Having climbed the ranks rapidly, Mathias became one of the youngest tax partners at PwC Germany in 2024, a mere 15 years after starting with the firm as an intern. His achievement in attaining the highest level of seniority in PwC Germany as an openly gay man has made him a role model and a source of encouragement for others.
His professional journey has a lengthy history, as Mathias aspired to being a German Certified Tax Advisor from an early age. What promoted this desire? Growing up in the German Democratic Republic, the former Communist East Germany, Mathias saw his elder sister switch careers post-reunification – from a tailor to a tax professional. Her successful transition ignited his fascination with taxation.
Mathias’ goal of landing his dream career prompted him to pursue a degree in business administration and management at the Technical University of Dresden. He undertook an internship during his studies, which he completed at PwC Germany – where he found the work environment appealing, making him interested in returning in the future.
As Mathias stepped into the job market during the 2009 global financial crisis, employment opportunities were scarce. Concerned about securing a spot at PwC, he cast his net wide and applied for numerous positions, including roles at all of the Big Four professional services firms. To his delight, he received offers from all of them. He chose to join PwC Germany because of his previous positive interactions with the firm during his internship, along with the welcoming culture he experienced during his interviews, which strengthened his desire to join. Shortly afterwards, he relocated to Munich and began working as a consultant in PwC Germany’s international tax practice.
At first, Mathias was private about being gay. But as he became more familiar with his colleagues, he began to open up. As he gradually came out to more people at work, he found the response was universally positive. Realising that his sexual orientation wasn’t an issue, it became natural for him to share this aspect of his identity with his co-workers without fearing any negative repercussions.
“Right away, PwC felt like family where individual worth goes beyond technical skills. At first, I hadn’t met any other openly gay individuals at PwC Germany. But with the launch of our Shine network in 2013, I connected with Vaughan Price – a now retired, openly gay partner and an inspiring and authentic role model, who showed me that being gay wouldn’t hinder career advancement at the firm. His success empowered me to fully realise my potential at work.”
As Mathias’ career advanced, an opportunity came up to spend a year at PwC France. But, due to his limited French language skills, he found working life in Paris harder than he had expected.
Mathias’ career progression then led him to return to Germany, where he was promoted to senior manager and began to take on an increasingly prominent role in supporting LGBT+ inclusion. He started mentoring young LGBT+ professionals across different service lines, platforms and territories, many of whom have told him they regard him as a true role model. Additionally, Mathias is Co-chair of PwC Germany’s Shine network and was one of many stakeholders who helped shape PwC’s global LGBT+ inclusion strategy (PDF) (file size: 0.39 MB).
“I’m collaborating with Shine leaders across Europe and Africa to solidify our LGBT+ inclusion strategy and to enhance its implementation. This work is intriguing and worthwhile, but it also surfaces challenges due to the wide array of attitudes towards inclusion and diversity across various countries and regions.”
Through and beyond his work at Shine, Mathias extends his commitment to social causes by dedicating time to volunteer activities. His work with the Tent Partnership for Refugees sees him mentoring LGBT+ refugees who are eager to enter the German labour market. He is also a member of the supervisory board for the PROUT AT WORK foundation, an organisation advocating for LGBT+ inclusion and diversity in professional settings. Furthermore, Mathias has become involved in a joint initiative called #positivelyworking with the HIV Foundation in Germany, a programme aimed at eradicating workplace discrimination against individuals living with HIV so they are supported and included in work environments. The initiative’s effectiveness has led to its successful implementation in other nations as well.
Outside of his professional life, Mathias, an avid photographer and traveller, has explored together with his husband many remarkable destinations across the world. Yet, as an LGBT+ individual, travel poses its challenges. Mathias and his husband chose not to change their names when they got married for easier paperwork and for greater safety in regions where being open about their relationship could be sensitive. This is particularly true in regions where same-sex relationships are frowned upon or illegal; in these cases, they opt to act as though they are just brothers or friends. So far, they’ve been fortunate to avoid any serious incidents. These experiences fuel Mathias’ commitment to LGBT+ advocacy.
During the weekends, Mathias stays active by engaging in running and BEAT81, which involves high-intensity interval training. He also enjoys exploring museums, particularly those that showcase exhibits on fashion, art, architecture and interior design.
Lightning round: quick questions and quick answers
From your experience, how do you sum up Inclusion & Diversity at PwC?
Committed to inclusive excellence.
What should others know about PwC’s commitment to Inclusion & Diversity?
PwC fosters a culture of belonging where diverse perspectives are valued, promoting innovation and collaboration.
We are for all
Our focus on inclusion unlocks the power and potential of a diverse community of solvers
Fostering a space where LGBT+ solvers can shine
Our LGBT+ Inclusion driver for change
