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André Guedel
Director / International Business Development / Global Location and Site Selection Analyst
Professional Background
André Guedel is a highly esteemed corporate catalyst with an extensive career marked by dedication to fostering connections between service lines and clients, ultimately driving long-term value for all stakeholders involved. With a wealth of experience in serving multinational companies, government departments, and non-profit organizations, André excels in connecting the dots that lead to exceptional outcomes.
As the Director for International Business Development at KPMG Switzerland, André spearheads various departmental marketing activities aimed at large multinational companies, particularly in the Life Sciences sector. He is responsible for the entire spectrum of business development processes, from the inception of ideas to the seamless coordination of go-to-market initiatives. His strategic insight in identifying and prioritizing new business opportunities, coupled with his expertise in managing client relationships, has established him as a leading figure in the Life Sciences industry.
In addition to his role at KPMG, André is the editor of the bi-annual KPMG Site Selection Report for Life Sciences Companies. This comprehensive report provides vital information to organizations considering the establishment of regional headquarters, global business centers, manufacturing plants, and R&D centers. His analytical skills shine through in his work on international competitiveness analyses, including salary and productivity comparisons, cost-of-doing-business evaluations, and more.
André's role extends beyond the corporate realm; he has gained recognition as an expert adviser to investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and governments. His guidance helps these entities enhance business environments and develop effective market-entry strategies aimed at boosting foreign direct investments. Furthermore, André produces macroeconomic and industry-specific reports that are essential for informed location development decisions.
Education and Achievements
André Guedel holds a Master’s degree in Economics from the University of Bern, where he studied key subjects including Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Constitutional Law, and International Law. This solid educational foundation has equipped him with the analytical capabilities necessary for interpreting complex economic environments and advising on strategic decisions related to business development.
His professional journey is characterized by various strategic roles, culminating in his current leadership position. André previously served as the Head of Business Development Tax at KPMG Switzerland, where he was instrumental in driving growth and promoting KPMG’s services in tax consulting. Prior to that, he was the Director of Marketing for Europe and Asia at The Citco Group Limited, where he oversaw marketing and business development strategies tailored for those regions.
André’s career also includes significant contributions to the Swiss Federal Administration, where he served as the Head of Foreign Direct Investment Promotion and as a Program Director. In these capacities, he played a crucial role in attracting international investments into Switzerland and ensuring that the country remained a competitive destination for business operations. His early career as an Economic Advisor at the Swiss Federal Administration provided him with valuable insights into governmental processes and strategic economic initiatives.
Personal and Professional Philosophy
André’s cross-functional and interdisciplinary background empowers him to serve as a strong motivator within the organizations he collaborates with. He embodies the belief that collaboration is key to success, urging individuals and teams to step beyond their silos to foster innovative solutions and drive impactful results. His deep understanding of the interplay between cultural aspects and business expansion success is enriched by various board memberships in chambers of commerce and cultural institutions, further demonstrating his commitment to promoting international business relations and supporting cultural understanding in the business realm.
In summary, André Guedel represents a multifaceted and accomplished leader in business development, site selection, and investment promotion, dedicated to enhancing collaboration and achieving sustainable growth for organizations worldwide.
