Patrick Schmid

Director Brand Finance Strategy & Innovation I Finance I Sporting Goods I M&A I Ex-EY I Ex-KMPG

Zürich Metropolitan Area

About

Executive Leader with over a decade of experience across the Sporting Goods, Financial Advisory, and Financial Auditing industries. Recognized for strong analytical acumen, deep finance expertise, and a proactive, solution-oriented mindset. Proven track record in Finance Business Partnering, Financial Due Diligence, Business Development, and the implementation of innovative business models. Brings a truly global perspective, backed by international academic credentials: 🎓 Master’s in International Management from Strathclyde Business School, Glasgow, Scotland 🎓 Bachelor in Asian Studies & Management / Chinese from Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China

Experience

  • adidas (Full-time · 3 yrs 6 mos)
    • Director Brand Finance Business Unit Sportswear & Training
      Jan 2025 - Jan 2026 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Strategic Financial Business Partner to the VP of Product & Design for the Business Unit Training A&G, Graphics, and Sportswear Footwear — driving performance across a portfolio exceeding €5.2B in annual sales. Accountable for forecasting, financial planning, and margin optimization, with a strong focus on business case development, critical milestone tracking, and enabling data-driven decision-making to support sustainable growth. Leading a high-performing team of two direct reports.

    • Director Brand Finance Strategy & Innovation
      Aug 2022 - Dec 2024 · 2 yrs 5 mos

      Financial Business Partner to the SVP Brand & Innovation, driving the strategic build-up of Metaverse and Gaming platforms including Roblox and Fortnite. Responsible for crafting robust business cases, shaping pricing and commercial strategies, and overseeing innovation-related investments such as machinery commitments — enabling scalable, future-forward brand experiences. Leading a high-performing team of two direct reports.

  • EY (4 yrs 2 mos)
    • Strategy & Transactions Manager
      Oct 2020 - Aug 2022 · 1 yr 11 mos

      Responsibilities - Directed complex financial due diligence engagements across buy-side and sell-side transactions, delivering actionable insights to clients and investors. - Managed high-performing teams of 2–5 professionals, fostering collaboration and excellence under tight timelines. - Produced key financial analyses including adjusted EBITDA, net debt, and working capital, and developed robust due diligence reports and supporting data books. - Led client presentations and actively contributed to the drafting and negotiation of Sale and Purchase Agreements (SPA). Key Learnings & Skills - Cultivated strong relationships with C-level stakeholders, earning trust and driving alignment on strategic decisions. - Strengthened leadership capabilities through team management and client engagement. - Developed agility in adapting to diverse industry contexts and tailoring financial analyses accordingly. - Applied hypothesis-driven problem solving to support data-backed decision-making. - Mentored junior team members, promoting growth, ownership, and team cohesion. - Advanced proficiency in business analytics tools (Excel, Alteryx), and refined communication and presentation skills for high-impact delivery.

    • Senior Consultant
      Jul 2018 - Oct 2020 · 2 yrs 4 mos

      Strategy and Transactions

  • KPMG (2 yrs 9 mos)
    • Assistant Manager
      Oct 2017 - Jun 2018 · 9 mos

      Responsibilities - Supported accounting projects and conducted audits of quarterly and year-end financial statements. Delivered financial reporting in accordance with IFRS/IAS and German GAAP. - Performed in-depth analysis and evaluation of key financial statement items. - Acted as a key client contact, ensuring smooth communication and issue resolution. - Led projects with responsibilities including task allocation, budgeting, and critical review of deliverables. - Provided on-the-job development and guidance to junior team members (team size ~2-5 team member) Key Learnings & Skills - Strengthened interpersonal skills through mentoring and developing junior staff. - Enhanced ability to identify and proactively address potential risk areas. - Improved capacity to manage and balance diverse expectations from both superiors and clients.

    • Senior Associate
      Oct 2016 - Sep 2017 · 1 yr

      Audit - Attestation Deal Advisory - Strategy

    • Associate
      Oct 2015 - Sep 2016 · 1 yr

      Audit - Attestation Audit - Finance Advisory M&A, Carve-Out

  • Bachelor-Thesis at Volkswagen Group China
    Mar 2013 - Aug 2013 · 6 mos

    Partnered with the Volkswagen Group to write my Bachelor thesis on the topic of : "Establishing the Business Plan as a Performance Measurement Tool in Powertrain Procurement – Focus on China"

  • Internship Purchasing Powertrain at Volkswagen Group China
    Feb 2012 - Aug 2012 · 7 mos

    Responsibilities: - Acted as liaison between internal departments and joint ventures - Supported and communicated with suppliers - Participated in and prepared weekly decision-making meetings - Managed and finalized post-decision processes Key Learnings: - Gained valuable insights into Sino-German business collaboration - Deepened understanding of cross-departmental interaction and decision-making dynamics