Jürgen Baumgärtner is Team Lead Corporate Sustainability at PwC Switzerland, where he champions ambitious sustainability practices. Formerly a Senior Associate in Advisory working on sustainability services at PwC Germany, he is passionate about driving meaningful change for people and the planet. Discover how he’s navigating his sustainability journey across borders.
1 Tell us about yourself and your journey at PwC Switzerland so far
I joined PwC Switzerland in January 2026 as Team Lead Corporate Sustainability, transferring from the German territory where I have spent more than 3.5 years – hence this new chapter feels a bit like PwC 2.0 for me.
The responsibility in my role circles around various kinds of sustainability matters (environment, social and governance) for all PwC activities in Switzerland. My work centers on consolidating non-financial reporting, setting effective targets and measures, and fostering collaboration with internal stakeholders and the Corporate Sustainability team at PwC Global.
2 What inspired you to make the move from PwC Germany to PwC Switzerland?
Switzerland is a fantastic place for anyone who loves the Alps and outdoor activities, and I definitely count myself among them. The country shares many similarities with Germany, but there are also some aspects that are unique to Switzerland, making it an even more exciting place to be. From a workplace perspective, I have always appreciated the opportunities available to PwC employees, including flexible working conditions, access to a vast network of great people, and the chance to work on exciting topics. These factors inspired me to stay with PwC and embrace this new role.
3 How does your current role at PwC Switzerland differ from your previous role at PwC Germany?
In Germany, I worked in the client-facing department of Sustainability Services. There are many similarities between that role and my current position, such as carbon accounting, developing climate strategies, and ensuring assurance readiness - skills that I continue to apply in my daily work at PwC Switzerland.
However, my current role differs in that I’m no longer in advisory. It focuses less on recommending actions for clients and more on developing and implementing plans, ideas, and approaches.
"This shift gives me the freedom to create initiatives while also holding the responsibility to see them through successfully."
4 What skills have you developed at PwC that you couldn’t have built anywhere else and how are they powering your success in your new role?
I have been involved in various sustainability transformation topics across different situations, working not only as an advisor on carbon accounting and climate transition planning but also as an auditor conducting assurance engagements on non-financial reporting for industrial clients.
Throughout this time, I have always been able to stay updated on emerging trends, such as the circular economy, sustainable aviation fuels, and the operationalization of reporting tools. These valuable opportunities, available only in a market-leading firm, have helped me develop a holistic view of the sustainability field, enabling me to make better decisions in my new role each day.
5 Sustainability is evolving rapidly. What opportunities excite you most in your field?
Over the past year, it has felt as though perspectives on sustainability are changing rapidly, but this does not mean its relevance is declining. From my viewpoint, there is still plenty of room for optimism and excitement. Clean technologies continue to become more efficient and affordable, making them not only the ethically sound choice but also the smart one to consider.
Beyond that, a comprehensive sustainability strategy can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels and strengthen supply chain resilience, creating practical synergies beyond just lowering CO2 emissions.
"Being involved in sustainability challenges often means collaborating with people who are eager to shape the future—individuals who relentlessly pursue our purpose at PwC: “to build trust in society and solve important problems.” This work is both fun and exciting!"
6 What advice would you give to someone considering a move within PwC’s network – whether that’s across borders, teams or roles?
Focus on opportunities, not on risks. I feel like at PwC if you knock you will discover a couple of very interesting doors opening. Do not overthink and trust your gut feeling. In the end, one mainly tends to regret the moves not made – so better avoid that and take a courageous step. Talk to people from areas different the one you are operating in, take a careful look into PwC's Intranet / job openings (I for example found this role on LinkedIn) from time to time and let relevant people know what you are searching for.
Ready for a new challenge?
Find your perfect role
