Executive profile
Stefan Martin Mai.
International FMCG strategist · GCC market specialist · digital business innovator.
For more than 30 years, I have helped Swiss and international food brands expand, reposition and grow across global markets. Combining hands-on commercial leadership with entrepreneurial execution, I connect export strategy, brand development, distributor networks and digital innovation to create sustainable business growth across the GCC and beyond.
Personal statement
Sustainable success in international markets is driven by clarity, focus and the willingness to continuously evolve.
Swiss SMEs with authentic products and clear positioning have real opportunities abroad. But lasting export success requires more than shipping overseas — it demands deep market understanding, long-term commitment and the discipline to stay focused.
Today's markets are competitive and data-driven. I believe in meaningful differentiation — not mass-market volume, but smart positioning, digital readiness and long-term value creation.
The future belongs to companies that adapt without losing their identity. Being different is not a weakness — in many markets, it is precisely what builds trust and lasting success.
Career & experience
Built in operations — sharpened across Europe, Asia and the GCC.
2013 — Today
Founder & Managing Director
Uniqvictus GmbH, Switzerland
Independent export and business development for premium FMCG brands across GCC and Asia. Built business in 8+ countries. Repositioned Nectaflor honey across the GCC — #1 brand in Qatar — and restructured the Nectaflor Middle East business within 24 months. Developed the AI-based 'Export Strategy Canvas' for structured market assessment.
2013 — 2017
Asia Market Development — Organic Pioneer from Switzerland (Mandate)
Malaysia · China · Korea · Indonesia · Hong Kong
Mandated to restructure and develop the organic juice business for the Organic Pioneer from Switzerland across key Asian markets. Realigned distributor networks, drove digital and e-commerce channels (China, Korea) and repositioned the brand regionally before transitioning focus to the Middle East mandate.
05/2011 — 12/2012
Founder & Chief Regional Director
Narimpex Asia Pacific Sdn. Bhd., Malaysia
Expatriate assignment in Kuala Lumpur. Founded and built the regional distribution platform for Southeast Asia. Developed export business in Malaysia, China and Indonesia, established business partnerships and transitioned the entity into Uniqvictus Sdn. Bhd. for continued expansion.
08/2009 — 05/2011
Sales & Marketing Manager
Narimpex AG, Switzerland
Led Sales & Marketing across the Swiss market (Retail & HORECA) and international export. Key account leadership and development of national and international growth strategies.
04/2008 — 06/2009
Regional Business Development Manager
Haco Asia Pacific, Malaysia
Expatriate assignment in Southeast Asia. Built distributor networks and scaled the international Private Label business (instant coffee focus) across Malaysia, China and surrounding markets.
08/2000 — 03/2008
Sales Director Private Label (Extended Executive Board)
Haco AG, Switzerland
Full revenue responsibility for the international Private Label division. Built and led a team of Key Account Managers, delivered substantial growth and expanded across Europe, North America and the Middle East.
10/1998 — 07/2000
Member of Executive Management — Marketing & Export
Roland Murten AG, Switzerland
Led domestic marketing and international export teams with full revenue and margin accountability.
08/1995 — 12/1997
Product Manager Export
Wander AG (Novartis Group), Switzerland
Managed export and intercompany business across European subsidiaries. Contributed to the international expansion of Ovomaltine and Isostar.
1983 — 1995
Early Career — Commercial & International Development
Raichle Sportschuhe · IIC Intersport International · Vaucher · Comprax
Progressive roles in sales, product management and international business development across sporting goods and FMCG sectors in Switzerland and internationally.
Education & qualifications
Executive education in international management, digital business and AI.
Executive MBA (EMBA) International Management
2003 — 2005FHS St. Gallen, Switzerland
MAS Digital Business
2019 — 2022HWZ Zürich, Switzerland
CAS AI Innovation
In progress · expected 2026HWZ Zürich, Switzerland
CAS Digital Leadership
2021HWZ Zürich, Switzerland
CAS Disruptive Technologies
2020 — 2021HWZ Zürich, Switzerland
CAS Digital Marketing Pro
2019 — 2020HWZ Zürich, Switzerland
General Management NDK FHS
2003 — 2004FHS St. Gallen, Switzerland
Advanced Federal Diploma in Foreign Trade (Eidg. Dipl. Exportleiter)
1998 — 2000Switzerland
Federal Diploma Export Manager (Aussenwirtschaftsfachmann)
1996 — 1998Switzerland
Higher Professional Examination in Retail Management
1987 — 1988Switzerland
Commercial Apprenticeship
1983 — 1986Switzerland
Languages: German (native) · English (fluent) · French (intermediate).
Expertise & value
What I bring
to the table.
Three decades of specialized FMCG knowledge — bridging Swiss precision with the commercial dynamics of the GCC, Asia and Europe.
30+ Years FMCG Industry Knowledge
Three decades inside Swiss and international food brands — from category dynamics to boardroom decisions.
Cross-Cultural Leadership
Connecting people, brands and businesses across European, Gulf and Asian cultures with genuine fluency.
International Network
A personal network of distributors, retailers, operators and decision-makers across GCC, Asia and Europe.
Distributor & Retail Relationships
Long-standing, trust-based relationships that open doors faster than any cold market entry ever could.
Entrepreneurial Execution
Hands-on ownership — I build, negotiate and deliver myself, not just advise from a distance.
Negotiation Across Cultures
Closing commercial agreements where cultural nuance, patience and timing matter as much as the terms.
Strategic Foresight
Pattern recognition from decades of markets, cycles and brands — spotting shifts before they become obvious.
GCC & Asia Market Fluency
Lived understanding of how business actually gets done in the Gulf region and key Asian markets.