A changing of the guard at Simon-Kucher in Australia
Global growth, commercial strategy, and pricing consultancy Simon-Kucher has appointed Mitchell Taylor as country managing director of Australia.
Mitchell Taylor succeeds Chris Petzoldt, who led the company’s Australian operations for 15 years and helped establish the firm as a leading player in the landscape. Petzoldt is now moving on to explore new opportunities.
Taylor has been with the consulting firm since 2016 and became a partner in 2022. He leads the Consumer Goods and Retail practice in Asia-Pacific and has worked with clients across the region on a broad variety of topline projects.
Prior to joining Simon-Kucher, Taylor spent time as a category manager at Nestlé and GWA Group.
Next phase of Oz growth
Under the leadership of Taylor, Simon-Kucher plans to enter its next growth phase in Australia.
“We’re delighted to welcome Mitchell into his new role as Managing Director of Australia. His energy, expertise, and deep understanding of the market make him ideally suited to lead our next phase of growth in the region,” said Mert Terzioglu, Partner and Co-Head of APAC.
Commenting on his appointment, Taylor said: “I’m excited to take on the role of Managing Director of Australia and lead our team into this next chapter of growth. We have a vibrant market, a fantastic team, and countless opportunities ahead. I look forward to working with our clients and colleagues to help realise that potential.”
A 15-year journey in Australia
Petzoldt was with Simon-Kucher for the past two and a half decades, originally joining the consultancy in its home nation of Germany before successfully making the case for the launch of a Sydney office and migrating to Australia in 2010.
Speaking on his departure, Petzoldt said: “This moment brings deep reflection and immense gratitude. I vividly remember pitching the business case for a Sydney office, armed with zero budget and barely a local network. What started as a bold idea with a couple of desks grew into a thriving business at the heart of the CBD, now serving marquee clients across sectors.”
Terzioglu noted: “We’re deeply grateful to Chris for his outstanding leadership and vision over the past 15 years – his efforts laid a strong foundation that will continue to shape our success for years to come. We wish him all the best in his future opportunities.”
The leadership appointment in Australia follows the recent appointment of Gunnar Clausen and Joerg Kruetten as co-CEOs of Simon-Kucher. Their strategy earmarks Asia Pacific as a key region for growth.
