Experience, expertise and vision
After a long career in top management positions within companies operating at regional, national and international levels, including 13 years as CEO of a highly diversified group, I am keen to share my knowledge and experience to support others. I advise companies on a sustainable strategic direction as a member of their board of directors, and provide senior executives with personal coaching, helping them to boost their effectiveness by focusing on their personal development. My approach is based less on theoretical analysis and models, and more focused on the actual circumstances within the company, the client’s specific area of responsibility and the decisions to be made.
My services
My services are designed for companies looking to benefit from my experience and for leaders and managers committed to advancing their personal development in a specific area. My aim is to create lasting impact by supporting businesses in enhancing their strategy and empowering leaders to invest in their strengths, enabling them to solve problems and make decisions with greater speed and clarity.
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Leadership means taking responsibility – for the company, its employees and oneself. As a coach and sparring partner, I help senior executives to strengthen their leadership capabilities and empower them to meet both business and personal challenges.
My coaching is aimed at:
✔ CEOs, managing directors and other leaders responsible for results
✔ Entrepreneurs and board members
✔ Young executives transitioning to the topAs well as benefiting from my experience, clients gain honest feedback and real-world insights they can put into action right away.
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With my background of many years as a CEO, I have a deep understanding of the challenges increasingly faced at the highest levels of company management and appreciate the vital role played by the board of directors. I have personal experience of strategy development, transformation, growth and crisis management. I know what it takes to build a successful management team, and how to set goals that are both relatable and attainable. When serving as a board member, I advocate for values-based corporate management, forward-looking strategies and strong governance.
My areas of focus are:
✔ Strategic management
✔ Transformation and change management
✔ Values-based leadership and corporate culture
Executive mentoring
Effective leadership requires much more than subject matter expertise or technical skills. It calls for analytical reflection, strategic judgement and resilience. My coaching supports executives in complex decision-making situations, fosters their continuing professional and personal development, and prepares them specifically for new leadership responsibilities.
I work closely with my clients to tackle specific challenges. Together, we develop concrete strategies to enhance their personal effectiveness as leaders and help them arrive at clear decisions more quickly.
Promoting an authentic and honest leadership culture is a core element of my approach to coaching. I help managers and leaders identify and leverage their own specific strengths. I also share proven techniques for managing stress and building resilience, rooted in the firm belief that clients can enhance their long-term performance by prioritising their own health. My coaching is flexible and tailored to the specific needs of my clients.
I will offer you a warm welcome in an art studio within the Cultural Center Reberhaus in Uettligen. The charm of this former farmhouse, combined with the inspiring art surrounding us, will lead us far away from daily business. You can easily reach the Reberhaus by bus (15 minutes from Bern main station) or by car (10 minutes from the exit “Bern Neufeld”, highway A1).
“Thank you for the time you devote to me and for your tremendous ability to put yourself in my shoes and understand my daily challenges. The sessions with you help me grow and progress in a very positive way!”
Client feedback
Strategic mandates
BKW Group
Member of the Board of Directors
CLAAS Group
Member of the Shareholders' Committee
ETH Domain
Member of ETH Board
Securitas Group
Member of the Board of Directors
Swiss National Bank
Chair of the Mittelland Regional Economic Council
Experience that counts. Leadership that works.
My name is Martin Keller. With a career spanning almost 30 years, I have worked in a number of national and international management roles in both Switzerland and Germany. In my 13 years as CEO of the fenaco cooperative, I guided the company successfully through growth and transformation phases as well as crisis situations.
I now serve companies as an independent board member, and support managers and leaders on their journeys.
I am convinced that the key requirements for success are viable values, a meaningful vision and a clear strategy. And for success to take hold and thrive, businesses need strong operational management: leaders with the courage to take decisions and who are not afraid of making mistakes. Let’s work together on getting you there.
I was born in 1970 and grew up in the Thun region. I went on to study Agricultural Sciences at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETHZ), where I also earned my Dr. sc. nat. doctoral degree in 1998. Following a number of management roles in the seed sector (Saatzucht Düdingen) and at the helm of the Swisspatat industry association, I moved to Germany in 2002 to join KWS SAAT AG, a company based in Einbeck. I was initially responsible for the global organisation of corn seed production, before taking over as head of the Corn and Oilseed business area. I later went on to become Head of Corporate Marketing & Business Development at KWS SAAT AG.
In 2010, I joined the fenaco cooperative, where I started out as head of the Agricultural Products department. I was Chief Executive Officer of the fenaco cooperative from 2012 to 2025, during which time I also headed up the Corporate Development division, which includes the Energy department (AGROLA).
I have been active on the Swiss National Bank’s Mittelland Regional Economic Council since 2020. I became a member of the Board of Directors of the Securitas Group in 2024. In 2025 I began serving on the Shareholders’ Committee of the CLAAS Group in Germany and as a member of the ETH Board. Since 2026 I have been member of the Board of Directors of the BKW Group.
I am married, have two adult children and live with my family just outside Bern. Sports, including tennis, skiing and biking, are my personal source of energy. My hobbies help me to see the world from fresh perspectives, strengthen my resilience and maintain an optimal level of performance.
Professional experience in operational leadership roles
13 years of experience as CEO of a large, broadly diversified company ranked among the top 40 in the Swiss economy
14 years of national and international experience in leadership roles with comprehensive responsibility for personnel and results, planning and implementing major investment and acquisition projects, and developing new business areas and markets
Several years of direct management experience in the following areas: production, quality management, procurement, sales/marketing/PR, process management, logistics, M&A, HR, corporate communications, organizational development
In-depth knowledge and several years of experience in the fields of food production and distribution, wholesale and retail, fossil and renewable energies, agricultural technology, biotechnology, and plant breeding
Professional experience in strategic leadership positions
Since 2026: BKW Group, Member of the Board of Directors
Since 2025: ETH Domain, Member of the ETH Board
Since 2025: CLAAS Group (Germany), Member of the Shareholders’ Committee
Since 2024: Securitas Group, Member of the Board of Directors
Since 2020: Swiss National Bank (SNB), Member of the Mittelland Regional Economic Advisory Board
2016–2024: Member of the Executive Committee of Intercoop Europe (Chairman from 2018 to 2020). Intercoop Europe represents 16 of Europe’s largest agricultural cooperatives
Education
PhD in Biotechnology, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Switzerland (1998)
MSc in Agricultural Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich), Switzerland (1995)
Ongoing executive education in management, leadership, strategy, controlling, finance, communication, and media
Personality profile
Open, honest personality with ability to perform at a high level and good social skills
Team player with excellent leadership and motivational skills
Quick understanding and ability to find solutions; clear, analytical thinker
Business fluent in German, English and French (spoken and written), good spoken Italian