Digital veterans found Search & Co

Leading the new company together: Federik Thomas and Markus Dobbelfeld (from left to right).

The new company aims to support large enterprises, international corporations, as well as medium-sized and family-owned businesses in building digital capabilities. The two founders, Frederik Thomas and Markus Dobbelfeld—who describe themselves as «digital veterans»—have more than 20 years of experience building digital teams and organizations. Having successfully completed numerous digital transformation initiatives in fields such as e-commerce, digital marketing, digital banking, product digitization, and digital business model transformation, they know that the ultimate factor for success in digital transformation is not technology—but people. That is why Search & Co. is dedicated to helping people and companies realize their digital potential. The company achieves this by assisting with the identification and recruitment of digital talent, as well as through coaching, interim management, and customized training programs. Frederik Thomas most recently served as Chief Information Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Interdiscount. Markus Dobbelfeld, for his part, served as Chief Marketing and Digital Officer and a member of the Executive Board of the Vorwerk Group until the founding of Search & Co.

The two have developed a «Digital Potential Model» for companies that are facing the challenge of digitalization, are already undergoing digital transformation, or are well advanced in the process. The model identifies internal innovation talent and is designed to help companies target their search for missing leadership positions. If additional expertise is needed from outside the company, Search & Co recruits digital executives or specialists from a broad network.

In addition to their work as young entrepreneurs, both founders of Search & Co. serve as lecturers. Thomas is a lecturer in Digital Leadership at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW) and the University of Latvia. Dobbelfeld teaches Digital Business Innovation at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts and Digital Leadership & Transformation at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW).