Strategy& promotes Philipp Wackerbeck and hires Teresa Schawe

Global strategy and management consulting firm has unveiled two senior appointments in its German organisation.

Appointed to Global Head of Financial Services is Philipp Wackerbeck, a veteran of the firm. He has been with Strategy& since 2006, having joined Booz & Company as a Senior Associate. He has since then grown the ranks to partner in 2013, staying with the consulting firm after it was acquired by PwC in 2014, a deal which saw the consultancy rebranded as Strategy&. 

Wackerbeck was one of the favourites to ascend to the top role – he previously was the Head of Financial Services for Europe, leading all clients projects and internal practice development across Strategy&’s 20+ offices on the continent. He succeeds Peter Gassmann, who led the wing over the past six years. 

Munich-based Wackerbeck specialises in growth and market entry strategies, restructurings and strategic transformations, large-scale banking sector stability programmes, advisory on financial matters to governmental institutions, mergers & acquisitions, and debt advisory, among others.

“Commenting on his promotion, he said: “I am very honoured to take over this important role from Peter. I look forward to contributing my expertise and driving our firm’s global positioning, as well as to continue supporting financial services institutions with banking, insurance and asset management strategies.”

Meanwhile, following the appointment of Alexander Nedelchev to partner in its Deals practice in January this year, Strategy& has added another hire to this arm in Germany. Teresa Schawe brings fifteen years of experience in investment banking and M&A consulting to the firm. Having served UBS for three years, she worked for KPMG for the past eleven years. 

At the Big Four firm, Schawe was a partner in its Deal Advisory practice – becoming the youngest female ever to be admitted into KPMG’s German Advisory partnership. She focuses on M&A strategies, business services, and private equity services, with a focus on mid-sized to large transactions. She also helps financial sponsors with value enhancement work. 

The appointments come within a week of Strategy&’s first acquisition since its Booz & Company era, cementing its position as one of Germany’s leading strategy consulting firms(according to executives).