Dr. Milena Danielsen
Zumikon
Summary
Experienced Managing Director and entrepreneur with a proven track record as a country market leader. Passionate about innovation and driving change, specializing in strategy, reorganization, leadership, and culture. Skilled in project and line management, with a background in the Private Banking and Management Consulting industry. Also served as a chief of staff, client-facing business developer, local council member, board member, and chairwoman.
Overview
28
28
years of professional experience
Work History
Country Market Leader Switzerland & Managing Director
Protiviti
01.2019 - 07.2025
- Established the Swiss office (first employee), defined the Swiss business model and offering, positioned the Protiviti brand in Switzerland, built client base with Swiss headquarters (multinationals), recruited the consultant team enabled the collaboration with other offices (one P&L) as well as member and partner firms and other companies; managed sustainable business growth.
- Set up business development and operations team, adapted policies and procedures to the Swiss market, ensured smooth operation of HR, Finance related matters.
- Led a diverse team of 21 nationalities (27 employees), with 60% female representation, consistently ranked in the top 3 for “Best Place to Work” in employee surveys for four consecutive years.
- Identified team challenges and implemented corrective actions to resolve concerns.
- Oversaw day-to-day activities of the team fostering inspiring atmosphere to optimize employee experiences.
- Led cross-functional teams to achieve company-wide goals, building a culture of collaboration and innovation.
Director
Pricewaterhouse Coopers
01.2015 - 01.2019
- Sold and delivered projects across the PwC line of services. Built strong relationships with new and existing clients, understood their needs and ensured that the appropriate PwC teams were involved in the delivery.
- Led the inception of the Transformation FS unit focusing on process transformation as well as people & organization. Ensured cross-divisional collaboration with an accent on improving client experience and sustainably growing the business.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering employees to voice their ideas.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Improved project efficiency with strategic planning, resource allocation, and time management practices.
Executive Director
Bank Julius Baer
01.2011 - 01.2014
- Defined offering for financially independent women based on dialogues with representatives from this target group. Approached and introduced prospects to Bank Julius Baer, set up theme specific events and advise clients. Achievements: Introduced within eight months 200 female prospects to the bank.
- Worked closely with organizational leadership and board of directors to guide operational strategy.
- Oversaw financial management, ensuring fiscal responsibility and long-term sustainability for the organization.
- Guided staff through periods of organizational change, maintaining morale and engagement during transitions.
- Built strong relationships with board members, providing regular updates on organizational progress and soliciting their expertise when needed.
Senior Manager
BIC Business Integration Consulting
01.2004 - 12.2010
- Assignments in the financial industry for process consultancy and project management
- Project manager of a process alignment project in the Portfolio Management/Investment Solution Group division of Julius Baer AG.
- Head Private Funds (ad interims) in the Wealth Tax Planning/Investment Solution Group division of Julius Baer AG.
- Assignment at the UBS Offshore Funds area. Assessment of incoming fund requests, strategic planning of the future global Asset Pooling Structures approach, creation of the business case and presentations for the CEO and all involved global stakeholders.
- Established strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring long-term partnerships and repeat business.
Manager
Accenture
07.1997 - 01.2003
- Assignments in various industries and an internet start up with strong focus on process reengineering, change management, IT interface and requirements management.
Education
Ph.D. - Business Administration
University of Zurich
01-2003
Master of Arts - Business Administration
University of Zurich
06-1997
Skills
- Strategy definition and implementation
- Start-up set up and management
- Partnership development
- Organizational restructuring and team building
- Cross-functional collaboration
- Inclusive team work
- Data-driven decision making
MISCELLANEOUS
Speaks German (fluent), Swiss German (fluent), English (fluent), Serbian (fluent), French (intermediate), Norwegian (intermediate), Italian (basic), Spanish (learning), Russian (learning)
MISCELLANEOUS
- Founder of LIV Wealth, a life & wealth advisory, 2014
- Member of the Governing Board of iss-ssi.org, 2014 - 2017
- Local council (Gemeinderat) and chairwoman of Zumikon, FDP, 2010 - 2014
- Founder of the private pre-school “Fluegerberg”, 2004 - 2011
- Recipient of the “Generation CEO” award in 2013
PRIVATE
- Mother of Tristan (2003); future lawyer, Magnus (2004); future doctor, and Liv (2007); future lawyer
- Bikram Yogi, Clinical hypnotist, Tango dancer, Golf & Tennis player and dog lover
Additional Information
- Mother of Tristan (2003) - future lawyer, Magnus (2004) - future doctor and
Liv (2007) - future lawyer - Bikram Yogi, clinical hypnotist, Tango dancer, Golf & Tennis player and dog lover
Timeline
Country Market Leader Switzerland & Managing Director
Protiviti
01.2019 - 07.2025
Director
Pricewaterhouse Coopers
01.2015 - 01.2019
Executive Director
Bank Julius Baer
01.2011 - 01.2014
Senior Manager
BIC Business Integration Consulting
01.2004 - 12.2010
Manager
Accenture
07.1997 - 01.2003
Ph.D. - Business Administration
University of Zurich
Master of Arts - Business Administration
University of Zurich
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