MARTIJN VAN GEEST
Senior executive and strategy advisor with more than 25 years of experience leading and repositioning international organizations. I specialize in the interface between the board of directors and executive management, creating strategic clarity and governance efficiency at C-suite level during critical phases.
My approach combines the methodological depth of top-tier management consulting with the pragmatic execution strength of a line executive. As a trained commercial pilot (CPL), I operate in business with the same directness, fact-based rigor, and consistency in execution — especially under high pressure.
PROFIL
CORE COMPETENCIES
Strategic Architect & Governance:
Professionalization of leadership structures and acceleration of decision-making speed at group level.
Value Creation & Exit Readiness:
Digital and operational value enhancement to optimize the equity story (proven exit track record).
Performance & Turnaround:
Full P&L responsibility in restructuring programs (P&L impact > CHF 100 million) and cash flow optimization.
Intercultural Leadership:
Strong intercultural competence with negotiation-level leadership in four languages (Dutch, German, English, Spanish), with a focus on DACH, LATAM, and APAC.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Adnovum AG, Zurich | 2022 – 2026
Strategic Architect & Executive Advisor
Member of the Global Leadership Team | Focus: Leadership Agility & Governance Transformation
Impact: Redesign of governance structures; transformation of collaboration between the leadership team and the board of directors — shifting from executing board directives to acting as an active value driver for portfolio strategy and M&A.
Governance: Established a fact-based decision framework for the Global Executive Team, significantly increasing execution speed.
Unilode Aviation Solutions, Zurich/Amsterdam | 2018 – 2022
Managing Director Digital Solutions
Member of the Global Leadership Team | Focus: Digital Value Creation & M&A Exit
Equity Story: Positioned digital transformation (build-up of a global digital organization / global IoT rollout) as a central value driver in the sales process; successful exit to private equity.
Responsibility: Global accountability for digital platform, digital products, and digital operations.
Executive Advisor / Interim Management, Basel | 2016 – 2018
Mission: Strategic Turnaround & Data Governance
Turnaround: CEO coaching and restructuring of a technology company; restored cash flow transparency and EBITDA reporting for the board of directors.
Data Strategy: Defined a group-wide data governance framework for SBB to secure long-term strategic capability.
SBB Cargo AG, Basel | 2011 – 2016
Head of Corporate Projects
Member of the Executive Board | Focus: Structural Restructuring & Profitability
Performance: Led the turnaround program; delivered CHF 100 million in sustainable cost efficiencies.
Break-even: Returned the company to profitability after multiple years of losses through decisive portfolio corrections.
BearingPoint GmbH, Berlin | 2001 – 2011
Head of Aviation & Travel, Office Managing Partner Strategy & Business Transformation
M&A Support: Strategic support to the Managing Partner during a management buy-out and safeguarding of international transformation mandates.
EDUCATION & LICENSES
Yale School of Management: Executive Education (Leadership)
Hogeschool Rotterdam: Engineering Degree, Air Transport Management
ICAO Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Professional pilot training. Transfer of cockpit discipline and risk competence to strategic leadership in complex, high-stress environments.
Languages: Dutch (native), German (fluent), English (professional proficiency), Spanish (fluent).
Contact
Feel free to contact me for a non-binding initial consultation.
Let’s discuss how I can support you in achieving your goals.