MARKUS PFANNER
My journey
Over more than two decades, I have worked in innovation and sustainability driven industries across various global roles, diverse markets, and complex organisational environments — former Global Vice President at Tetra Pak.
My career did not follow a straight line. It evolved through continuous learning, new responsibilities, and stepping into unfamiliar territory — from local and operational roles to leading global business areas and sustainability transformations at scale. Along the way, I could build my leadership capabilities and interdisciplinary business skills — across strategy development & execution, business development, marketing, sales & commercial management, product management, sustainability — often in roles where the stakes were high.
I have experienced firsthand what it means to grow into leadership: navigating new roles, managing high complexity, making decisions under pressure, and leading large teams (up to around 100) across cultures and geographies. My journey including high-potential development and senior leadership programs shaped my trajectory and showed me the importance of structured reflection and support.
Over time, my focus increasingly shifted towards transformation — not only at a business level, but also in how organisations and leaders adapt and change. Leading global sustainability and business transformations required aligning strategy, operations, and people — often in environments with competing priorities, strong stakeholder dynamics, and long-term implications.
These experiences have given me a deep understanding of industry-leading transformation and what people leadership looks like from the inside.
PARTICULAR EXPERIENCE
Sustainability and ESG transformation
Circular economy and recycling systems
Large-scale strategic growth programs
Stakeholder and industry alignment
Leadership transitions
International team leadership
WHY I DO THIS TODAY
In a fast and dynamic business environment, there is limited space to openly reflect on challenges, doubts, or underlying assumptions. Leaders are expected to perform, decide, and move forward.
This is where I see the value of combining my business and sustainability background with executive coaching and business advisory.
I decided to build on my experience by completing the Executive Coaching Certification at IMD (accredited program by ICF), adding a structured and professional coaching approach to my leadership background. Today, I work with leaders at different stages of their journey — from emerging high-potential talent to senior executives — as well as organizations that look for creating sustainable business value and move from ambition to results.
What motivates me in this work is the opportunity to support people in moments that really matter — when they are stepping into something new, navigating complexity, transforming businesses, enabling sustainable development, or shaping important decisions. I have experienced myself how valuable it is to have the right support at the right time.
HOW I WORK
My approach is shaped by both experience and methodology. I combine:
A focus on the human dimension of leadership and transformation
Real-world senior leadership and business experience, in international high-stakes environments
A structured coaching and advisory approach, grounded in professional certification (by IMD)
A pragmatic and business-oriented mindset
This allows me to engage both as executive coach and business advisor — depending on what the challenge requires.
Let’s talk
If this resonates with your current situation or challenges, I would be happy to connect and explore how I can support you or your organization.