Rafael Schwarz – Get to know our VAB member

We would like to introduce you to VAB member, Rafael Schwarz, who joins our community from Munich, Germany. He is an internationally experienced board advisor and commercial strategist with a 20+ years track record in driving significant revenue growth and market expansion for B2B and B2C companies across Europe. Rafael has proven expertise in sales and marketing leadership, digital commerce, AI transformation, team development and strategic governance. He already serves as board advisor for the adtech companies Adfidence and Axessible – where he supports ARR growth, revenue acceleration, GTM- and commercial strategy and international expansion. Rafael is a recognised industry thought leader (Forbes, Thinkers360); he hosts his own podcast (The FMCG Guys); he is a sought-after keynote speaker (DMWF, CMO Summit); and he ranks as a LinkedIn Top Voice on AI transformation in marketing and sales. He won the CRO of the Year Award in 2024.

What inspired you to become part of the Virtual Advisory Board (VAB) community? Professional transition, a search for board opportunities, the wish to build a portfolio career?

I joined the VAB community to expand my professional network and to transition from executive to non-executive board roles.

Describe your biggest challenge with your current career or professional transition process? Where would you invite help from the VAB community and, conversely, how do you feel you can best support your VAB peers?

I could support my VAB peers with advice regarding commercial growth in B2B industries (i.e., sales and marketing leadership, GTM- and commercial strategy, RevOps system set-up, international expansion); insights regarding social media and creator economy trends; and c-level contacts within the FMCG and advertising industry in Europe.

Where would you like your next career or professional opportunity to take you? In what type of organisation or role do you feel you could make the most impact?

I would love to join 2-3 MarTech scale-ups or mid-size agencies or platforms as an NED. I could support them with strategic oversight & governance and advise them on revenue acceleration, GTM- and commercial strategy as well as international expansion.

What resources have helped you most in managing the ups and downs of the psychological journey related to professional transition? Is there a book, a podcast, a coaching service or some other tool that has guided you on your way forward?

My family has always helped my most during any career transition, but I also recommend peer-to-peer coaching.

Where do you find you do your best strategic thinking? Be creative and surprise us.

I get the best ideas either while skiing or kite surfing. These physical activities really open up my mind and allow me to think outside the box.