Stephan Zwahlen

Precision gear technology Swiss Made since 1923 | ACBAR eccentric, cycloidal, planetary & custom gearboxes | Your challenge, our solution – Let’s make it happen!

Altendorf, Schwyz, Switzerland

About

AUTHENTIC HANDS-ON LEADER | CEO & MANAGING DIRECTOR 20+ years international leadership | USA & Europe | Manufacturing to Digital I transform companies by coaching people, building strategies, and delivering results. WHAT I BRING: - CEO/Managing Director experience across Switzerland, Germany, USA - Proven track record: 80% revenue growth, scaled teams 32→160 employees - Manufacturing, Tech, B2B - from Shopfloor to Boardroom - Certified Executive Coach - I develop leaders, not just execute plans - M&A Integration | Change Management | International Market Development RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS: ✓ swissplast AG: 80% revenue growth in 5 years (80% exports EU) ✓ Bircher America: Built most profitable subsidiary globally ✓ Operations: 70%→95% on-time delivery, -20% inventory ✓ Successfully integrated 4 facilities post-acquisition ✓ Led SAP implementation across multiple international sites MY APPROACH: I don't just strategize - I roll up my sleeves and work alongside teams. From automotive mechanic to CEO, I understand all levels of an organization. Culture drives results. I build environments where people want to contribute. EXPERTISE: International Sales & Operations | P&L Leadership | Team Development | Post-Merger Integration | ERP Systems | Manufacturing Excellence | Strategic Planning | Change Management CURRENTLY: Seeking new leadership opportunity where I can make real impact. Open to CEO, Managing Director, or senior leadership roles in Switzerland/DACH/USA. Let's connect if you value authentic leadership and sustainable growth.

Experience

  • Managing Director at AKIM AG - Getriebetechnik / Gear Solutions
    Dec 2025 - Present · 8 mos

    Your manufacturer for cycloidal, eccentric and planetary gearboxes. With its ACBAR eccentric gearboxes, AKIM delivers solutions where compactness, precision and reliability are critical – from robotics to automation to medical technology. Leading a traditional Swiss precision gearbox manufacturer (est. 1923) through a strategic transformation phase following acquisition. Key focus areas: Customer-centric repositioning, operational excellence, digitalization and building a sustainable foundation for growth – with a strong emphasis on team culture and modern leadership.

  • Managing Partner at aversis GmbH
    Sep 2002 - Present · 23 yrs 11 mos

    AVERSIS GmbH - HANDS-ON INTERIM LEADERSHIP Interim CEO/COO for SME manufacturers facing transformation, growth challenges, or leadership gaps. SERVICES: - Operational Excellence & Turnaround - International Market Expansion (USA/Europe) - ERP Implementation & Digitalization - M&A Integration & Change Management - Executive Coaching & Leadership Development No consulting reports. Hands-on leadership that delivers results. aversis GmbH - Leadership when you need it most.

  • Managing Director at CELLWAR
    Sep 2023 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 10 mos

    Swiss family business, plastics processing, 25 employees. Key achievements: ➢ Process Implementation: Led myfactory ERP implementation hands-on and developed on-time delivery from 70% to over 95% ➢ Operational Efficiency: Implemented structured processes and reduced inventory volume by 20% with increased availability ➢ Team Development: Developed 25-member team to autonomous performance and self-organization ➢ Business Partnership: Negotiated and implemented measurable supplier and customer contracts with sustainable cost advantages

  • General Manager at swissplast AG
    Jan 2017 - Aug 2023 · 6 yrs 8 mos

    Also: SWISSPLAST GROUP – CH & DE | Interim Chief Operating Officer 09/2022 – 12/2022 Swiss family business, market leader in technical plastic products, 50+ employees Key achievements: ➢ Sales & Operations Growth: Systematically developed organization from 32 to 50+ employees - 80% revenue increase in 5 years with simultaneous efficiency improvement ➢ Process Integration: SAP implementation with intensive post-go-live optimization - transformed critical launch phase through pragmatic troubleshooting into stable operations and processes ➢ Team Performance: Developed value-oriented leadership culture and reduced employee turnover through clear goal setting ➢ Post-Merger Integration: Process and culture harmonization through structured change management - harmonization of processes and systems ➢ Change Excellence: Transfer of proven SAP processes from Sargans to three group plants - personal go-live support and intensive on-site employee training

  • General Manager / President at Bircher America Inc.
    Nov 2007 - Dec 2016 · 9 yrs 2 mos

    North American subsidiary of Swiss Bircher Reglomat for innovative sensor technology Key achievements: ➢ Sales & Business Development: Built most profitable branch through structured sales processes - established sustainable customer relationships and distributor networks ➢ Crisis Excellence: Successfully navigated financial crisis thanks to robust systems and hands-on leadership - bonus payment to all employees despite crisis ➢ Authentic Leadership: Coached interdisciplinary team to peak performance - developed employees individually, leading to exceptional loyalty