„By changing nothing,
nothing changes“
Successfull transformation starts with the right people
Welcome. I am Gabriele Sons. As a Non-Executive Board Member or Executive Advisor, I work with companies where strategy, leadership and people come together.
I am particularly drawn to businesses undergoing transformation – whether preparing for an IPO, embracing new technologies, navigating C-level transitions, leadership in the digital world, or managing restructuring and employee co-determination. These are the situations where my experience can make a difference.
In my view, an effective Board does not just oversee – it helps shape the future. It asks the right questions, looks beyond the next quarter and ensures that today’s decisions strengthen the company for tomorrow. This is the approach I bring to every role.
Successfull transformation starts with the right people
Welcome. I am Gabriele Sons. As a Non-Executive Board Member or Executive Advisor, I work with companies where strategy, leadership and people come together.
I am particularly drawn to businesses undergoing transformation – whether preparing for an IPO, embracing new technologies, navigating C-level transitions, leadership in the digital world, or managing restructuring and employee co-determination. These are the situations where my experience can make a difference.
In my view, an effective Board does not just oversee – it helps shape the future. It asks the right questions, looks beyond the next quarter and ensures that today’s decisions strengthen the company for tomorrow. This is the approach I bring to every role.
How I support companies
Whether on a statutory Non-Executive Board or an Advisory Board, I focus on the issues that shape long-term business success. As Chair of HR, Nomination and Compensation Committees, I bring extensive experience from both Germany and Switzerland:
- Corporate Governance & Compliance – Building trust and accountability, within the organisation and beyond.
- Compensation – Creating compensation frameworks that reward performance fairly while meeting evolving governance and stakeholder expectations.
- Succession Planning – Preparing leadership transitions early and thoughtfully, turning succession into an opportunity rather than a risk.
- Transformation & Sustainability – Supporting a culture that embraces change and sustainability as opportunities for long-term value creation.
- Organisation & Human Capital – because ultimately, people make the difference, not structures alone.
As an Executive Advisor, I support companies on strategic people matters and employee co-determination where these are critical to business success. I build on many years of experience as a CHRO, Executive Board Member and Managing Director of an employers’ association.
Why companies work with me
I know both sides of the boardroom table. Before moving into non-executive roles, I have spent 25 years in operational leadership roles in industrial and service companies of different sizes – including as Executive Board Member and CHRO of ThyssenKrupp Elevator AG. I know what it means not only to make business decisions, but also to take responsibility for implementing them.
As a lawyer, I combine my deep Human Resources experience with the legal perspective required for sound governance.
Above all, I listen, I ask questions, and I say what I think – openly, pragmatically and with a positive view of what can be achieved.
Why companies work with me
I know both sides of the boardroom table. Before moving into non-executive roles, I have spent 25 years in operational leadership roles in industrial and service companies of different sizes – including as Executive Board Member and CHRO of ThyssenKrupp Elevator AG. I know what it means not only to make business decisions, but also to take responsibility for implementing them.
As a lawyer, I combine my deep Human Resources experience with the legal perspective required for sound governance.
Above all, I listen, I ask questions, and I say what I think – openly, pragmatically and with a positive view of what can be achieved.
My Roles
Current
- ElringKlinger AG, Germany: Supervisory Board Member & Member of the Personnel Committee
- AdAR – Arbeitskreis deutscher Aufsichtsrat: Executive Board Member & Chair of the Expert Committee on Succession and Compensation
- Lawyer & Executive Advisor
Previous Board Positions
- Accelleron Industries AG, Switzerland: Board of Directors member & Chair of the Nomination, Compensation and Sustainability Committee
- Grammer AG, Germany: Supervisory Board Member & Chair of the Nomination and Personnel Committees
- TÜV Rheinland e. V., Germany: Advisory Board Member
Beyond the Boardroom
Beyond my professional roles, I am passionate about sharing my experience and supporting others in their development. Through conferences, panel discussions and executive training, I aim to contribute to strengthening the quality and effectiveness of boards, and to share what I have learned over many years in leadership and board roles.
Mentoring female talent is particularly close to my heart. As a long-standing member of FiDAR – Frauen in die Aufsichtsräte – I have been committed for many years to advancing women into leadership and board positions. As a mentor, I support female talent in pursuing successful careers, even in challenging environments. I firmly believe that diverse teams bring different perspectives to the table – and ultimately make better decisions.