Branko Kuchar

Strategy & Transformation Consultant | AI-Driven Business Design | Industrial & Energy Markets | Helping Mittelstand turn complexity into clarity

Brugg, Aargau, Switzerland

About

Mission ———— To strengthen the strategic sovereignty of the European and Swiss Mittelstand – enabling companies to use technology and human intelligence together for resilient growth. Approach ———— I build clarity and direction in complex industrial environments. My focus lies on strategy, transformation and the intelligent use of AI as a decision-enabling tool for management. Drawing from two decades in international industry and leadership – from ThyssenKrupp and Steinhoff to Güdel and Holcim – I help organisations navigate change with structure, logic and a human touch. Over the past years, I have used AI as a practical working tool in strategy design, R&D support, process optimisation and knowledge management. This hands-on experience allows me to bridge the gap between technology and real business impact – helping companies apply AI, not just talk about it. How I work ———— • Translate technology (AI, data, automation) into measurable business impact • Design strategies and go-to-market concepts that are executable • Support leaders during transformation and turnaround phases • Combine analytical precision with creative thinking and empathy Focus areas ———— • AI Strategy & Digital Transformation for SMEs • Industrial Strategy / Energy / Circular Economy • Go-to-Market & Business Development • Leadership & Organisational Design

Experience

  • CEO at Simon-Kuchar Consulting & Financing GmbH
    Aug 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 11 mos

    Core Competences: • Industrial Strategy & Transformation – helping organisations align structure, pricing, and market approach with modern technologies and AI-driven tools. • Commodities & Energy Markets – expertise in metals, hydrogen, and energy-related raw materials, from procurement to trade finance and risk management. • Digital & AI Applications in Industry 4.0 – leveraging AI and automation for finance, pricing, and decision-support systems in manufacturing and trading environments. • Pricing & Value Models – developing cost-to-value and market-based pricing methodologies tailored to industrial supply chains. • International Business Development – bridging European and global markets through strategic partnerships and trading structures. The firm’s mission is to connect industrial know-how with intelligent strategy, enabling companies to grow sustainably in complex, data-driven environments.

  • Global Strategy and Business Development Manager at Güdel Group
    Nov 2022 - Aug 2023 · 10 mos

  • VP Sales Marketing / Leiter Vertrieb und Marketing at Steinhoff GmbH & Cie. OHG
    Jun 2020 - Feb 2022 · 1 yr 9 mos

  • thyssenkrupp Steel (4 yrs 3 mos)
    • Key-Account-Manager
      May 2017 - Jun 2020 · 3 yrs 2 mos

      1st, 2nd and 3rd Tier supplier for chassi parts

    • Regional Account Manager
      Apr 2016 - Apr 2017 · 1 yr 1 mo

      NGO - Electrical Steel - Area Eastern Europe, North Africa, Middle East

  • Head of Technical Sales at thyssenkrupp CSA
    Feb 2014 - Mar 2016 · 2 yrs 2 mos