Sonja Thunnessen

Independent Lead for Critical Mandates

I take ownership of complex mandates that require clear decisions, accountable delivery and structures that work in execution.

I take ownership of complex mandates that require independent judgement, clear decisions and accountable delivery. Typically engaged directly by senior decision-makers, I analyse the situation, define what must be resolved, establish a workable structure and lead implementation through to stable operation.

I am brought in when an important issue has resisted resolution, stakeholder positions diverge or the matter requires accountable closure rather than continued management.

How I Work

Clarify the issue

Separate symptoms from structural causes. Identify what must be decided and where leadership attention is required.

Establish a workable structure

Define responsibilities, decision logic and an execution framework that connects organisation, governance and delivery.

Lead through to stable operation

Translate structure into execution, ensure accountable follow-through and stabilise the outcome beyond the intervention.

Engagement Model

  • Clearly defined mandate with explicit scope and decision authority.

  • Direct reporting line to the accountable sponsor.

  • Time-bound engagement focused on resolution and stabilization.

  • Exit once structure and delivery are sustainable.

Selected Mandates

Structural Finance Assessment after Incomplete Post-Merger Integration

In a Group Finance environment after incomplete post-merger integration, I was directly mandated by the Group CFO to assess a fragmented finance organisation where growth had outpaced governance, systems and operational control. I identified the structural causes behind operational friction, unclear accountability and inconsistent decision paths, and translated the assessment into concrete stabilisation measures for senior management.

Digital Program Stabilization

In digital transformation consulting, I took over a client project that had lost transparency on remaining scope, cost and delivery timeline. I conducted a structured gap analysis, re-established cost and timeline transparency and delivered within the agreed frame. The project was stabilized and the client regained transparency towards senior management.

Delivery Recovery in a Commercially Sensitive Client Program

In a commercially sensitive digital client programme, I took over a delivery situation where cost, timeline and delivery reliability had become unclear and client confidence was at risk. I restored transparency, rebuilt an executable delivery framework and drove delivery within the redefined cost and time frame.

Credit Risk Transfer Product Build

In a global corporate banking environment, I led the delivery of a complex digital financial product in credit risk transfer after prior attempts had not succeeded. I clarified business objectives, translated them into a product and delivery concept, resolved competing priorities and led implementation with internal and external teams through to operational stabilization.

Related mandates included product structuring and implementation support in regulated corporate banking and asset management environments, enabling the market start of a new key product and contributing to the expansion of the potential client and investor base.

International Solution Rollouts and Go-Lives

In an international digital transformation and platform environment, I led product rollouts of complex financial solutions, ensuring business readiness and controlled transition into operational use. The work included roles and responsibilities, communication, training, Q&A, support ramp-up and local regulatory or market-specific requirements.

Regulatory & Audit and Governance-Driven Mandates

In regulated banking environments, I took over time-critical regulatory, audit and collateral-related topics where ownership, structure or execution had not been sufficiently effective. The work included remediation of findings, creation of missing documentation, definition of compliant collateral allocation logic across complex credit structures and product governance for complex financial products.

These mandates created the basis for closing time-critical findings, offering complex products and transactions in line with internal and regulatory requirements, and strengthening governance coherence.

CREDENTIALS

Diploma in Physics (University of Tübingen & Arizona State University)

PMI Project Management Professional (PMP)

SAFe Product Owner / Product Manager (POPM)

CONTACT

sonja.thunnessen[at]thunnessen-consulting.com