Nicolas von Castelmur

CFO | Building High-Performing Teams & Systems | Finance, IT & HR Transformation | International Leadership

Laufenburg, Aargau, Switzerland

About

I’m a finance leader who thrives on building strong teams, efficient systems, and transparent processes. Over the past years, I’ve led and supported transformation projects at group level — from carve-outs and acquisitions to ERP implementations, restructuring initiatives, and the establishment of shared service centres in finance and IT across international operations. As CFO of KWC Professional, I oversee finance across multiple entities and lead a talented international team responsible for reporting, budgeting, forecasting, internal controls, and strategic finance. I also oversee IT and HR, focusing on strengthening digital capabilities, driving process automation, and fostering a culture that supports performance, collaboration, and growth. I work closely with both group and local leadership as a sparring partner — ensuring not only solid financial performance but also informed, forward-looking business decisions. My experience spans Big Four audit, multinational corporations, privately held companies, and private equity-backed groups. Before stepping into the CFO role, I served as Deputy CFO and Interim CFO, gaining hands-on leadership experience during critical transitions. I began my career in accounting at IKEA, where I learned the value of operational clarity and precision. Since then, my focus has remained consistent: building finance functions that empower organisations to make better decisions and achieve sustainable growth.

Experience

  • KWC Professional (3 yrs 1 mo)
    • CFO
      Oct 2025 - Present · 9 mos

      · Member of the executive leadership team, responsible for Finance, IT, and HR across multiple entities. · Oversee group-level reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal control systems. · Lead digital transformation and process automation initiatives to enhance efficiency and transparency. · Guide IT and HR strategy to strengthen organisational capabilities and support sustainable growth. · Partner with senior leadership to ensure informed, forward-looking business decisions. · Continue to advance shared service structures and harmonised processes across international operations.

    • Group Head Finance Services
      Jun 2023 - Sep 2025 · 2 yrs 4 mos

      · Member of the global leadership team, responsible for Finance Services across multiple entities. · Lead group-level reporting, budgeting, forecasting, and internal control systems. · Deeply involved in several M&A transactions, including due diligence, integration, and carve-out separation. · Acted as interim CFO for a division during its sale process, managing the local team and ensuring continuity. · Act as finance business partner to senior leadership across geographies. · Drove the setup of a group-wide Finance Shared Service Centre, streamlining operations. · Implemented the group’s cash forecasting process and relaunched structured monthly business reviews.

  • Regent Lighting (Basel, Schweiz)
    • Deputy CFO / Head of Finance & Controlling
      Jan 2022 - May 2023 · 1 yr 5 mos

      · Led finance and controlling functions with full responsibility for reporting, budgeting, and liquidity planning. · Managed internal and external reporting across departments and to group stakeholders. · Introduced a new treasury system and contributed to financial strategy development.

    • Head of Finance / Accounting Team Lead
      Oct 2017 - Dec 2021 · 4 yrs 3 mos

      · Built and led the finance team during major operational and digital transformations. · Established a Finance Shared Service Centre in Serbia, enhancing standardisation and cost efficiency. · Implemented a digital accounts payable workflow and formalized the monthly closing process.

  • Audit-Manager at Deloitte Switzerland
    Oct 2012 - Oct 2017 · 5 yrs 1 mo

    · Led audit teams for national and international clients from Assistant Manager level onward. · Responsible for statutory and consolidated financial audits. · Earned Swiss Certified Public Accountant (“Dipl. Wirtschaftsprüfer”) in under 3 years.

  • Mitarbeiter Process Management Finance at IKEA Switzerland
    Mar 2005 - Sep 2012 · 7 yrs 7 mos

    · Designed and optimized finance processes including digital AP workflows and automated bank postings. · Supported financial system upgrades and introduced a document management system. · Developed a practical understanding of how finance supports day-to-day operations.

  • Sachbearbeiter Kreditoren at Bank for International Settlements
    Jan 2004 - Sep 2004 · 9 mos