We specialize in personalized guidance.
Valtus’ greatest strength is its people.
Our teams are built around a unique combination of know-how and a firm determination to offer the best advice at each strategic decision-making moment, throughout our relationship.
Meet our teams
Partners & Talent Consultants
Philippe Soullier
Chairman
Philippe is among the initial pioneers in executive interim management in France. A graduate of the ESCEM business school in France, he founded Valtus in 2001 after fifteen years in senior management roles in finance and operations with several large, anglo-saxon corporations.
“I based my ideas for Valtus on the observation that on the one hand, companies needed experienced leaders to anticipate a changing world, while on the other, there were a lot of high level skills underutilized in the same companies. My ambition was to make both situations better, and to create a virtuous cycle for our economy. This is what we do. And it happens above all by listening, respecting and helping our client achieve the success they need, and by providing our interim managers with the projects that perfectly fit their skill set…”
Urszula Cales
Talent Consultant
With a Master’s degree in Social & Human Sciences from the University of Paris V, Urszula began her career in recruiting at a firm specialized in the pharmaceutical industry.
In 2010, she joined Hudson Global Resources, where she focused on headhunting for upper and middle management positions in the fields of retail, distribution and industry.
She joined Valtus in 2018.
Urszula is in charge of Sales Directors, Chief Procurement and Supply Chain Officers.
Yves Mégret
Managing Partner France
A graduate of ICN business school in France, Yves has over 18 years of experience in Human Resources of which 10 as CHRO.
He has worked in the manufacturing, services and retail industries for major French and international groups (Heineken, Veolia, Faurecia, Fedex, Darty, Brandt and Bouygues). He joined Valtus in 2014.
Florence Villemain
Partner, Talent Team
A graduate of ESC Lille, Florence began her career in B to B HR benefits, working in business development and marketing. She joined Valtus in 2003, creating the Talent Team in 2006.
Florence is in charge of CEOs and Managing Directors.
Björn Henriksson
Group CEO
Björn has an international background from the manufacturing industry, MedTech and management consulting.
Cecilia Brinck Larsson
Managing Director Sweden
Cecilia has held leading roles such as Head of Sales at EF Education First and Sales Manager at Mercuri International.
Thierry Butlewski
Associate Partner
Thierry Butlewski has over 25 years of experience in the management and transformation of SMEs and mid-sized companies. A graduate of the University of Paris X Nanterre and Neoma Business School, he began his career at Arthur Andersen before taking on CFO roles for both French and international companies. Over the past 12 years, he has worked as an interim manager, completing no fewer than 10 assignments with Valtus as General Manager and Chief Financial Officer. He has in-depth knowledge of SMEs and mid-sized companies, as well as LBO and crisis contexts. His expertise in strategic and operational management strengthens Valtus’ restructuring practice on an international scale.
Thierry joined Valtus in 2024.
Hermine Bonneville
Talent Consultant
Graduated with a Master’s degree in Human and Social Sciences from Paris V, Hermine began her career in Executive Search. With 25 years of experience in the search and selection of senior executives for all types of companies, regardless of shareholding and business sector. She joined the Valtus Managers Team in 2024 and is in charge of the CFO function.
Aymeric Bas
Managing Partner International & CRO
Aymeric has over 20 years of experience in managing large service companies facing complex situations worldwide.
A graduate of the EDHEC business school, Sciences Po Lille with an MBA from the ESSEC Mannheim business school, Aymeric has held several positions in General Management, International Sales, Operations and Project Management in Europe, Africa and Asia (Médecins du Monde, Michael Page, Western Union FSI, International SOS, Aggreko).
He joined Valtus in 2015.
Frank Besson
Associate Partner
Frank Besson has 30 years’ of experience with Tier 1 automotive suppliers. An engineer by training, he began his career at Plastic Omnium, holding various leadership positions for nearly twenty years. He then became president of Calsonic Kansei’s French entity, overseeing P&L, post-M&A integration of Magneti Marelli and sales development. In 2020, he joined Forvia (formerly Faurecia) as General Manager of Faurecia Clarion Electronics Europe, where he successfully led a major restructuring. His expertise in strategic management and his global vision of industry and tech make him an asset for Valtus, strengthening the industrial practice on a European level.
Frank joined Valtus in 2024.
Céline Boucher
Talent Consultant
Graduated with a Master’s degree in History from La Sorbonne, Céline began her career in the communication sector. With 25 years of experience in recruitment, she worked extensively as a consultant in Executive Search firms, supporting clients in the Industry, Operations, and Technical Services sectors. In 2017, she joined an HR Tech scale-up as a Talent Acquisition Manager. At the end of 2024, Céline joined the Managers Division at Valtus, where she is responsible for the Information Systems Management function.
Salma Chamakh
Talent Consultant
With 5 years of experience in recruiting executives and senior executives, Salma is passionate about talent identification and professional development.
Salma holds a degree in Law and Management, with a focus on Corporate Social and Environmental Responsibility.
She joined the Valtus Managers Team in 2023, where she is in charge of the CFO function.
Helena Forsman
Talent Consultant
Helena has a long background in the media industry, where she worked with, among others, the purchase of programs on Bonnier Broadcasting and Aftonbladet TV. Most recently, she comes from a role as Research Executive at Alumni Interim, with a focus on Interim Management.
Didier Cohen
Associate Partner
Didier Cohen has nearly 30 years of experience in the field of new technologies and expertise in the telecoms, software, and cybersecurity sectors.
A graduate of the École Polytechnique and Télécom Paris, Didier Cohen has held various management positions in major international groups including Nokia and Oberthur Technologies (now Idémia), as well as strategy and business unit management positions in French technology companies. He also founded and managed a consulting firm specializing in strategy and organization for the technology and industrial sectors.
Didier joined Valtus in 2024.
Markus Nakanishi
Partner
Markus Nakanishi has many years of international professional experience in the fields of sales, marketing, and vehicle development in the automotive industry. For more than five years, he has been successfully advising clients from the manufacturing industry, focusing on executive interim assignments in the areas of operations, HR, production & logistics, as well as finance and R&D.
Christophe Mare
Associate Partner
Christophe Mare has nearly 20 years of experience in services, digital usage, transformations, complex situations, and crisis management. A graduate of Dauphine and the Institut Mines-Telecom Business School, he began his career at Arthur Andersen before joining Deloitte’s “Restructuring” team. He then held the position of M&A Director at Groupe La Poste, managing acquisitions, mergers, and divestitures in Europe and France. As Deputy COO in a listed UK group, he streamlined activities and launched many diversifications. In 2019, he took over as CEO of Groupe Nice-Matin, reorganizing to address new digital usages. Most recently, he was Deputy CEO of La Provence/Corse-Matin, where he implemented the transformation project for Corse-Matin. His career strengthens Valtus’s Restructuring practice at the European level.
Christophe joined Valtus in 2024.
Bertrand Grimm
Partner
A graduate of AgroParisTech (engineering school), and with a Ph.D. in Analytical Biotechnology from Ecole Centrale de Paris, Bertrand dedicated the first 15 years of his career to industrial management in the cosmetics and textile sectors (L’Oréal, LVMH, Chantelle Group). He then carried out numerous business transformation assignments for Alvarez & Marsal, in the automobile, nuclear, media and pharma industries.
His various functions led him to travel to Eastern Europe, North Africa and Asia. In addition, as Partner, he contributed to the growth of a French & Vietnamese company.
He joined Valtus in 2017.
Murielle Maux
Talent Consultant
Murielle holds a Degree in International Business from Caen University. She began her career as a Marketing and Communications Director within international groups and start-ups in the Insurance, High-Technology and Luxury sectors. In 2005, she moved into Executive Search and specialized in direct approach and evaluation of top managers for French and International client companies in many sectors. She joined Valtus in 2016.
Murielle is in charge of Chief Operations Officers (COO), R&D Directors and Marketing Directors.
Minna Kelonen
Partner
Minna has an extensive experience in the service business, both in national and international companies in the finance, media, and recruitment industries. She has held leadership positions in sales, marketing, change management, and operational functions. In addition, she has worked as a management consultant in her own company.
Lionel Gouget
Partner
Lionel Gouget began his career at Capgemini before joining the Hersant Media Group where he held the position of CFO and member of the management board.
For 8 years, he structured the financial department, managed the various acquisitions before participating in the financial and operational restructuring of the Group.
After having occupied the position of CFO of the Belambra Group and then of the NextiraOne Group (taken over at the helm), in 2018 he became Chief Financial Officer within the 5àsec Group.
Accustomed to rapidly evolving complex environments (especially in LBO), with a strong operational and strategic involvement, he is an integral part of the conduct of these profound transformations.
He joined Valtus at the end of 2020.
Anette Ahlstedt
Senior Consultant
Anette has a long background as a Consultant within Executive Search from Odgers Berndtson and from Novare Executive Search. Prior to working with Executive Search, she worked at A.T. Kearney.
Pierre-Olivier Gisserot
Associate Partner
Graduated from ESCP in 1992, Pierre-Olivier Gisserot brings nearly 30 years of solid experience as Chief Financial Officer to Valtus, gained in prominent roles within major companies across diverse sectors.
His professional journey, initiated at Arthur Andersen, has been marked by significant contributions, notably at BIC, Alstom, and more recently at Prodways Group and Inherent Group. Possessing a dual expertise in finance and operations, he played a key role in strategic operations such as acquisitions, initial public offerings, and changes in shareholders.
At BIC, he held key positions, including that of CFO of BIC Graphic Europe and all French subsidiaries. His tenure at Alstom as General Manager of Turbines Services showcased his ability to lead complex units. More recently, he played an essential role in the growth and operational success of Prodways Group and Inherent Group.
Pierre-Olivier joins Valtus in 2024.
Béatrice de Cordoüe
Talent Consultant
Holding a Law Degree from Université Paris II Assas, Béatrice started as an in-house lawyer within an insurance group. After a year as an MP Assistant, she joined a cabinet specialized in executive search. She has more than 25 years’ experience in middle and top management Executive Search across all business sectors. She joined Valtus in 2014.
Béatrice is in charge of HR Directors, Legal Directors, and Communications Directors.
Thomas Tschol
CEO & Partner
Thomas is a one of the most renowned Austrian Executive Interim Managers with an exceptional expertise in restructuring. He founded Management Factory Corporate Advisory GmbH in 2001.
Isabelle Obrecht
Partner
Isabelle Obrecht began her career in Human Resources by holding operational and strategic positions at Mondelez, l’Oréal, Accenture and Roche pharmaceutical laboratories.
At L’Oréal, she took the opportunity to enrich her HR career with experience in sales as Key Account Manager, developing the L’Oréal Paris brand with perfume chains.
For 6 years, she strengthened her expertise in change management as HR Director in charge of the retail activities of the Richemont Group’s watch and jewelry subsidiaries in France, by leading the luxury business transformation project.
Over the past 4 years, she has successfully carried out several transitional HRD assignments for SMEs under LBO (BPI, Parella, Talentia and then Nuxe) in various contexts: turnaround strategies, restructuring or strong growth.
Isabelle has been enthusiastically accompanying decision-makers of SMEs, ETIs and subsidiaries of international groups in the cosmetics, pharmaceutical, luxury brands, retail and consulting sectors for over 20 years. She joins Valtus in 2022.
Henrik Appelquist
Partner
With over a decade of specialized experience in interim management, Henrik has expertise in leading upheavals and designing strategies that drive strategic growth and renewal of organizations. His experience is gained in sectors such as sports, media, retail and manufacturing. Previous positions: board member, managing director, commercial director and sales director.
Sophie Baccetti
Talent Consultant
A graduate of ESC Amiens, Sophie Baccetti began her career in communications and media before moving into head hunting in 2004. In 2006, she joined SIRCA Executive Search, where she specialized in direct approaches to middle and top managers on behalf of SMEs, mid-size companies and large groups, both French and foreign, in a variety of sectors. She joined Valtus in 2013.
Sophie is in charge of Project Directors.
Emmanuel Fretti
Partner
Emmanuel has more than 25 years of experience as a business leader, mainly in the health and software sectors, in growth, fundraising, internationalization, and turnaround contexts. In particular, he developed the company Elan Software, a publisher of solutions for the Pharmaceutical, Cosmetics and Biotechnology industries in Europe; he then settled in the United States for several years to create and develop the American subsidiary by setting up commercial organizations for direct and indirect sales.
Emmanuel then ensured business growth in Europe and the Middle East of SkyRecon, publisher of cybersecurity solutions for private banks, the arms industry, and other sensitive sectors. From 2009, he continued his career in the health field and took over the management of Isipharm, the technological subsidiary of the Astera group, the first cooperative of pharmacists in Europe, then of Smart Rx, the Cegedim group Pharmacy BU. Between 2013 and 2015, he held the position of Vice-President of Feima, a federation representing the major players in health solutions which participates and contributes to exchanges for the evolution of the care system.
Entrepreneur, administrator of the FrenchTech Rouen Normandy, Emmanuel took part in the development of several startups such as Dolipharm or WhyMe and co-founded and chaired Calicea, a tissue regeneration cosmetic laboratory dedicated to the anti-aging market.
He joined Valtus in 2022.
Clara Scherman
Partner
Clara has many years of experience in interim management and executive search. Previous roles include Senior Consultant at Alumni Interim and Executive Search Consultant at Head Agent. Previous international experience in leading positions in the media industry within TV4 and at Fox Networks.
Claudie Hamerstehl
Partner
After completing engineering studies at ISAE-SUPAERO, Claudie started her career in the aerospace industry at Airbus D&S, before working for IT consulting companies such as Apside, and engineering consulting companies including Altran.
For 20 years, she focused on P&L management, key account management and international business development in the aviation, aerospace, defense, rail and energy industries, bringing clients her experience in implementing innovative operational solutions to boost performance. Later, as Managing Director, she reorganized and diversified an oil and gas company after its takeover by Akka Technologies. Claudie joined Valtus in 2018.
Jérôme Vercaemer
Partner
With more than 25 years of experience managing French subsidiaries of major US consulting firms, Jérôme has successfully overseen several multicultural transformation projects in Europe and Africa, specializing in high-tech, telecommunications, media and public service industries, including French healthcare.
He joined Valtus in January 2019.
Christina Gotthardt
Talent Manager
Christina has 25 years’ international experience in the hospitality industry. As a Senior Recruitment Consultant, she has recruited at all levels, but mainly C-Level and senior executive profiles.
Tamara Sicard
Talent Consultant
Of Russian origin, Tamara began her career at Deloitte in Russia.
In 2000, she shifted her focus to Executive Search and for more than twenty years she has worked for Anglo-Saxon firms. She has conducted assignments at the senior level using the direct approach for international companies in various sectors.
She joined the Talent team at Valtus in 2022.
Tamara is in charge of the financial function/Services and General Management positions.
Arnaud Cordelle
Partner
Arnaud has over 25 years of experience in the FMCG industry; his career led him to hold various positions in marketing & sales, in France as well as in Europe within leading international organizations (Nestlé, Kimberly-Clark, Coca-Cola, Sara Lee). He later became CEO of Intersnack France for 5 years leading its return to growth and the revitalization of its main brands (Vico, Curly, Monster Munch).
He joined Valtus in 2017.
Annika Porsch
Talent Consultant
Annika has over 15 years of experience in HR Development & Recruitment. As Talent Consultant she manages our Talent Pool of Interim Managers.
Tatiana Dollin
Talent Team Assistant
Graduated from a degree in Training Engineering, she began her career in headhunting in the construction sector.
She joined Morgan Philips Hudson where she progressed to a training manager position.
She joined Valtus in 2019.
Tatiana is in charge of the manager data quality.
Emmanuel Gendre
Associate Partner
Emmanuel is an Aeronautical Engineer graduated from ISAE-Sup’Aéro and holds an MBA from INSEAD.
He has 25 years of experience in large international firms as well as SMEs in the automotive industry, cosmetics, luxury, wholesale and retail sectors.
Emmanuel started his career at Renault in the Industrial Engineering and Corporate Audit departments. After his MBA, he occupies several Marketing and Brand GM positions for global beauty Brands with L’Oréal.
In 2008, he becomes General Manager of an SME in the retail sector, to conduct the business turnaround under LBO.
Pursuing an international career, he then joins the Estée Lauder group where he drives the development of the MAC Cosmetics brand in the EMEA region. In 2016, he is appointed VP of International Sales to lead the brand’s growth strategies and digital transformation on a global scale.
Emmanuel joined Valtus in 2022.
Ole Perregaard
Partner
Ole has extensive experience in general management and sales. Prior to joining Nordic Interim Denmark, he was General Manager for CAD Kompagniet. Earlier he held positions as Key Account Manager and Sales Manager at Adecco and Bluegarden.
Shirley Michel
Talent Team Coordinator
A graduate of IGS Business School Paris, Shirley Michel served as an Administrative Manager in the luxury hospitality industry before joining Valtus in 2014 as a HR Assistant.
Gerhard Wüest
Partner
Gerhard is a leading pioneer of Executive Interim Management in Austria. He founded Management Factory Corporate Advisory GmbH in 2001 and is chairman of several boards.
Sarah Houssenaly
Talent Consultant
With a degree in Digital HR Management, Sarah started her career as a consultant in an international recruitment firm. Then, she joined several IT companies where she trained and specialized in Cloud and Data.
She has more than 10 years of experience in direct search recruitment of executives and managers.
She joined the Valtus Talent team in 2023.
Sarah is in charge of the Information Systems Management (ISM) function.
Henrik Höjsgaard
Partner & Managing Partner
Henrik has experience from leading roles in various industries. After line manager roles at Keolis, PostNord, Proffice and Aleris, among others, he has been a Partner at the Stockholm office since 2020.
Frédéric Ripart
Partner
A graduate of the EDHEC business school in France, Frédéric began his career at Michelin where he was Regional Director for a number of international subsidiaries. He then joined Sodexho heading up international development of Motivational Solutions, and ran the Africa region.
He joined Valtus in 2009.
Therese Liljedahl von Segebaden
Partner
Therese brings 15+ years of experience from Executive Search, assisting clients in recruitment and assessment processes on CXO, CEO and board level – in privately held as well as listed and PE-owned organizations. Previously Partner and Co-Head of the Professional Service practice within the human capital firm Novare.
Yann-Etienne Le Gall
Partner
Graduated from Sciences Po Paris, Yann-Etienne Le Gall has over 30 years of experience in Human Resources.
He began his international career at Schlumberger, where he held various positions within the Human Resources department, before joining Forvia, formerly Faurecia, as Vice President in charge of HR development. He then became HR Director of Groupe Rocher, where he took part in transforming the group into the first mission-driven company before being appointed Deputy Managing Director.
He joined Valtus in 2023.
Lena Haeger
Senior Consultant
Lena has more than 15 years of experience from Executive Search & Leadership Assessment. Her latest employment was with K2 Search Sweden AB as a Senior Consultant.
Thierry Grimaux
Partner
A graduate of the HEC business school in France, and Chartered Accountant, Thierry began his career at Arthur Andersen, where he specialized in mergers & acquisitions and corporate restructuring. After creating and selling his own company, he held various senior management positions including at Atos Origin.
He later developed an independent practice in restructuring and turnaround.
He joined Valtus in 2009.
Roger Henrysson
Senior Consultant
Roger has extensive experience within Human Resources and Executive Search. Previous roles include Senior Consultant at Agentum, and Consultant at Novare.
Rikard Schröder
Partner
Rikard has extensive experience in Management Consulting after many years in roles as Partner at Accenture. The majority of his work has been on global change programs for international companies in the power/energy and telecom industries
Reinhold Pfeifer
CEO & Partner
Reinhold has extensive experience as C-level manager in big industrial companies, both as a manager and as an interim manager. His favorite topics are finance and restructuring.
Christian Egger
Partner
Christian is a certified turnaround expert (CTE) and a certified project manager (IPMA). He joined Management Factory in 2012 and personally works on our most difficult restructuring assignments.
Martin Pfeffer
Partner
Martin joined Management Factory more than twenty years ago and grew with the company: finance, restructuring, corporate advisory and executive interim management are his main competencies.
Jan Långbacka
Managing Partner
Jan has a background within various industries. He has more than 20 years of leadership roles and business development within new services and streamlining of processes. As Interim Manager, he has held roles such as interim Director Business Support & Development at Schneider Electric, and interim COO at Pohjola Sairaala Oy. Before his executive interim career, he was, among others, Service Director OHS at Suomen Terveystalo Oy and Managing Director at Proffice Finland Oy.
Bertrand Falcotet
Partner
A graduate of the ESCP business school in France, Bertrand began his career in Audit for Matra Hachette and Arthur Andersen.
He subsequently held several operational positions in business before entering the world of private equity. After an initial experience with an interim manager firm, he joined Valtus in 2008.
Niklas Björkman
Managing Partner
Niklas has extensive experience in various industries and international companies and has worked with Fazer and Tongyu Technology.
Olivier Laborie
Associate Partner
Olivier has more than 25 years of management experience, including 15 years as CEO. He has over 20 years of international experience within large international groups, in the cybersecurity, telecommunications, Smart Grid and energy sectors.
He led transformation, business development and partnership programs before joining Valtus in 2023.
Kari Peuhkuri
Senior Partner
Kari has more than 20 years experience from HR consulting and recruiting from companies such as Mercuri Urval and JFP Executive Search Oy.
Ola Ahlsen
Partner
Ola has a background in leading roles within Interim Management and management consulting in roles such as Business Unit Manager and Client Service Director.
Christian Kniescheck
Partner
Christian has been working in Executive Interim Management and consulting for decades. His favorite topics are restructuring, transformation and operational excellence.
Janeric Peterson
Partner
Janeric has an international background from consumer goods, retail and management consulting.
Partners
Our team of Partners is comprised of highly talented senior executives who are passionately dedicated to making sure you reach your goals. They work together each and every day to guide and support all types of organizations with the same level of commitment to quality and results.
These seasoned professionals have held top-level positions and share the same core values and entrepreneurial mindset. Their backgrounds and understanding of the challenges today’s business leaders must face, in multiple sectors, make them essential allies for organizations that need to transform.
Always attentive and looking out for their best interests, they build equally strong ties with our clients and executive interim managers, based on mutual trust and open discussions.
Talent Team
Our Talent Team stands out as a unique structure within the industry and is entirely dedicated to recruiting our executive interim managers. Our Talent Consultants are committed to continuously listening and prioritizing the needs of our community of interim exeutives. They are their main points of contact before and after each assignment.
Accurately analyzing the profiles of each senior executive, understanding their expectations, identifying their expertise, assessing their personality… These steps are essential to select the right person for a given assignment.
Each Talent Consultant specializes in a specific area. This enables them to clearly understand each client’s specific needs, get to know the relevant executives and find quality, suitable profiles within tight timelines.