He has partnered with publicly listed companies, family-owned businesses, and large associations. His sector expertise includes pharma, life science, and chemicals. Thomas is passionate to create tangible communications impact by combining strategic advice with operational excellence.
He has partnered with publicly listed companies, family-owned businesses, and large associations. His sector expertise includes pharma, life science, and chemicals. Thomas is passionate to create tangible communications impact by combining strategic advice with operational excellence.
Thomas brings more than 20 years of international experience from two leading industrial players to the table. He served as Head of Group Communications at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany – a family-owned, DAX 40 listed technology company covering healthcare, life science, and electronics.
Prior to that, he held various positions at BASF in Germany, Switzerland, and the US, spending five years in charge of global crisis communications at the world’s largest chemical company.
Thomas studied Social Sciences at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany and Copenhagen Business School, Denmark. He earned his doctorate in Political Science and enjoyed an executive education program held by Stanford and INSEAD.
Corporate Reputation and Positioning
A trusted advisor to CEOs and board members. Worked for one of the very first female executive board members in Germany. When the first female manager became sole CEO in the DAX 40, it was Thomas and his inhouse comms team who orchestrated this much-noticed leadership transition.
Proven in creating compelling thought leadership platforms with relevant content and adequate tonality.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Broad level of expertise in corporate transactions, be it acquisitions, divestitures, post-merger integration, joint ventures, or strategic alliances. Thomas was instrumental in two major transformative hostile acquisitions of US-listed chemical companies.
Crisis Management and Preparedness
Helped organizations and individuals navigate high-stakes situations. His portfolio includes a variety of scenarios an industrial company could potentially be facing, such as manufacturing, supply chain, R&D, IT, or occupational health accidents. Has also advised on restructuring and compliance topics.
Strong emphasis on holistic issues management, preventive crisis handling, and hands-on training.
People Communications
Established impactful employee engagement agendas across channels and geographies. Has created innovative dialog formats, enabling senior leaders to build proximity and trust. Experienced in tailoring face-to-face, virtual, or hybrid events to the specific needs of organizations undergoing constant change.
Track record of trustful interaction with HR functions, works councils, and trade unions.