In 2019, after a diverse career in international corporations and start-ups, I fulfilled a long-held dream by founding Triple Eight Solutions AG. My motivation: to make my knowledge and experience broadly accessible – for companies seeking growth and for people striving to become more successful.
Today, Triple Eight Solutions focuses on two core areas:
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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Consulting
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Business Development – Shaping Growth
Since early 2022, I have been supporting decision-makers and teams in understanding AI strategically and applying it effectively in daily operations – through inspiring workshops, practical use cases, targeted training & coaching, keynotes, and more. In collaboration with trusted IT partners, I also help develop concrete AI solutions such as chatbots, multi-agent frameworks, marketing automation tools, and other productivity applications.
In the field of business development, I support companies in designing and executing their growth strategies – from market analysis and positioning to marketing initiatives and international expansion. Quite simply: I love making things bigger, better, and more impactful.
My consulting style is always tailored, pragmatic, goal-driven, and grounded in partnership. My focus is clear: my clients’ success.
In addition to a broad and trusted network in Switzerland and abroad, my core competencies include: Corporate strategy, executive leadership, AI & productivity, market development, internationalization (export / import / investment), marketing & communication, fundraising & sponsorship, business development, and strategic networking.
I am active in these fields as a managing director, AI consultant, keynote speaker, lecturer, coach, and board member.9
Current activities
- Founder & CEO, Triple Eight Solutions AG
Since 2018, I have been advising companies on strategic growth, positioning and innovation. My current focus is on artificial intelligence – as a strategic tool and operational productivity tool. I lead:
- AI workshops and use case development with management and specialist departments
- Training and individual coaching on tools such as ChatGPT, Midjourney, Claude and others
- Keynotes for companies, associations and public institutions
- Project development with tech partners
- President & Managing Director, Swiss Chamber of Commerce – Central Europe (SEC)
Since 2021, I have been leading the relaunch of the Chamber. With my team, the number of members has more than doubled and the impact in the Switzerland-CEE network has increased significantly. - President, Swiss Marketing Zurich:
As President of Switzerland’s largest marketing and sales community, I strengthen the exchange, relevance and visibility of marketing – for practitioners and managers. - Coach, Trainer & Lecturer
I teach and coach at the ZHAW and other educational platforms on AI & productivity, internationalization, communication and leadership. - Board & Association Work
I am active in various boards, advisory boards and associations. My focus is on strategy, innovation and impact.
Previous experience
- Regional Director Europe, Africa & Central Asia – Switzerland Global Enterprise (2010–2016): Responsible for 50% of global results in export promotion and location promotion. Establishment of an international network with 13 country representations.
- UBS – Head Sponsoring & Events Asia Pacific, später Brand Management (1999–2009): International leadership responsibility in the sponsorship of sports, culture and business. Projects in Zurich, Hong Kong, Tokyo. Build and manage larger teams and budgets.
- Lunchgate AG – Member of the Executive Board, Head of Marketing & Operations (2009–2010): Co-creation of a digital gastronomy start-up with strong growth. Responsibility for brand, communication, customer acquisition.
Industry experience
I have worked in various sectors: finance, IT, education, export promotion, public sector and non-profits. This diversity shapes my understanding of entrepreneurial realities.
International & Intercultural
Stations in New York, Tokyo, Hong Kong as well as responsibility for Asia, Europe, Africa and Central Asia have sharpened my perspective – on people, markets and methods. I speak English, German and French.
Current activities
Since 2021
President & Managing Director
Swiss Chamber of Commerce – Central Europe (SEC)
Strategic and operational management of the leading bilateral platform for CH-CEE economic relations. Successful relaunch, membership growth (+125%), new services, strong community.
Since 2018
Founder & CEO
Triple Eight Solutions AG, Oberrieden
Consulting in business development, AI use, marketing & internationalization. Implementation of keynotes, workshops, coaching and project work for companies from industry, services and the public sector.Since 2022
Präsident
Swiss Marketing Zürich
Management of the largest marketing community in Switzerland. Focus on innovation, knowledge transfer, network maintenance and strategic development of the association.
Previous functions
2010 – 2017
Regional Director Europe, Africa & Central Asia
Switzerland Global Enterprise, Zürich
Overall responsibility for Switzerland’s export and investment promotion in 100+ countries. Head of 14 country representations, key account management for institutions, companies, politics and embassies.
2009 – 2010
Member of the Executive Board, Head of Marketing & Operations
Lunchgate AG, Zürich
Co-founder and responsible for brand building, communication and operational processes of a successful gastro-tech startup.
2005 – 2009
Head of Sponsoring & Events Asia Pacific
UBS AG, Zurich, Tokyo & Hong Kong
Global management of sponsorship projects in Asia (golf, art, music, sports). Budget responsibility, contract management, event implementation, brand management.
1999 – 2004
Head of Marketing – Institutional Clients & Products
UBS AG, Zürich
Marketing responsibility for financial institutions, HR, IT as well as products such as e-banking, global custody and payment transactions.
1995 – 1998
Functions in HR, Marketing & Project Management
UBS AG, Zürich, New York, Basel
Education & Further Education
- MIT Sloan School of Management
Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy (2024) - SVEB-Certificate for Adult Education (2019)
- Projectmanager IPMA (2018)
- Advanced Digital Marketing, SAWI (2017)
- Investment Promotion Program, GDP Global, London (2013)
- ZfU Seminar „Copywriting like a Professional“ (2010)
- Certificate in Marketing & Advertising, University of New York (1997)
- lic.oec.publ., University of Zürich, Major in Marketing (1989–1994)
Personal Committment
- President Swiss Marketing Zürich
- Board Member in other organization (Sport, Business, Education)
- Music and sports: Piano and very motivated tenns player, golfer and skier
- Married, two daughers
I am Malcolm Werchota, a seasoned business strategist and AI evangelist with a rich professional history spanning the oil and gas, pharmaceutical, and artificial intelligence industries. Born in Tunisia and having spent my formative years across various African countries, my multicultural background greatly contributes to my adaptability and global perspective. My mother hails from Zimbabwe, further deepening my African roots and instilling in me an unparalleled ability to understand and navigate cultural nuances.
My career began in the oil and gas sector, where I spent a decade spearheading strategic projects. However, upon becoming a father, I had a change of heart and sought a career that would allow me to contribute to a more sustainable future for my daughters. I pursued an MBA at ESADE and later transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, where I worked at Novartis, gaining valuable insights into the intersection of healthcare and business.
In 2021, I co-founded coatingAI, a Swiss-based startup that leverages the power of AI to revolutionize the coating industry. Drawing on my expertise in AI, we automated coating processes, boosting efficiency while reducing environmental impact. This venture allowed me to combine my passion for technology with my commitment to sustainability.
In 2023, I embarked on a new chapter as an independent consultant, assisting businesses in integrating generative AI into their workflows. I firmly believe in the transformative power of AI and its ability to drive innovation and efficiency across various industries. My goal is to help other enterprises unlock the full potential of this groundbreaking technology and navigate the ever-evolving digital landscape.
Beyond my professional commitments, I cherish the time spent with my daughters at the lake in Bregenz, Austria. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of AI with them, particularly through interactions with ChatGPT, which they often ask me to query due to its vast knowledge base.
- Over 15 years of experience: Held various roles including Head of Marketing, Strategy & Operations, and Digital Transformation in healthcare and energy sectors across Europe, Africa, and Central Asia.
- More than 6 years: Leadership in digital transformation and operations management.
- Since 2021: Independent consultant and AI integration expert.
- Diverse industry experience: From start-ups, SMEs, non-profit organizations to large corporations in fields such as energy, Oil & Gas, healthcare, and technology.
- Broad network: Across business, academia, and politics in various regions.
- Lecturer, mentor, and coach: For leadership, digital transformation, and healthcare topics.
- Internationalization skills: Led strategic projects across 34 countries.
- Integrated digital transformation: Expert in analysis, strategy, design, execution, budget, and control.
- Expert in corporate reorganization: Focus on patient-centricity, long-term employee engagement, and internal communication.
- Strong knowledge of PR, Internet, Intranet, and Social Media.
- Design and execution: Various projects related to digital innovation, people & organization transformation, and business model innovation.
- Fundraising capabilities: Demonstrated through securing a Central European Business Scholarship.
- National and international project management: Managed projects from small to large scales.
- External partners management: Handled agencies, freelancers, rights holders, etc.
- Solution-oriented cooperation: Experience working across all hierarchy levels from board of directors to employees.
- Several years of leadership experience: As a board member, team leader, and project manager.
- Extensive international and intercultural professional experience: Regional responsibilities for Europe, Africa, and Central Asia.
- Multilingual: Fluent in English, German, French and Spanish
Self-employed – AI-Fueled Business Adventurer & Innovator – ChatGPT Evangelist (May 2023 – Present)
- Independent consultant assisting companies in assimilating generative AI into their workflows
- Leveraging expertise in AI and business to help enterprises unlock the potential of AI technology
Co-Founder, coatingAI (Feb 2021 – Present)
- Co-founded coatingAI, leveraging AI to automate coating processes and reduce environmental impact
- Responsible for driving marketing strategy, fundraising, networking, and pre-sales activities
Novartis – AI-Fueled Business Adventurer & Innovator – ChatGPT Evangelist (Jan 2023 – May 2023)
- Successfully implemented generative AI (ChatGPT) for marketing and brand enhancement
- Conducted educational videos and virtual roadshows to promote responsible AI adoption
- Improved operational efficiency within the business unit using AI-driven insights
Novartis – Head of Business Excellence and Essential Brands (Sep 2022 – May 2023)
- Spearheaded strategic management and commercial success of diverse healthcare brand portfolio
- Implemented Agile Methodology, data and insights foundation, and collaborated with cross-functional teams
- Drove continuous improvement in business processes, systems, and capabilities
Novartis – Head of Strategy & Operations (Jan 2022 – Feb 2023)
- Translated business priorities into operational deliverables for $1 billion Eastern European business
- Led corporate transformation and change management efforts in challenging geopolitical landscape
- Simplified and prioritized operations, facilitated innovation, and managed people with empathy
Novartis – Digital Innovation & Strategy Enthusiast (Feb 2021 – Dec 2021)
- Supported the SERCE-Eastern Europe leadership team in digital transformation initiatives
- Played a role in driving enterprise digital initiatives and fostering patient-centricity
- Linked digital strategies with effective delivery in collaboration with country teams
ESADE – President, Organisation & Human Capital Club (Oct 2019 – Nov 2020)
- Elected President of the club and Vice President of the Healthcare Club
- Engaged in various leadership and organizational roles within the MBA program
Roland Berger – Consultant – Summer Associate (Sep 2020 – Oct 2020)
- Worked as a subject matter expert in the domain of Energy, Oil & Gas and provided strategic outlook post-COVID
- Contributed to cost optimization projects and analyzed financial statements
- Emphasized knowledge sharing and innovative problem-solving within the team
Novartis – Innovation and Business Transformation – MBA Intern (Jun 2020 – Aug 2020)
- Designed Workplace of the Future project, focusing on post-COVID workplace solutions
- Contributed to strategic business challenges in the Cell & Gene group
Schlumberger – Central Europe – Operations Manager (May 2018 – Sep 2019)
- Implemented pricing strategies, expanded market share, and increased revenue in the geothermal energy market
- Improved operations through agile frameworks and reduced non-productive time
- Implemented employee workplace satisfaction improvements
Schlumberger – Europe & Africa – Field Development and Engagement Manager (Oct 2014 – May 2018)
- Managed diverse business units, aligned strategic KPIs with compensation measurements, and achieved cost savings
- Oversaw the development of a data remote operations center and implemented innovative training initiatives
- Led training and development programs to improve procedural adherence and employee engagement
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I am Tamas.
Born in Hungary, educated in the UK, and with international work experience spanning multiple countries, I have built a career that thrives in multicultural environments. I also run a business in Switzerland, further enhancing my global perspective and adaptability.
With over 20 years of experience in the energy and IT industries, I have held managerial roles in both large enterprises (with up to 30,000 employees) and smaller corporations. In recent years, my focus has shifted toward supporting individuals and organizations—ranging from friends and students to both nonprofit and commercial entities—in adopting and integrating AI into their work and daily lives.
My passion for the energy sector stems from more than a decade of direct industry experience, while my drive to explore AI is fueled by the belief that the future will require individuals to be AI-native. I see a significant gap in AI readiness at all levels—from governments and educational systems to personal development—which motivates me to bridge this divide.
As a result, I am committed to educating both younger and older generations on how to harness the benefits of AI, ensuring they are well-prepared for the technological transformation ahead.
- 20+ years of experience with 16 years in leadership roles
- Held senior leadership roles, including heading a trading department at a major energy company and serving as CEO of a corporation.
- International experience, having worked in Croatia, Switzerland, and Hungary, leading strategic projects across multiple regions.
- AI & digital transformation leader, integrating cutting-edge AI solutions into corporate operations and industrial processes.
- University lecturer and mentor, educating and guiding younger generations in business, strategy, and digital innovation.
- Proven track record in efficiency programs, spearheading initiatives to achieve EUR millions in efficiency gains in multiple sectors.
- Strong expertise in corporate strategy, operations, and market expansion, with a focus on business growth, trading, and digital transformation,
- Expertise across industries, including energy (11 years) and IT (8 years), with a strong focus on trading, asset management, and digital transformation.
2024 until today – Partner Triple Eight Solutions
2020 until today – Founder and CEO of CollabIT Switzerland AG: CollabIT Switzerland delivers digital business solutions and help gear up and train organizations to be leaders in the age of digital & AI with a focus on the DACH region. The team of CollabIT Switzerland is on a quest to build digital businesses with strong focus on data secure Microsoft technologies meanwhile achieving real impact from SMEs to large enterprises. Believing in the “consulting @ engineering done right” approach, CollabIT has a healthy mix of experienced persons in the Board on the senior “end” of their career journey helping gear up and train organizations meanwhile the udedicated team of engineers and consultants rapidly design, build and launch data-driven smart digital solutions.
2017 until 2023 – COO and CSO of CollabIT Zrt: CollabIT, is a devoted team of professionals focused on delivering digital solutions in the area of collaboration and project management with strong focus on Microsoft technologies. CollabIT has global experience ranging from Houston to Essen with proven expertise in numerous areas, ranging from pharma through financial services to higher education, energy and real estate.
2014-2017 – MOL Group, Head of Gas and Power Trading: Leading MOL Group’s CEE region gas and power trading department, overseeing trading portfolio and trading teams in numerous countries.
2013-2014 – MOL Group, Head of Management Services: Supporting the activities of the Supervisory Board, Board of Directors and Executive Board of MOL Group, managing the corporate governance of MOL Group, overseeing multiple additional projects.
2010-2012, INA d.d., Head of Management Support: Supporting the activities of the Supervisory Board, Board of Directors and Executive Board of INA d.d., overseeing multiple additional projects.
2006-2010, MOL Plc, Business Development: Various roles from analyst through expert to managerial roles in international business development.
2004-2006, Management consulting
Shirley Werchota is a distinguished business strategist and AI expert, dedicated to advancing digital transformation and integrating generative AI in businesses.
Born in Tunisia and raised across various African countries, Shirley’s multicultural upbringing has significantly shaped her adaptability and global perspective. Being a third-culture person with Zimbabwean and Austrian heritage, she brings an exceptional ability to navigate and understand diverse cultural landscapes.
Shirley embarked on her professional journey with a Bachelor’s degree in Scientific Computing, propelling her into the realms of big data and cloud computing. Her rich professional history spans various industries through the lens of consulting, making her a versatile and insightful leader in her field.
Becoming self-employed in 2020, Shirley has focused on public speaking, training, coaching, and consulting to help industry leaders efficiently navigate their digital transformations, become truly innovative, and adopt and scale generative AI across their organizations.
Being a professional and a single mother has motivated Shirley to start a Global Executive MBA with IESE in 2024 to become a leader who shapes a world she wants to see her son grow up in.
- Over 15 years of experience: Shirley Werchota has held various pivotal roles including Head of Growth and Development, Strategy Consultant, and Product Owner in sectors such as IT consulting, banking, and technology across Europe and Africa.
- More than 6 years: Leadership in digital transformation, operations management and data, focusing on enhancing cloud computing, big data, and tech modernization strategies.
- Since 2020: Independent consultant and AI integration expert, driving digital transformation and generative AI adoption in businesses.
- Diverse industry experience: From start-ups and SMEs to large corporations in fields such as IT consulting, banking, and technology.
- Mentor and coach: For digital transformation, AI integration, and strategic business growth topics, data and data driven organisation, mentoring of women in Tech.
- Internationalization skills: Led strategic projects across multiple countries, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and innovation.
- Integrated digital transformation: Expert in analysis, strategy, design, execution, budget management, and control of digital projects.
- Expert in corporate reorganization: Emphasizing AI ethics, long-term employee engagement, and internal communication.
- Design and execution: Various projects related to digital innovation, people & organization transformation, and business model innovation.
- External partners management: Handled agencies, freelancers, and technology partners, ensuring seamless collaboration and project success.
- Solution-oriented cooperation: Experience working across all hierarchy levels from board of directors to employees, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- Several years of leadership experience: As a co-founder, team leader, and project manager, driving strategic initiatives and achieving business goals.
- Multilingual: Fluent in English, German and French.
Education
IESE Business School – Global Executive MBA (Mar 2024 – Present)
- Currently enhancing strategic and leadership capabilities through an intensive executive program.
University of Vienna, Austria – Master in Computer Science (Sep 2019 – Dec 2020)
- Specialized in Informatic Didactics.
University of Vienna, Austria – Bachelor in Computer Science (Oct 2002 – Dec 2010)
- Specialized in Scientific Computing.
Professional Experience
BlueSoft Sp. Z o.o. (Orange Subsidiary), Warsaw, Poland – Head of Growth & Development (May 2020 – Present)
- Head of Growth & Development, DACH & Spain: Pioneered the company’s expansion in the DACH region and Spain, formalizing a business development blueprint.
- Digital Strategy Advisor: Enhanced service offerings and value propositions in cloud computing, big driven organisations, and tech modernization. Advisory for leadership and C-Level.
Gini-X.com, Vienna, Austria – Co-Founder & Trustworthy AI Framework Architect (Jan 2022 – Present)
- Led the development of innovative frameworks for AI trustworthiness, driving strategic marketing and client engagement to establish new standards in AI ethics.
Raiffeisenbank International, Vienna, Austria – Product Owner & In-House Consultant (Aug 2018 – May 2021)
- Managed the Advanced Analytics Workspace, overseeing AWS-based development, cloud integration, and DevSecOps capabilities.
- Focused on stakeholder management and strategic roadmap planning.
Accenture DACH – Big Data Engineer, Cloud Dev-Ops, Team Lead (July 2017 – June 2018)
- Managed data engineering teams, improved operational efficiency through automation, and championed diversity and gender development.
Self-Employed, Vienna, Austria – Freelance IT Consultant (Dec 2015 – July 2017)
- Delivered bespoke IT solutions, ranging from websites and mobile apps to CRM systems, enhancing business visibility and operational efficiency.
Additional Information
Coaching & Mentoring SME Business Owners for Digital Transformation Topics (2018 – Present)
I made my matura in Vaduz, and then studied marketing in Berne and St. Gallen. After various positions with leading functions in the field of marketing & communication from startups to SMEs to large corporations, I now independently advise companies in strategy, marketing and communication.
In addition, I was and am involved in sports: As a player, coach with many years of experience and performance coaching diploma, as an official and also for international sporting events.
With an independent view from the outside and for the whole, I work as an external consultant and coach for your organization/company on a strategic and creative level, analyze strategy and processes, lead projects for you or become a member of a project team – depending on the task. Independent of the size of your organization. This gives you access to cutting edge marketing and management know-how, while remaining flexible in terms of capacity and costs.
More information: raphaelimhof.ch
- Many years as Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications
- Collaboration with all management levels / stakeholders (CEOs, executive management, board members, shareholders, employees as well as public, media)
- From SMEs to large corporations
- Sound understanding of products, brands and markets
- Branding and corporate identity, defining USPs
- Strategy and conception
- Total user/customer centricity
- Marketing planning and controlling / budget responsibility
- Online and content marketing including social media, search engine optimization/SEO (multilingual) and SEM
- Understanding of the interface between IT/technology and marketing
- Conception and implementation of Inter- and Intranet
- Web and app development
- Conception and management of trade fairs and events (national and international)
- PR (national and international)
- Writing and editing of texts of all kinds and ghostwriting
- Internal communication
- Corporate publishing
- Sports marketing
- Management of strategy, structure and culture
Claudia Bertschinger
Legal Advisor
As a trained lawyer, Claudia Bertschinger handles part-time all legal projects at Triple Eight Solutions (internally and for clients). She focuses on contract law (especially sponsoring contracts), employment law, company foundations and more.
Claudia’s main job is as a legal advisor at Confides Treuhand.
Professional Experience
- Since 2019: Partner and legal advisor at Confides Treuhand
with a focus on company foundations, contractual law (general terms and conditions, data protection declarations, consultancy contracts, sponsoring contracts) as well as real estate-, inheritance-, labor– and tenancy-law - Since 2018: Part-time support at Triple Eight Solutions AG
- 2016-2019: Self-employed lawyer in Oberrieden at Bertschinger Law
- 2004 – 2015: Raising two children and managing a family in Zurich, Tokyo and Hongkong with occasional legal advice for friends and family
- 2001 – 2004: Deputy Head of the Disclosure Office at the Swiss Exchange SWX
- 2000 – 2001: Legal Team Leader Reporting/Ad hoc Publicity on the SWX Swiss Exchange (50%)
- 1999: Legal employee for Contractual Law at Sulzer Ltd in the Corporate Legal Department
- 1997 – 1998: 1-year attorney training at the Canton of Solothurn in the Higher Court, Examining Magistrate’s Office, Land Registry, and at the Inheritance-, Bankruptcy-, Federal Commercial Registry Office
- 1996: 6-month internship at Swiss Bank Corporation (UBS)
- 1995 – 1996: Legal advice for the Swiss Tenants’ Association
Education
- 2002: Patent as Attorney at Law of the canton of Solothurn
- 1991 – 1997: University Berne, Master of Law
- 1986 – 1991: Kantonsschule Solothurn, Matura in Business
Various
- Since 2015: Gymnast trainer at Horgen Gymnastics Club
- Since 2011: Captain of womens’ interclub tennis team (1. Liga)
- 2011 – 2016: Member of Parent’s Council at primary school Oberrieden