Moritz joined KPMG in 1997 and was active in the Audit and Advisory lines of business for over 10 years.
Moritz, what do you remember from that time?
As a young employee, KPMG continuously provided me with opportunities for personal advancement. Not only did I advance in my professional skills, but also took advantage of KPMG’s option for employees to enter specialist divisions – in my case, from Audit to Corporate Finance in Advisory. I found the company’s global perspective particularly important to me and my year spent in Shanghai with KPMG in China was certainly a highlight of my career.
What did you do when you left KPMG?
I worked as a Partner in a private equity firm which invests in medium-sized companies in German speaking regions. During this time, I worked on transactions as a principal leading acquisition projects including the set up of the financing structure. I also had the opportunity to become involved in portfolio management, in one case as an advisory board member, which definitely helped extending my skill set.
Did you maintain contact with KPMG during your absence?
Of course. On both a business and a personal level. On the one hand, I used KPMG as an advisor for transactions and on the other I have long-term friends at KPMG, through whom I continued to follow the company’s development.
What experiences from outside the firm benefit your current position?
While I was away from KPMG, I saw and understood things from the viewpoint of the client, which was very important to me. I have developed a greater understanding for the client’s situation and concerns, which helps me in my current position as a KPMG advisor, while also being able to draw upon my years of experience in transaction and financing.