Women in Leadership: Spotlight on Alexandra Suhas

How did you get into the industry?

I began my career at KPMG in France, where I spent 15 years specialising in auditing and M&A. I then served as the Internal Audit Director for EMEA at Alcan before my career took me from Paris to Boston, where I pursued an MBA at MIT Sloan.

I later joined and subsequently acquired a Boston-based accounting firm – transforming the firm into a full-service corporate and global expansion provider focused on assisting European companies to establish operations in the US, known as Axelia Partners.

Following significant growth, we joined forces with ZEDRA in 2022 to further develop the corporate service offering throughout the Americas for cross-border and domestic businesses.

What has been a key learning in your career?

The significant learnings in my career have been the importance of adaptability, continuous learning and effective people management.

Empowering and developing my team has undoubtedly enhanced our collective performance.

Embracing change and being open to new ideas has allowed me to lead effectively and support our clients in navigating complex international landscapes.

What would you say to someone considering a career in your industry?

The industry offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. It is a field where you can make a tangible impact on businesses by helping them grow and succeed internationally.

The work we undertake is diverse and intellectually stimulating, requiring a deep understanding of various regulatory environments and cultural nuances.

If you are passionate about global business, enjoy problem-solving, and are dedicated to developing others, this industry can be incredibly rewarding.

What are the opportunities and challenges you’re seeing in the industry?

With the increased globalisation of businesses, there are huge opportunities to help companies navigate new markets, comply with local regulations, and optimise their operations.

The rapid rise of digital transformation and remote work has introduced new dynamics that require innovative solutions. Effective people management and team coaching are more important than ever to ensure teams are motivated, skilled, and aligned with organisational goals.

Staying one step ahead and managing global operations requires local knowledge with a global outlook. At ZEDRA, we are committed to leveraging our expertise to turn these challenges into opportunities for our clients.

To find out more about the ways in which Alexandra and our team of Corporate & Global Expansion experts support clients across the Americas, get in touch.