Dr. Christian Gorny is the CEO of ETL GLOBAL, one of Europe’s fastest-growing professional services networks. Under his leadership, the organisation has expanded its reach to support thousands of small and medium-sized businesses across multiple countries. Known for his collaborative approach and ability to connect with people across cultures, Dr. Gorny has played a key role in shaping ETL GLOBAL into a cohesive and successful international network. As ETL GLOBAL celebrates its 10th anniversary, he reflects on the journey that brought him here and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
An International Upbringing
Dr. Gorny’s path to leadership was shaped by an international childhood. Born in Germany’s North Rhine-Westphalia region, he spent his early years travelling the globe with his parents, whose careers took them to far corners of the world. “By the time I started school, I’d already travelled to every continent,” he recalls. This gave him a deep appreciation for different cultures and a global perspective. His education mirrored his upbringing—boarding school in Britain and studies across several countries taught him how to adapt and connect with people from different backgrounds. “Every step of my education and career has been shaped by international experiences,” he reflects.
From Audit Boardrooms to ETL GLOBAL
Dr. Gorny’s journey with ETL began in 2012 when he first met Franz-Josef Wernze, the group’s founder. At the time, Dr. Gorny was a board member at BDO, a role that had already cemented his reputation as a leader in audit and advisory. “Franz-Josef Wernze convinced me with his passion for the project,” he recalls. By April 2014, Dr. Gorny made the pivotal decision to join ETL GLOBAL, leaving BDO to embrace a new challenge. “I have no regrets,” he says of the move.
With over 20 years of experience in auditing, Dr. Gorny had worked with a range of businesses—from medium-sized companies to large public entities. His professional background also includes extensive work in company valuations, mergers, acquisitions, and restructurings, consulting on more than 500 transactions over two decades. This expertise has proven invaluable in shaping ETL GLOBAL’s approach to serving SMEs.
Dr. Christian Gorny at the 2018 ETL GLOBAL conference in Mallorca
Learning from Cultural Differences
When asked what makes a good leader in a global organisation, he is clear: “Always try to adjust and be open to cultural differences. If you want to be accepted and truly understand how others do business, you can’t impose your own way of working.”
To illustrate this, Dr. Gorny recalls an early lesson during one of his first trips to Spain: “There’s a stereotype in Germany that Spanish people always take long lunch breaks,” he explains. “But what many don’t realise is that the lunch break in Spain isn’t just about eating—it’s a continuation of the work process, just in a different setting. You can’t simply say, ‘Let’s skip lunch and keep working,’ because it’s an integral part of how they build relationships and get things done.”
He remembers with a smile how, during his visit, ETL Spain’s CEO, Juan Bermúdez, scheduled three consecutive lunch meetings, each at a different restaurant, to introduce him to potential partners. “I’m not someone who typically takes lunch breaks,” he admits, “but that day, I quickly learned the importance of adapting.”
Language is another aspect he highlights. “Trying to communicate in someone’s native language, even if you’re not perfect, makes a huge difference. It shows respect and raises acceptance,” he says. These lessons, he adds, have shaped his approach to leadership in a global environment.
Building the ETL GLOBAL Network
He looks back fondly on the first ETL GLOBAL conference in 2015, a milestone that marked the beginning of the network’s journey as an international community. “It was really very small—just 25 participants—but the atmosphere was incredible,” he recalls. “Most of those people already knew and trusted each other, and many of them are still part of ETL today.”
At the time, the group was still finding its footing. “We didn’t know exactly how we should structure ETL GLOBAL or where it would go, but you could already feel the spirit of the culture. People came together as part of a family, sharing the same values and building a common identity.”
Since then, the annual conference has grown to host over 250 participants—ten times the original number—but the sense of connection remains. “Even as we’ve expanded, we’ve managed to keep that family feeling, where everyone shares the same vision and values,” he says. Today, ETL GLOBAL is the seventh-largest network in Europe, a level of success that seemed almost unimaginable back then.
“We didn’t know exactly how we should structure ETL GLOBAL or where it would go, but you could already feel the spirit of the culture. People came together as part of a family, sharing the same values and building a common identity.”
Staying Grounded in a Demanding Role
Despite a packed schedule and constant travelling, balance remains a priority for Dr. Gorny. “My wife has been incredibly patient,” he says, acknowledging the challenges his career often brings. Every weekend, he ensures time is set aside for just the two of them. “We always start the weekend with time for ourselves—whether it’s dinner or lunch. It’s a way to reconnect, to step into each other’s worlds and catch up on what we’ve been doing during the week.” These moments, he explains, are essential for maintaining strong personal connections amidst the demands of his role.
Physical activity is another vital part of his routine. “Most of my time is spent sitting—whether it’s in the office, a taxi, or an airplane. That’s why movement is so important to me during my downtime.” Whether it’s a simple walk or other forms of exercise, staying active helps him recharge and approach his responsibilities with fresh energy and focus. These habits, combined with the support of his loved ones, allow him to navigate the pressures of leadership while staying connected to what matters most.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Dr. Gorny is optimistic. “We will achieve our strategic objective of becoming the number one provider of professional services for SMEs,” he says. This ambition is underpinned by the group’s sustained focus on innovation, collaboration, and the shared values that bind its partners together.
As ETL GLOBAL celebrates its 10th anniversary, Dr. Gorny’s leadership remains a cornerstone of its success. With a proven track record, a clear vision and a talented young team at his side, he continues to guide the network into a promising future.
A look back at ETL GLOBAL Conferences
