Our Friends

Our Friends are Senior Executives with a unique business experience and/or subject matter expertise such as Board Services, Private Equity, Start-up, Mentorship & Coaching, Strategic Networking, etc. They act as Strategic Executive Advisors; depending on our Executive’s unique needs, they might intervene at the appropriate time along our

process.

Alain Bernard

An Investors’ advisor, Board Member in several start-ups as well as a Business and leadership Consultant in capital raise, luxury brand strategy, growth strategy, business transformation and development, team buildup. Alain brings 30+ years of business experience in the high-end luxury industry, whereas the majority of this time with the Richemont Group, including various group regional businesses and global activities in Europe, Asia and Americas. In his last role, he was the President and CEO of Richemont North America. Alain is a recognized expert in the high-end luxury industry, shaping successful brand and business development strategies across geographies.

In 2021, Alain founded Abbey Road Advisory (New-York based) to support mission-driven brands, businesses, their leaders, and their investors, into various transformational strategic crosswalks.
Since then, he very successfully built up a portfolio career, navigating across continents to build up sustainable businesses and relationships.

Aleksandra Golebiewska

A management and leadership Consultant, a Certified Coach, with over 13 years of experience in Executive Search and Senior Executive Assessment, working with local and global organizations across Europe, supporting clients in their Senior Executive’s (internal or external) selection process, and supporting Senior Executives in their personal development and career trajectories. Aleksandra is a recognized expert in Headhunting, Leadership Assessment and Coaching.

With her work at Heidrick & Struggles, Aleksandra remains at the forefront and tip of the Senior Executive Search Industry.
She has additionally recently developed her own Leadership and Executive Advisory activities, based in Zurich/Switzerland.

Hans-Kristian Hoejsgaard

A former CEO, a Board Member, CEO Mentor, Keynote Speaker, and Limited Partner in Private Equity, with 30+ years career in the Luxury and Consumer Goods industry, across categories such as beauty, wine & spirits, watch & jewelry, cigars, accessories, art, hospitality, etc., and across all geographies globally. Hans-Kristian is a recognized business leader with expertise in brand building, working successfully with publicly listed as well as family controlled, and Private Equity owned companies.

Following his career in different senior leading positions, Hans-Kristian has very successfully built-up his portfolio career including multiple Board and Advisory activities. In 2018 he founded Hoejsgaard & Co, providing advisory services on business and brand strategies as well as mentoring to the next generation of Leaders and helping family companies sort out their governance and succession.

César Melo

A former CEO and senior leader at Colgate-Palmolive, PepsiCo, Mondelez and Foster Grant, with more than 30+ years of business experience, including hands-on experience in the US, Europe, APAC, Africa and LATAM, across multiple categories in consumer goods, technology, food, fashion, and lifestyle. César is a recognized industry expert, when it comes to developing and implementing strategic plans for growth and profitability via innovation, customer engagement, global expansion, distribution, M&A, partnerships, restructuring and process improvements. A strong developer of teams and talent.

In the last years, César has built a successful and diverse portfolio career that includes board service, strategic consulting, and a unique portfolio of startup investments. He enjoys joining forces with these founders and his clients’ teams for accelerated growth and transformation.

Jean-Marc Levy

A former global CMO, Board Member, Investor & Lecturer, with 30+ years business experience, including FTSE 10 Management Board member for 7 years in the fastmoving consumer goods industry. Jean-Marc is recognized for consistent top results delivery on a world-wide scale of consumer-centric business solutions driven by leading edge brand building and innovation. He is a genuine people developer and global team builder.

In the last years, he has successfully managed a portfolio career including advisory activities in the field of international marketing, supporting international FMCG companies on strategy development and implementation, as well as activities as investor and board member of start-up’s companies in Switzerland.

Michel Taride

A former President International Fortune 500 Corporation, Venture Partner, Strategic Advisor, SPAC Board Member, with 30+ years of operating experience in the Travel, Automotive industries and in the Smart Mobility space. Michel is a recognized business leader with expertise and competencies in Global Executive Leadership, Transformation, Innovation through start-ups, Strategic Partnerships, Franchising, M&A, Commercial, Operations, Fleet Management, Customer Service, Process Excellence. He has a strong reputation and broad network at global level within the industry and is well connected to Private Equity and VCs.

In the most recent years, Michel has very successfully built a portfolio of Board and Advisory activities. He is namely a Partner in a reputed innovation ecosystem comprising of an incubator/accelerator and a venture fund focusing on smart and sustainable mobility, continuing his journey to leave strong impact of people, organizations and business internationally.