Alumni Spotlight: Gregor Kaelin '13
Gregor Kaelin is a business leader in the Swiss technology sectors. Currently, he serves as the General Manager Switzerland for wonderful.ai, a leading enterprise in Europe’s rapidly growing Agentic AI landscape. In this role, he oversees the deployment of next-generation AI agents tailored for the Swiss market.
His extensive professional background includes a significant tenure as the Head of Financial Services for Google Cloud Switzerland, where he led digital transformation and cloud technology initiatives for major Swiss banks and insurance companies. Prior to joining Google, Gregor held key positions at Salesforce, where he similarly focused on driving innovative transformation projects within the Swiss banking industry.
Gregor's unique professional trajectory is supported by a diverse educational foundation. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Trumpet Performance from the New England Conservatory in Boston, MA, and an Executive Master's degree in Arts Administration from the University of Zurich. In recognition of his professional achievements and potential, he was named a member of the Young Leader Circle by the American Swiss Foundation in 2024.
Why did you choose NEC?
I chose NEC because I wanted a 360-degree education in trumpet performance, and there is no better way to achieve that than by studying with Thomas Rolfs, Steven Emery and Thomas Siders. I knew that weaving together Tom’s unparalleled orchestral experience as Principal of the BSO with Steve’s deep expertise and versatile career would give me the most well-rounded foundation possible.
However, what truly solidified my decision was the tight-knit trumpet class community at NEC. In such a demanding field, it was vital for me to be in an environment where the students don't just compete, but genuinely push and support one another. Combining the world-class mentorship of Tom and Steve with that 'studio family' atmosphere created a unique culture of excellence that I knew I wanted to be in.
What have you been up to since graduating from NEC? What projects have you been working on? Do you have any goals you are looking to accomplish?
Since graduating from NEC, my career has taken an exciting and perhaps unconventional path for a trumpet player. I moved back to Switzerland and transitioned into the technology sector, where I began by building a foundation at Salesforce, then moved to Google Cloud Switzerland, where I lead the Financial Services sector. Today, I am the General Manager of wonderful.ai, one of the fastest-growing Agentic AI startups in Europe. It has been a amazing to apply the 'performance mindset' I developed at NEC to the fast-paced world of artificial intelligence.
My primary goal is to scale wonderful.ai into a global leader in the AI space, ensuring that we are building technology that is as impactful as it is innovative. However, a deeply personal goal is to continue proving that a world-class musical education is the ultimate secret weapon for business leadership.
What are some of your favorite memories from your time at NEC?
One of my favorite memories has to be my first large ensemble performance in Jordan Hall. There is a specific way the brass sound rings in that space—it’s legendary for a reason. Standing on that stage, feeling the support of my peers in the orchestra it felt like everything clicked.
Share a story about one of your favorite faculty or studio instructors.
One of my favorite memories was a lesson with Thomas Rolfs where we were working on an orchestral excerpt. I was so focused on the technical perfection of the notes that I was losing the musical story. Tom stopped me and shared an insight from the BSO stage about how the trumpet needs to interact with the rest of the orchestra in that moment. That ability to bridge the gap between the practice room and the world’s greatest stages is what makes him such an incredible mentor.
How have your NEC experiences shaped your artistic approach?
People are often surprised to see a conservatory graduate leading an AI startup, but I tell them that my time at NEC was the ultimate training ground for executive leadership. There are two core lessons from the trumpet studio that I use every single day:
- The Discipline of 'The Daily Routine': Musicians know that you cannot skip your fundamentals. The daily routine we practiced at NEC is exactly how I approach business operations. You have to master the fundamentals if you want the freedom to be innovative.
- Performance Under Pressure: There is no pressure quite like a solo in Jordan Hall or a mock audition. Those experiences taught me how to stay calm, focused, and precise when the stakes are high. Whether it’s a board meeting or a major product launch, I approach it with the same mental preparation I used for a concerto.
Ultimately, NEC taught me that excellence is not an accident; it is a habit. I carry the high standards of the Boston Trumpet School into every room I enter.
Do you have any advice for young musicians/current NEC students?
If I could share one piece of advice with current NEC students and young professionals, it would be this: Do not underestimate the 'Superpower' of your musical training.
- Own Your Versatility: As a musician, you are being trained in high-level problem solving, emotional intelligence, and extreme discipline. Whether you choose to stay on the stage or eventually work in the business world, those skills are rare and highly transferable. Don't feel boxed in by your instrument; let it be the foundation that allows you to build anything.
- Keep the Horn in Your Hands: To the musicians who might pursue paths outside of performance: don't stop playing. My trumpet is my mental anchor.
- Embrace the Pivot: Your career won't be a straight line. My journey from Salesforce to Google to the startup world was fueled by the same curiosity I had when I first walked into Jordan Hall. Be bold, take risks, and trust that the high standards you are learning at NEC will serve as your compass in any industry.
Learn More About Gregor:
Current Job: General Manager Switzerland, wonderful AI
Degree: Bachelor of Music
Class Year: 2013
Instrument: Trumpet
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