About me
Kourosh GHAFFARI - your interim manager and sparring partner for medium-sized companies
Career
As a former CEO with overall responsibility for a medium-sized company, I know the challenges and opportunities of running a business at first hand.
Today, as an interim manager and consultant, I support companies in times of change, helping them to optimise structures, sharpen financial strategies and make processes more efficient.
My goal is to use my experience to develop sustainable solutions and make companies fit for the future.
I started my career in international banking, where I was responsible for the sales of products to my unit’s key accounts at major financial institutions.
During this time, I led international, multi-disciplinary teams across countries and business lines to develop client-centric solutions.
Later, as CEO, I took overall responsibility for a wholesale and logistics company, which I successfully repositioned strategically. This gave me first-hand experience of the business decisions that are critical to sustainable success.
Sector experience and cross-industry thinking
During my many years in commercial banking, I worked with medium-sized companies in a wide range of industries, from IT and engineering to trade and services.
As managing director of a wholesale and logistics company, one of my main areas of focus was the publishing industry.
In investment banking, I advised multinational corporations and insurance companies.
For a Japanese banking group, I was responsible for global business with German multinationals, particularly in the automotive and energy sectors.
My approach: Successful companies break away from rigid industry standards and develop customer-focused solutions that transcend industry boundaries.
I bring this perspective to my work to identify new growth opportunities and create competitive advantage.
Leadership & collaboration: the hard school in a matrix organisation
In my leadership roles I have always worked in complex organisations.
I have coordinated multi-disciplinary teams in different markets and implemented successful global sales strategies – often without direct authority, but through strategic control, persuasion and clear, focused communication.
My experience shows that successful leadership in a complex environment requires a structured, inclusive approach that fosters collaboration and overcomes silo thinking.
With extensive experience in business management, process improvement and financial strategy, I bring
- clarity to complex structures,
- optimise processes and
- foster collaboration.
My pragmatic approach is based on strategic management and international experience.
My goal is to increase efficiency, ensure stability and align organisations for sustainable success.