About me
Making complexity understandable. Implementing solutions effectively.
I am Dr. Claudia Kerschbaum—with over 25 years of experience in international HR management in consulting and corporate environments. My expertise focuses on international pensions & benefits as well as global mobility. However, I am also familiar with topics such as compensation, merger & acquisition, governance and audit.
What makes me different
I enjoy working in complex environments, structuring challenging topics, developing sustainable processes, and supporting their implementation with a focus on what truly works in practice. In doing so, I advise decision-makers up to the C-suite level, bridge strategy with operational realities and think across functions and countries.
My career path
My international perspective started to develop quite early: through language trainings in England and France, as well as internships abroad, including with the European institutions in Belgium. After earning my degree in Business Administration, I completed my doctoral studies at the University of Economics and Business in Vienna with a focus on insurance management.
Professionally, my career started in the international insurance environment at DHL’s corporate headquarters in Belgium. Back in Austria, I worked at Hewitt Associates, an HR management consulting company in Vienna, where I established the employee benefit practice in Austria and Central & Eastern Europe. I was also a member of the international consulting team.
Afterwards I spent many years at the corporate headquarters of Borealis AG, where I was responsible for global HR topics such as pensions and benefits, international assignments, remote working, business travel, compensation, internal audits, as well as mergers and acquisitions.
My principles and values
I am not a fan of concepts that sound good but don't work in practice. Effective solutions can only be achieved when technical expertise, implementation experience, and the perspectives of the different parties involved are combined. I believe in an open dialogue and collaborative partnerships at eye level. That’s why I always prioritize what connects us over what divides us, bring the relevant people on board, and support change in a way that ensures it is not just decided, but truly put into practice.
What drives me is not talking about problems, but solving them. I like to work in a structured, clear, and reliable way—with high quality standards, but always with a focus on practicality and real value.
My approach
In my work, I combine in-depth expertise, strategic thinking, and practical execution. I have developed international HR processes, established new organizational areas, introduced global service providers, and led both international teams and cross-functional project groups. What matters most to me are trust, openness, appreciation, and treating each other with respect.
Humor is also essential! Even when dealing with complex or sensitive topics, I experience that collaboration works best when professionalism meets humanity.
And on a personal note …
Besides my professional life, I love the nature. Together with my husband, we also cultivate a small vineyard in Burgenland. This work keeps me grounded, provides perspective, and reminds me how much impact results from continuity, care, and the right timing.
Let’s get in touch!
If you are looking for someone who can structure complex HR topics, think in practical terms, and implement solutions in a collaborative way, I look forward to connecting with you.