, to elevate human capital strategy, drive transformation, streamline recruitment, and strengthen enterprise alignment.
Thought Leadership
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Articles & Papers
A Regional CEO Search to Realise U.S. Market Potential for a European Family-Owned Business
A European family-owned business approaching generational transition recognized that its U.S. operation required more than continuity—it required growth. The challenge was to redefine leadership for a critical market while navigating family dynamics and cross-border complexity. Here’s how the right appointment helped unlock the company’s U.S. potential.
Articles & Papers
MedTech Leadership Succession & Next-Gen Executive Strategy
Discover why MedTech leadership succession is a strategic imperative—and how these companies can build strong, future-ready executive pipelines.
Boyden Report Series
The Status Quo of Digital Transformation in Switzerland in 2025
Articles & Papers
Private Equity's Role in Powering the Energy Transition
As energy markets transform, private equity is driving the transition with diversified portfolios and leaders who can master both legacy and renewable systems.
News & Events
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Press Release
Boyden Expands in Europe by Appointing Six New Partners and One Principal
New additions strengthen client support in executive search and interim management
In the Media
Michèle Gschwend: "It's always about the people"
In an interview, the supply chain expert Michèle Gschwend explains what changes are taking center stage in everyday business and how companies of all sizes can prepare for the next crisis.
Contact Kai Ellerkmann today and let's get started