Business School Professor
Nationality: Swiss
Professional Career & Mini Bio
Caroline Zirakzadeh is an experienced CEO and board member with 30 years of international leadership across North America, Europe, and Asia. She spent more than a decade in top executive roles at the Swatch Group, including as President & CEO of the US, Canadian, and Caribbean divisions, overseeing 14 brands and over 1,000 employees.
Her experience spans the full spectrum of business challenges, from restructuring supply chains and navigating M&A processes to expanding retail footprints internationally and helping traditional businesses embrace digital transformation. What drives her most is working with teams to solve complex problems, whether that’s reimagining customer experiences or guiding organizations through periods of significant changes.
As a strategic advisor and board member, she brings expertise in governance, risk management, and corporate restructuring. She currently serves on the board of Ardo Medical AG, where she contributes to strategic realignment, digital transformation, and sustainability initiatives. She is also a member of the Cultural Council of the Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie (FHH), promoting excellence and heritage in Swiss watchmaking.
In addition, Caroline enjoys mentoring and advising startups in various industries and teaching leadership, strategy and global management in MBA and EMBA programs.
Favorite Research Topics
- Evolution of Leadership
- International Strategy
- Business Transformation
