Thomas Mueller has to be the prime example of someone who trusted what IMD’s MBA could mean for their future. At the age of 29, he had already worked his way up to Head of Treasury at a leading Swiss bank. After merging the activities into Credit Suisse, he left the group in 1997 to take on a trading position. He soon realized, however, that he was not cut out for a specialist function. If he was going to achieve his sought-after general management function, he would need broader skills and management knowhow. At the age of 35, he decided that the IMD MBA was the answer.

Living in Lausanne with his wife and two girls, 2001 was a tough year for him and also one of economic slowdown, political turmoil and poor job certainty. In 2002, he left IMD without a job – but with new-found knowledge and confidence.

Thomas: “The combination of my background and my new MBA title allowed me to go looking for a senior function back in the banking industry. The MBA confirmed that financial services was the best place for me. A few weeks after IMD, I found a position in the Italian speaking part of Switzerland as Chief Financial Officer in a leading private bank. It was particularly interesting as it also meant a move onto the company’s executive board. I had to learn Italian, but I am convinced that everyone is able to learn anything as long as you are determined to succeed.”

Thomas was Chief Financial & Risk Officer and member of the Executive Board for Banca del Gottardo, part of the Swiss Life Group in Lugano, until 2005. In 2006, he was offered his current function of Group Chief Financial Officer of Swiss Life, one of the top 20 quoted on the Swiss Market. “As group CFO I am in charge of the classical functions of finance, controlling, planning and investor relations, but also of the group's strategic development, M&A, Corporate Finance and Risk Management, and I am responsible for asset and liability management, including the CHF200 billion balance sheet.”

He continues: “As member of the executive board, my MBA experience helps me assess and set priorities quickly, take an open stance to non-finance issues and work efficiently with my colleagues. The MBA times taught me that learning is a life-long task and that things that once worked well can change and be improved. Jan Kubes' 3H (Humanity, Humility & Humour) became one of my personal philosophies. The MBA experience always reminds me of how much is possible if people are committed to their targets, while keeping their feet on the ground.”

Thomas is still involved with IMD. “In 2007, together with an MBA 2001 classmate, Swiss Life sponsored an IMD International Consulting Project with the MBA 2007 class. The project was well received within our company, contributed to our strategic thoughts, and intensified Swiss Life’s ties with IMD. Personally, it was a pleasure to have regular contact with the Faculty and the MBA students. We will be available for such projects again.”

Published: 2008