K. W.
VerifiedChief Operating Officer (COO)
Entrepreneur & Operator | SME Operations, Performance & Professionalisation
Neuchâtel, Switzerland
On-site within 100 km
10–100% · Available from Oct 2026
Executive summary
Finance-trained entrepreneur and hands-on operator with 20+ years across international corporate finance and SME ownership. Former Deputy Group Treasurer at Regus, followed by a decade founding, acquiring, scaling and operating businesses in Switzerland, including building an operation from start-up to c. CHF 2.4m revenue and 25 employees. I work best with founder- and owner-led businesses that have outgrown informal ways of working or need stronger operational and financial discipline. I quickly get to grips with how a business actually works, identify the few issues holding back performance, and implement practical improvements across management information, processes, accountability, cash and margins, team structure and execution. Particularly relevant for professionalisation, founder dependency, operational stabilisation, performance improvement, owner transition and special situations where the business needs an experienced operator who can move between the numbers and day-to-day execution.
Problems solved
- Cost Reduction & Operational Efficiency
- Turnaround & Restructuring
- Financial Planning & Controlling
Selected outcomes
Built a business from start-up to CHF 2.4m revenue and 25 employees
Founded and scaled an independent hospitality business from approximately CHF 365k annual revenue and 3 employees to approximately CHF 2.4m revenue and 25 employees. Built the operating structure, management team, financial controls, processes and supplier base required to support that growth.
Built management systems for a growing owner-led SME
Introduced management information, KPI tracking, labour and cost controls, operating processes and clearer management responsibilities as the business grew in scale and complexity. Combined financial analysis with hands-on operational decisions across pricing, staffing, purchasing, scheduling and performance.
Acquired, operated and successfully transferred SME businesses
Acquired and operated an established holiday-rental business and completed the sale of two restaurant businesses over a three-year period. Gained first-hand experience of acquisition, owner transition, business transferability and the practical requirements of making an SME less dependent on its founder.
Leadership experience
20
20 years of experience
12
12 years in leadership roles
Career history
Owner
Mountain Plus Sàrl
Nov 2015 – Present
Acquired an established alpine holiday-rental and property-management business in 2016 and continues to lead it as owner and managing director. Owns strategy, pricing, budgeting, cash flow and day-to-day operations, together with owner, supplier, partner and distribution-channel relationships.
Founder
Okapi Restaurants Sàrl
Dec 2017 – Aug 2026
Founded and scaled an independent hospitality business from CHF 365k revenue in 2018 to CHF 2.4m in 2025; grew the team from 3 to approximately 25 employees. Held full P&L, cash-flow, financing and budgeting responsibility; managed pricing, staffing, liquidity, working capital, banking, suppliers, payroll and financial administration. Built management reporting and financial models to guide commercial strategy, investment, cost control and restructuring decisions while leading day-to-day operations. Business closed in 2026.
Deputy Group Treasurer
Regus plc
Oct 2012 – Feb 2016
Oversaw front- and back-office treasury operations across 100+ countries and led a nine-person team, including a remote back-office function. Defined and implemented worldwide cash-management strategy; managed global liquidity, banking relationships, the in-house bank, intercompany funding and netting, and Group FX and interest-rate exposures. Supported corporate financing and led or assisted negotiations covering bank-facility documentation and pricing; delivered senior reporting for the CFO and Board.
Industries
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Work model
Rate band
CHF 1,000–1,500 / dayInterested in a conversation with K. W.?
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