Claudio Menz, Chair of the Board at New Wind, brings over 27 years of international experience in managing businesses from technology development through sales and marketing. His expertise spans successful business expansions across Europe, the USA, and Asia in diverse sectors ranging from consumer packaged goods to high-value product industries.

Innovation management is at the core of Claudio’s competencies. He excels in blending physical and digital product development with ESG transformation, delivering transformative solutions for his clients. By extending or replacing conventional business models with customer-centric digital approaches, Claudio consistently helps businesses achieve new revenue streams, increased customer satisfaction, and enhanced loyalty.

As an Entrepreneur in Residence at the Unlimitrust Campus by SICPA, Claudio actively contributes to the ecosystem of digital trust and AI. He serves as a juror for >>venture>>, Switzerland’s leading startup competition, and coaches through programs at Innosuisse, EPFL Innovation Park, and Trust Valley initiatives. A certified B-Leader, he guides companies towards sustainable growth and B-Corp certification.

Claudio’s extensive personal network is complemented by his involvement with IMD, where he serves on the IMD Alumni Club of Lausanne committee and is part of the leadership team relaunching the IMD entrepreneur community program. This engagement enhances his ability to foster connections between academic excellence and entrepreneurial innovation.

Drawing from his own entrepreneurial experience in successfully relaunching a Swiss winter sporting goods business, Claudio brings valuable firsthand insights to his advisory roles. Driven by a passion for building networks and fostering collaborations, he excels at creating synergies between diverse talents and resources.

His comprehensive expertise in technology integration, customer-centric brand building, and strategic marketing, combined with his startup mentorship experience, aligns perfectly with New Wind’s mission to connect European investors with African startups.

With a Master’s in Mechanical Engineering from RWTH Aachen, Claudio brings a unique blend of technical knowledge and business acumen to New Wind’s innovative platform. A father of two teenagers, he enjoys outdoor activities including sailing, skiing, and endurance biking, reflecting his passion for challenge and adventure in both personal and professional realms.