Karsten Matthes studied education with a focus on human resources and psychology in Hamburg. Early in his career, he completed rigorous leadership programs, first during his officer training and later at a leading global healthcare group. Following his military service, he transitioned to the corporate world, joining Biotronik, a globally active, family-owned company specializing in medical technology.

As a member of the management board of the multinational healthcare company Sanofi, he was responsible for human resources in three countries, at nine locations for a total of more than 2,000 employees. He has been a management and HR consultant since 2013 and joined the PAWLIK Consultants consulting and executive search team as a partner in 2019. He is characterised by outstanding industry knowledge – particularly in pharmaceuticals, life sciences and healthcare – in-depth consulting expertise and an extensive international network.