Interview with our President and Founder, Claudio G. Cocca:
Celebrating 30 years of GGI
Q: Congratulations on the 30th anniversary of GGI! Looking back, what inspired you to create this network in 1995?
A: Thank you. It’s truly humbling to see how far we’ve come. The inspiration for the alliance was born out of a need I had early in my career: As a co-partner of an accounting and tax consulting firm in Switzerland, I worked intensively with foreign tax consultants and accountants. Quite often we had to assemble international teams quickly in order to handle our clients’ requests. I was continually confronted with the task of finding high-quality partners with whom to work successfully in order to serve our clients in the best possible way.
I saw a pressing need for a network that could combine the strength of local expertise with the reach and resources of an international platform.
The idea wasn’t just to connect firms – it was to create a community based on trust, shared values, and a commitment to excellence. From the beginning, we wanted member firms to maintain their independence while benefiting from the power of collaboration.
As a result of this need, I founded Geneva Group International AG (GGI) in April 1995, as an international alliance for tax consultants and accountants.
In order to avoid the inefficiency of managing an association, GGI was set up as a limited company in Switzerland, registering the trademark “Geneva Group International” in the relevant classes.
Q: GGI is a multidisciplinary alliance today. How and when did you change the structure?
A: GGI members urged the management of GGI to accept law firms and consulting firms as members in order to handle more complex joint transactions, and thereby turn GGI into a truly multidisciplinary alliance.
The fact that GGI is a Swiss company and the contractual relationship between a member firm and GGI is based on a “cooperation agreement”, which in technical terms is a service and trademark agreement, is very helpful in terms of grouping together law firms, accounting firms and consulting firms in one organisation. National legislation does not always allow accounting firms and law firms to be part of the same association; however, GGI is not an association and therefore the multidisciplinary path was open. Just two years after it was founded in 1997, GGI was converted into the multidisciplinary alliance we know today.
Q: What were some of the biggest challenges the alliance faced in its early years?
A: Building trust was perhaps the greatest challenge. In the mid-90s, the idea of forming an alliance where competitors collaborated with one another was still quite novel. Convincing firms to join meant demonstrating the tangible value of being part of a global alliance. Convincing the first member firms to join an alliance where no other firms were yet members needed persuasive power. I am still grateful today to the first members who placed their trust in me and shared my vision.
Technology was another hurdle. Today, instant communication and seamless data sharing are the norm, but back then, collaboration across borders often required navigating logistical and cultural challenges. It took persistence, a lot of face-to-face meetings, and a clear vision to bring it all together.
More recently, the covid-19 pandemic era was an extremely challenging time. We needed to cancel all our in-person events. Thanks to our smart and motivated members, well-structured technologies, and flexible GGI employees, we managed remarkably well to stay connected via webinars. However, you could certainly feel the joy when our members were finally able to get together and see each other in person once again after this time of distance.
Q: How has the alliance evolved over the past 30 years?
A: The growth has been extraordinary. We started with just a handful of member firms in a few countries. Today, we have representation across every continent, with firms working in some of the world’s most complex and dynamic markets.
But GGI’s evolution isn’t just about size. Our services have expanded significantly. While law, audit, and tax advisory remain at our core, we’ve embraced emerging areas such as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) consulting, digital transformation, and global compliance solutions.
Perhaps most importantly, the culture of GGI has matured. We’ve become more than just a professional alliance; we are now a community where firms share knowledge, innovate together, and support one another through challenges. We are proud to have a very familial atmosphere during our many GGI conferences and events.
Q: What milestones from the last 30 years stand out to you?
A: There are so many, but a few stand out. The first is the signing of our founding charter in 1995. This set the tone for everything we’ve achieved since. Expanding into emerging markets during the early 2000s was another pivotal moment, as it demonstrated our commitment to a truly global reach.
I’m also incredibly proud of the thought leadership initiatives we’ve launched. For example, GGI professionals voluntarily group into Expert Groups (Practice Groups, Special Interest Groups and Industry Groups) to regularly exchange ideas, knowledge, and experiences with like-minded specialists from several jurisdictions. GGI Practice Groups regularly publish FYI newsletters and set the agenda for our future.
Our GGI conferences have grown into wonderful events, which provide a sound base for building trust and confidence. In between we offer varied events for different needs.
And of course, seeing member firms collaborate on some of the most complex cross-border projects is always a highlight – it’s the embodiment of why we exist.
Q: What role do you see the alliance playing in today’s rapidly changing professional landscape?
A: The pace of change today is unprecedented. Technology, regulation, and societal expectations are transforming how we work. Our role is to support GGI member firms not just keep up but thrive.
We’re focused on three key areas:
First, embracing technology – AI, blockchain, and advanced data analytics are reshaping our fields, and we encourage our members stay at the forefront of these innovations.
Second, addressing global challenges like ESG and cross-border taxation – clients are looking for advisors who can provide integrated solutions, and GGI member firms are uniquely positioned to deliver.
Finally, GGI member firms are committed to fostering talent. As younger professionals enter the workforce, GGI member firms are creating programmes that blend technical excellence with leadership development.
We do our best to support our members in all those areas by providing a platform for knowledge exchange.
Q: What sets GGI apart from other global networks and alliances?
A: Our independence and values. Each member firm maintains its autonomy, which means clients get the benefit of local expertise. At the same time, GGI operates with a unified ethos: trust, collaboration, and excellence.
We are proud of our multidisciplinary approach, which has proven to be a real asset when quickly assembling teams for complex transactions.
We also emphasise relationships. Many networks are transactional – focused solely on generating referrals. We’ve built something deeper. Our members genuinely care about each other’s successes, and that sense of community makes us unique. We are proud to be a group of “striking heads”.
Q: As we look to the future, what excites you most about the next decade?
A: The potential for innovation excites me the most. The tools and technologies available today are incredible, and they will only get better. Imagine what we can achieve as a global alliance when we fully harness AI, automation, and predictive analytics.
I’m also inspired by the next generation of leaders within GGI’s member firms. They bring fresh perspectives and a passion for making a difference – not just for clients, but for the world.
Finally, I’m excited about continuing to expand into untapped markets. As the global economy evolves, there are countless opportunities to grow GGI and deepen our impact.
Q: What message would you like to share with members as they celebrate this 30th anniversary?
A: First and foremost, thank you. This milestone belongs to every single GGI member. It’s your dedication, expertise, and collaboration that have brought us to this point.
I’d encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on what we’ve achieved together, and to look forward with ambition. The next chapter of our story is just beginning, and I have no doubt that it will be even more remarkable than the first 30 years.
Let’s continue to support one another, push boundaries, and remain a beacon of excellence in the professional world. This year’s GGI World Conference will be held in GGI’s home country. Please save the dates to celebrate this remarkable event with us from 30 October to 02 November 2025 in Zurich, Switzerland.
Thank you, Claudio, for sharing your reflections and vision. As we celebrate this momentous anniversary, we look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead.
If you wish to dive deeper into GGI’s history, have a look on our website.
