From Diplomacy to Corporate Leadership: Christoph Vavrik Shares His Insights

Christoph Vavrik has been the Managing Director for Carlsberg and Danone, but above all, he is an experienced executive and a talented speaker.

An international and multicultural individual, Christoph is French/Austrian, married to a Greek, born in Switzerland, and speaks English at home. His father was a diplomat, leading him to move between countries 18 times. Christoph himself became a diplomat, serving in Austria and Zambia before transitioning into the corporate world across various countries.

He studied in Bologna, Italy, and Washington, D.C., completing a double master’s degree in economics and international affairs. Though diplomacy seemed like his destined path, he was later drawn to the corporate sector.

Here, Christoph shares his unique journey from diplomacy to corporate leadership.

1) Transitioning from Diplomacy to the Corporate World

Why did you switch from diplomacy to the corporate world?

“I was not satisfied in my role as a diplomat. It wasn’t as challenging as I had thought. Modern diplomacy often involves logistical arrangements, like booking hotels for visiting ministers, rather than actively shaping international affairs. The role wasn’t evolving in the right direction, so I decided to explore other opportunities.”

“During my time in the U.S., I discovered the allure of the corporate world and wanted to be part of helping a company succeed. I joined Procter & Gamble, where I spent 15 years in various roles across Austria, the Arabian Peninsula, Greece, Brussels, and the Balkans. Later, I joined Danone, taking on roles in Romania, Greece, and Austria.”

“I’ve always enjoyed moving between countries; it’s exciting and enriching both professionally and personally. Later, at Carlsberg in Myanmar, the idea of working independently became appealing. I wanted to support companies in challenging situations on a time-limited basis across different countries. This led me to join CE Interim’s advisory board in Eastern Europe, where we brainstorm strategies and explore new business opportunities in an unstructured, creative setting.”

After a short stint with a headhunter in the UAE, Christoph returned to Europe to be closer to family and take on new opportunities.

2) The Appeal of Working Internationally

“I’ve always been passionate about living in different countries. Every relocation is an adventure, both professionally and personally. It allows me to grow and adapt in ways that staying in one place never could.”

Christoph’s career continued to flourish as he joined Carlsberg, where he worked in Myanmar, a place that offered both challenges and opportunities. It was during this period that he began to find the idea of working independently even more appealing.

“I realized I wanted more flexibility, and being independent allowed me to leverage my experience in unique ways, giving me the freedom to move between countries and industries, helping companies navigate through transitions or crises.”

This led him to connect with Bohuslav and Michaela Lipovsky at CE Interim in Eastern Europe, where he joined their advisory board.

“We meet regularly to discuss strategies, explore new business opportunities, and bounce around ideas. It’s not always structured, but that’s what I like about it – it encourages creative thinking.”

3) Deep Knowledge in Executive Interim Management

When should a company consider engaging an interim?

“There are three main scenarios. First, in times of urgency, such as when there’s a critical vacancy that doesn’t allow time for a permanent hire. Second, for time-limited projects or initiatives where permanent expertise isn’t needed. Finally, when the company lacks internal resources or wants to avoid placing additional burdens on existing employees.”

Why is Executive Interim Management a good investment?

“An Executive Interim Manager brings an exceptional level of expertise and experience. Typically, Interim Managers are overqualified for the roles they step into, which allows them to hit the ground running. With their wealth of experience, they can quickly adapt to the company’s needs, without the lengthy onboarding process that is often required with permanent hires. Interims need to be highly flexible and adaptable, able to handle complex corporate and cultural environments.”

“You don’t just need industry knowledge; you need to understand how to navigate different company cultures and leverage your past experiences to deliver solutions. For me, it’s essential that an Interim Executive has an entrepreneurial spirit, thriving in high-pressure situations, delivering results quickly, and ensuring that those results are sustainable over the long term. Every company’s situation is unique, and the type of leadership needed can vary significantly.”