Christian Watts
- Managing Partner, Switzerland
+41 43 344 40 90
+41 43 344 40 97
christian.watts@boyden.ch
Chris Watts is an accomplished executive with a long career in commercial diplomacy, public and government affairs, as well as consulting. He has an exceptional grasp of the leadership requirements of clients in international environments. As a consultant and leader, he is committed to developing strong, balanced teams and contributing to the stability and profitability of client organizations.
Professional Focus
- Over 15 years’ experience in executive roles in commercial diplomacy and trade & investment promotion services for clients in a wide range of industries, along with more than 10 years in aviation and tourism
- Deep expertise in public affairs and strategy consulting, including change management and team building during M&A and integration processes
- Strong senior management background with emphasis on development and leadership of diverse and geographically dispersed teams, as well as organizational and business development
- Extensive international experience and broad network of relationships with authorities, companies and private individuals in Europe, the Middle East and Africa
- Native German, fluent in English and French
Business Expertise
- Partner with MSF & Partners Global AG management consulting firm
- Consul General and Head of Commercial Diplomacy with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland (EDA), based in Dubai
- Executive Director at Switzerland Global Enterprise (S-GE), Zurich; prior roles with organization included Regional Director, Americas and Regional Director India, Middle East & Africa
- Vice President, External Affairs & Alliances at Swiss International Air Lines
- Vice President, Network Development at Swissair
- Head of Bilateral Air Services for the Federal Office for Civil Aviation (FOCA), Switzerland
- Co-Founder and Managing Partner of a cybersecurity start-up
Practice Memberships
Global Industry Practices
- Consumer & Retail
- Financial Services
- Industrial
Global Cross Sector Practices
- Social Impact
Additional Expertise
- Aviation & Aerospace
- Cybersecurity
- Healthcare
- Public Affairs and Public Relations
- Transport & Logistics
- Travel & Tourism
Education & Certifications
- Higher Diploma in international relations from Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies (IHEID), Geneva
- Master’s degree from University of Bern
- Certificates in cybersecurity, New York University (NYU) Tandon School of Engineering
- Senior Management Certificate, University of St. Gallen