Sonja Thunnessen

Independent Lead for Critical Mandates

I take ownership of delivery-critical mandates that require structural clarity and decisive execution.

I am engaged in complex mandates that require independent judgement and clear structural framing. 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.

My role is defined less by domain than by complexity, cross-functional interdependencies and the need for accountable resolution.

I am typically brought in when

  • a difficult issue has resisted resolution and requires rigorous analysis,

  • stakeholder positions diverge and alignment must be established,

  • the matter calls for resolution rather than ongoing management.

How I Work

  1. Clarify the core issue
    Identify what is truly at stake and what must be decided.

  2. Establish coherence
    Define responsibilities, decision logic and execution framework.

  3. Lead implementation
    Translate structure into disciplined execution.

  4. Stabilise and transition
    Ensure the outcome is operationally viable and sustainable.

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 & Contributions

Enterprise Reporting & Executive Steering

Designed an enterprise-wide steering and reporting framework within four weeks to enable informed executive decision-making on a strategic initiative.

Assessed a proposed software solution against business, governance and regulatory requirements, providing a clear basis for investment decisions.

Structuring of Complex Risk & Capital Solutions

Led the design and implementation of complex financial structures used to manage and transfer credit risk and optimise capital allocation.

Ensured regulatory alignment, cross-jurisdictional coherence and a stable operational set-up through to production.

Product Governance & Regulatory Approval

Held end-to-end responsibility for guiding complex financial products through formal governance and approval processes, including product assessments and new transaction reviews.

Ensured alignment with internal policies and jurisdiction-specific regulatory requirements.

Risk Classification & Structural Harmonisation

Led a focused initiative to clarify and align product-to-risk classification logic, resolving inconsistencies across governance functions and restoring decision clarity.

Collateral Allocation & Structural Consistency

Defined allocation logic linking collateral, credit agreements and underlying assets, ensuring contractual integrity and regulatory consistency across documentation and systems.

Regulatory & Audit-Driven Mandates

Assumed responsibility for resolving time-critical regulatory findings within a highly regulated environment.

Structured remediation efforts, aligned stakeholders and ensured disciplined, timely closure.

International Product Roll-Out & Operational Stabilisation

Led coordinated international product roll-outs of complex financial solutions, ensuring business readiness and controlled transition into sustainable operation.

Recovery of High-Risk Programmes

Assumed responsibility for stabilising high-risk digital programmes in commercially sensitive environments.

Re-established execution discipline, cost transparency and stakeholder alignment, restoring predictable delivery.

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