Petra Ahlert

I have lived and worked in Switzerland for 17 years and hold dual Swiss and German citizenship. Based in Zug, I am deeply rooted in the region through my long-term partnership with a Swiss national. While I thrive professionally in technology-driven environments, I also value and actively embrace Swiss traditions. Guild events (Zunftanlaesse) are, to me, outstanding social occasions that reflect the strength of community and cultural continuity. For over 25 years, I have shaped global growth strategies and built high-performing organizations as an international executive. My core focus areas: Strategy, Marketing & Business Development, AI-enabled Transformation, and Organizational Development. Complementing my AI expertise, my senior management tenure at Cisco gives me a strong understanding of cybersecurity and its anchoring in corporate governance. Amid rising digital risks and uncertainty, I bring valuable perspectives to the boardroom. I thrive in international Tech/IT companies and navigate complex matrix organizations successfully at local, regional, and global levels. Known for my pioneering spirit and international perspective, I combine data-driven strategy with leadership, passion, and purpose. At the same time, I am an investor and mentor. I spot market opportunities early and design the corresponding growth strategies. My Personal Values:  Goal and results orientation  Positive, action-oriented mindset without losing sight of reality  High integrity as the foundation for sustainable stakeholder and team relationships  Leading by example through professionalism and quality in approach  Authenticity through honesty and transparency What Sets Me Apart:  “A Leader with heart – and very smart.”  Strategic, structured, and organized  Relentlessly seeking better solutions  It starts with me: “New paths emerge by walking them.” (Franz Kafka) PROFESSIONAL CAREER __________________________________________________________ 2025 – present | Independent Consultant, Zug Consultancy in Strategy, Business Development and Marketing with international clients Advising and Accompanying companies in their AI transformation and AI solution development 2008 – 2024 | Cisco, Zurich Senior Director Marketing EMEA, Member, Cisco Germany Management Board; Member, European Marketing Leadership Team 1998 – 2007 | Siemens, Munich Senior roles in International Product Management, Business Development, Marketing 1994 – 1998 | Studies incl. semesters abroad in Paris and London 1991 – 1994 | Deutsche Bank, Rheine and Nordhorn Apprenticeship as Bank Clerk; Investment Advisor EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS __________________________________________________________ 2025 – present | Continuing education in new technologies, AI, strategy 2025 | Corporate Governance: Best Board Practice, Verwaltungsrat Management AG, Lucerne 2018 | Corporate Governance: Management and Development of the Board of Directors, Swiss Board School, University of St. Gallen 2017 | Organizational & Relationship Systems Coaching (ORSC), CRR London 2015 | Certified Master Coach, INLPTA, Munich 1994 – 1998 | Master of Business Administration Double-degree in European Business, University of Applied Sciences Münster, Germany and KEDGE Business School, Bordeaux, France SPECIAL ASSIGNMENTS & AWARDS __________________________________________________________ Strategic Advisor at the Board of Trustees, German Marketing Association (2019 – present) Consulting: Women’s development program in Ecuador: Business strategy and 5-year plan for a consumer-goods portfolio (2023) Mentor: Zurich Directorate of Education, supporting students with a migration background to secure apprenticeships (2013 – 2023) Five-time Cisco award winner, incl. Humanitarian Award, SMB Leadership, Marketing Excellence Award, and Leadership Excellence Finalist (Global) INTERESTS __________________________________________________________ Hiking, skiing, reading, friendships