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Thomas Michel
Partner - Head Business Risk Services (BRS) at Grant Thornton Switzerland/Liechtenstein
Professional Background
Thomas Michel is a distinguished leader in Risk Management, Internal Audit, and Internal Control Systems, currently serving as the head of Grant Thornton Business Risk Services in Switzerland. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Thomas has worked extensively with Fortune 500 companies and other major organizations around the globe. His expertise spans across various aspects of governance, focusing on the future of governance through digitalization and virtualization. As a thought leader, he emphasizes the importance of harmonizing assurance functions and the integral role risk management plays in strategic planning and organizational success.
After embarking on his professional journey, Thomas spent a significant portion of his early career honing his skills with some of the largest and most reputable firms in the world, including KPMG, EY, and PricewaterhouseCoopers. His extensive work experience abroad, particularly two impactful years in New York City, has equipped him with a versatile skill set that he adeptly applies to a variety of corporate and financial services in Switzerland, Hong Kong, Japan, and numerous European countries.
In his current role at Grant Thornton, Thomas is dedicated to ensuring that internal audits provide valuable insights to the Board of Directors and that internal controls are both software-based and integrated. His approach prioritizes the delivery of practical, innovative solutions designed to navigate the complexities and uncertainties of today’s business environment.
Education and Achievements
Thomas Michel's academic background is as impressive as his professional one. He holds a Master of Arts in Management and Economics from the esteemed Université de Fribourg/Universität Freiburg, which laid a robust foundation for his analytical and managerial capabilities in the field of business risk services. Furthermore, Thomas has achieved several notable certifications that enhance his qualifications, including being a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) through The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and receiving accreditation in Quality Assessment/Validation of Internal Audit from the Swiss IIA.
His educational pursuits reflect his commitment to lifelong learning and adapting to the ever-evolving landscape of risk management. Thomas's continued professional development has empowered him to lead confidently and drive impactful changes within organizations he serves.
Achievements
Throughout his illustrious career, Thomas has been recognized for his significant contributions within the field of business risk services. As a former Chief Financial Officer of the Swiss Enterprise Risk Management Association, Thomas has accumulated a wealth of knowledge on the intricacies of financial risk management. His tenure at Grant Thornton has seen him spearheading strategic initiatives aimed at enriching the service delivery to clients and enhancing their risk management frameworks.
Thomas's experience in internal auditing and advisory roles across various high-profile firms has allowed him to gather an impressive breadth of knowledge regarding compliance, governance, and effective operational strategies. This culminates in his ability to provide organizations with valuable insights that transcend conventional risk management approaches, ultimately supporting organizational success, particularly during times of uncertainty.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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