2027 MENTORING PROGRAM
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
We are delighted to collaborate with WISTA Switzerland on the launch of the 2027 WISTA Switzerland Mentoring Program, with the new mentoring cycle starting in February 2027.
Building on the experience of previous editions and the feedback received from our mentors and mentees, the Program, once again led by Josiane Tistounet, is expanding in 2027, with a broader team of experienced mentors and more opportunities for women seeking individual guidance at an important stage of their professional journey.
Whether you are navigating a career transition, taking on new responsibilities, facing a professional challenge or reflecting on your next step, the Program offers a confidential and personalized space to exchange, learn and grow.
Meet our 2027 Mentors
Our expanded team brings together senior experience across commodity trading, shipping, banking, trade finance, law, risk management, governance and leadership:
Françoise Deshusses – Strategy consultant and experienced board member, with deep expertise in global commodity markets, risk management and international trade.
Goran Karimzadeh – Director at UBS in Trade Finance, with around 17 years of experience across banking, credit risk, audit and commodity finance.
Mary Katri – Head of Operations Europe at Maersk, with extensive experience in logistics, supply chain management and international team leadership, and a strong commitment to mentoring and people development.
Jessica Kuttert - Senior HR professional and HR Business Partner Director at Bunge, with 17 years of international experience across trading, supply chain and corporate functions, and strong expertise in talent development, coaching and people leadership.
Florence Schürch – Secretary General of SUISSENÉGOCE, with a diverse career spanning commodity trading, public affairs, diplomacy and Swiss politics.
Heloisa Slav– Lawyer with 25 years of international experience, specializing in Trade Finance and Commercial Law.
Josiane Tistounet – Senior finance executive with extensive experience in trade finance, corporate banking, governance, risk management and international leadership.
Maximilian Tomai – CEO of Galena Asset Management, part of the Trafigura Group, with extensive senior leadership experience in international commodities and a strong commitment to mentoring, particularly supporting professionals through career transitions and professional development.
Michaela Troyanov – Independent board director with more than three decades of experience in banking, regulation, strategic management and corporate governance.
Richard Watts – Consultant and trainer with extensive experience in commodity trading, shipping, maritime transport and professional development.
Together, they share a strong commitment to diversity, gender balance and supporting women in their professional development and career progression.
An expanded Program for 2027
The expansion of our mentoring team will allow us to welcome more WISTA Switzerland members into the Program.
For the first time, we are also delighted to extend this opportunity to members of our partner association CTC, further enriching the diversity and reach of the Program.
CTC applicants will participate in the same selection process and will be required, if selected, to meet the Program's eligibility requirements, accept the WISTA Switzerland Mentoring Guide and become WISTA Switzerland members, subject to the usual membership criteria and Board approval.
Applications
Interested candidates are invited to submit a short motivation letter and CV, explaining the professional challenge or transition they would like to address and what they hope to gain from mentoring.
Application deadline: 15 November 2026
Program starts: February 2027
Participation is FREE for WISTA Switzerland members and subject to an annual fee of 300 CHF for non-members.
We look forward to bringing together another inspiring group of mentors and mentees for the 2027 Program.