Paul Kotrba
brings deep luxury and financial expertise from senior roles at LVMH, LCatterton, and Lanvin Group, scaling brands across markets and channels.
Building brands
and scaling them
From brand clarity to global value.
Strategic advisory and operating partner for premium consumer businesses.
What We Do
Strategic Growth
for Premium Brands
We help brands expand globally, strengthen brand equity, and prepare for investment or transformation. Combining creative leadership, luxury operations, and entrepreneurial execution, we deliver integrated solutions – from positioning and market entry to operational scaling and investor readiness.
Our work bridges strategy and execution. We align brand, organization, and performance to unlock growth across categories, channels, and geographies. Whether entering new markets, repositioning for premium growth, or preparing for M&A, we operate hands-on and outcome-driven.
We work with founders, private equity, and corporate leadership teams seeking measurable growth and long-term value creation. Every engagement is tailored, discreet, and focused on building scalable platforms for sustainable success.
Our Approach
Integrated. Hands-on.
Outcome-driven.
KLW combines complementary strengths across creative leadership, operational excellence, and global entrepreneurship.
Robert Laner
brings entrepreneurial vision and sustainability-driven business experience, founding and scaling ventures while building strong international networks.
Tom Wallmann
brings 25 years of international brand-building experience in premium and luxury consumer goods, leading global campaigns and communications.
Every engagement is tailored, discreet, and focused on measurable long-term value.
"Together,wemergestrategicvisionwithexecutionaldiscipline–workingsidebysidewithleadershipteamstorepositionbrands,unlocknewmarketsacrossEMEA,theUS,andAPAC,prepareforinvestmentorM&A,andbuildhigh-performingorganizations."
Founding Partner
Paul Kotrba
Luxury & Operational Excellence
Paul brings deep expertise in luxury brand scaling, M&A, and operational excellence. His career spans senior leadership roles at LVMH, LCatterton, and Lanvin Group, where he led brand transformations, market expansion, and post-acquisition integrations.
He specializes in building investor-ready businesses and scaling premium brands across global markets.
- Founding Partner, KLW & Partner
- Principal | Impact Council Charité
- Board Member, Wilder Botanics
- Board Member, TAB X
- Advisor, ipuro
Founding Partner
Robert Laner
Entrepreneurship & Global Networks
Robert is an entrepreneur with experience in building sustainability-driven businesses and expanding international networks. He combines venture-building expertise with strategic advisory across multiple industries.
His focus is on creating long-term value through innovation, partnerships, and purpose-led growth.
- Founder, WorldChanger network
- Founder, sustainable textile company
- Founder, research studio for natural care
- International clients: Porsche, Swisscom, Palfinger
- Ambassador: Invictus Games
Founding Partner
Tom Wallmann
25 Years of Brand Building
Tom built his career at the intersection of creative excellence and brand leadership, with experience spanning premium and luxury consumer goods globally. As a founding partner, he brings deep expertise in brand positioning, communications strategy, and cultural impact.
- Founding Partner, KLW & Partner
- Founder + Principal | Impact Council Charité
- Board Member, Wilder Botanics
- Board Member, TAB X
- Sounding Board Member, Erste Foundation
Cases
Selected Work
BRAND & BUSINESS TRANSFORMATION
DEPOT: Integrated Brand and Operational Reset
We executed a complete CI and brand overhaul, redefining DEPOT's positioning and visual identity. The campaign and communication platform were fully reset to sharpen relevance and consistency across markets. In parallel, we optimized the ecommerce channel and supported core functions including IT, supply chain management, and HR.
CORPORATE TRANSFORMATION
ipuro: Carve-Out and Brand Reinvention
We supported the corporate carve-out from GDC Group and built an independent organizational and operational structure. Alongside a complete brand and communication overhaul, we expanded category presence, strengthened channel strategy, and accelerated geographic growth – positioning ipuro for scalable long-term success.
Get in Touch
Let's build together.
We work with founders, private equity, and corporate brands to reposition businesses for premium growth and long-term value creation.
- Brand repositioning
- Market entry EMEA / US / APAC
- Investment readiness
- Team development