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
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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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.
Strengthening Advancement Capacity and Culture Through a Long-Term Search Partnership
With Boyden’s support, Loyola Marymount University built a high-performing advancement team by filling 15 key fundraising roles over five years, strengthening collaboration, continuity, and campaign readiness.
Strategic Board Renewal for a High-Growth Cybersecurity Leader
Boyden partnered with a publicly traded cybersecurity firm to appoint a transformative director whose reputation and leadership experience amplify the company’s strategic ambitions and market position.
Thought Leadership
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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.
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.
Boyden Report Series
What’s Next for Industry? AI, Transformation, and the Talent Imperative
Industrial Trends Report: Analysing markets, studies, and trends on how AI, machine learning, and digitalisation are reshaping the industrial sector, with expert insights on talent and leadership from Boyden’s Global Industrial Practice Members.
Boyden Report Series
As social impact organisations stir our conscience, where does your organisation stand?
Social Impact Report: Analysing the trends and companies reshaping the role of enterprise in society, with expert insights from Boyden's Global Social Impact Practice Members
News & Events
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In the Media
The Bulgarian Executive Search Association with a New Chairman
Kalina Petkova has been elected Chair of the Bulgarian Executive Search Association, a partner of the AESC.
In the Media
Boyden's Patrick Naef joins DisrupTV in latest episode
In conversation with R "Ray" Wang and Vala Afshar, Patrick explores the shifts within the role of the CIO and the value digital experts are creating.
Contact Kai Ellerkmann today and let's get started