IN PERSoN

Please introduce yourself briefly.

Born in Germany, I now live near Lucerne in Heidelberg (Germany). I have a technical background and am a graduate mechanical engineer. Today, I have extensive international industry experience with a strong passion for Business-IT-Value. As an international Group CIO and Executive Interim Manager, I am a decisive doer with a proven track record of success. My team-oriented leadership style is based on responsibility and trust, while I focus on cost awareness and business value to get things done efficiently.

 

What subjects do you work on? What are your strengths?

Typically, it’s about bridging vacancies. I have always been working on subjects such as restructuring tasks, underperforming IT teams, projects that have gone off track, or large, discontinued projects. I also work on digital roadmaps, product or strategy workshops, change projects, post-merger situations, and complex contracts such as outsourcing.

I have led teams of 130 employees across more than 10 locations and gained experience in many industries, such as medical technology, mechanical engineering, and energy. My time in the USA, China, Singapore, and Switzerland has given me a good sense for international and intercultural contexts. It is important to me that IT delivers real business value by putting strategic thinking into practice.  

 

Do you have a ritual that helps you stay focused during challenging projects?

Since 2010, I have had two residences. I live in Switzerland during the week and see my family in Germany on weekends. This helps me focus on work and find balance in the evenings through sports, wellness, or riding my motorcycle.

 

Describe your leadership style in 3-5 words.

The team means everything to me. My employees generally appreciate clear leadership, fairness, trust and responsibility, direct feedback, and opportunities for development.

 

Is there a particular book, artwork, or experience that has inspired you or significantly shaped your approach to work?

Again, it’s more of a ritual: In difficult situations, I keep a journal and reflect on these four criteria: 1. What happened 2. How do I feel about it 3. Think bigger – what did really happen 4. What do I learn from it. All under the aspect of merciless honesty and clarity for myself.

 

What makes a good interim manager?

Authenticity. That’s my main advice to anyone! Become aware of your strengths and use them effectively. That’s a big part of success. Personally, as an interim manager, I address things others only think about. This has also something to do with radical honesty, which I can – as an interim manager – bring in. Getting to the root of issues and tackling problems at their source makes sense and helps to create a solid foundation.

 

What touches your heart, what is your passion?

• My wife and my children. My wife is my best coach, my support, and my source of inspiration.

• My professional success. I have always been ambitious and goal-oriented.

• My health. Despite a heavy workload, I make sure to remain mentally and physically fit.

• My motorcycle

 

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