Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
Experienced Finance Director, CFO & Compliance Officer | Strategic Financial Leadership | ESG | CSRD | EUDR | Process Optimization | Team Management | Restructuring Expert | Change Management | M&A I am an experienced finance executive and compliance officer with deep expertise in digital transformation and sustainability in the finance sector. I lead with a focus on aligning financial performance with ESG principles, driving compliance with regulations such as the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). My approach emphasizes leveraging technology for process automation, real-time reporting, and data-driven decision-making, positioning companies for sustainable growth and competitive advantage in an increasingly digital and regulated landscape. General management: - Leadership in steering the strategic development of the entire commercial function, integrating ESG frameworks and ensuring compliance with CSRD and EUDR regulations. - Ongoing development and implementation of structures, processes, and digitalization initiatives, with a focus on sustainable business models, resource efficiency, and regulatory adherence. - Disciplinary and professional management of direct reports, fostering a culture of ethical governance and sustainability. - Identification and execution of optimization opportunities across the commercial area, driving initiatives that support both profitability and ESG objectives. Controlling: - Further development of an effective control and reporting system as well as a functional controlling structure - Responsibility for budget planning, forecasts and reports as well as the analysis of corresponding key figures - Analysis of key figures, definition of improvement measures and monitoring of the implementation of these measures Finance: - Preparation of annual financial statements according to HGB, IFRS and US-GAAP as well as tax issues - Responsibility for cash management and credit management - Contact person for auditors, tax consultants and banks Personnel: - Experience in restructuring with social plans and reconciliation of interests in cooperation with the works council - Change management with the implementation of shared service centres IT: - Led the implementation of advanced planning and consolidation tools (LucaNet). - A strong advocate for digital transformation, driving the adoption of technology solutions such as cloud-based systems. - Guided digital innovation initiatives, focusing on improving the security and transparency of financial transactions.
PE-backed leading producer of virgin fibre cartonboard with production sites in Germany and the Netherlands (€200m revenue, 400 employees). Full responsibility for Finance, Controlling, IT, and ESG reporting in an international multi-site structure. Strategic partner to CEO and PE investors. Key achievements: · Led full carve-out from Mayr-Melnhof Group – built all standalone functions (Finance, Controlling) in Germany and The Netherlands · Negotiated €65m multi-bank financing facility under IDW S6 restructuring concept, securing long-term liquidity · Delivered 5–10% EBITDA margin improvement through group-wide cost and efficiency programme · Reduced monthly closing cycle by 3–5 days via LucaNet, Power BI, and CRM digitalisation · Optimised working capital and sustainably strengthened cash position · Produced first CSRD-compliant sustainability report and achieved EcoVadis Silver certification · Evaluated M&A opportunities to support buy-and-build growth strategy
PE-owned world-leading provider of testing, inspection, and certification services in automotive, aerospace, and life sciences (Germany revenue: €40m, five entities). Key achievements: · Led Finance and IT across five German entities in a PE buy-and-build structure · Integrated multiple acquisitions including harmonisation of finance processes and treasury structures · Introduced digital workflows (DocuWare) and optimised IFRS/HGB reporting · Executed investment and cost efficiency programmes to improve profitability · Provided financial support for pricing decisions and capacity planning
Subsidiary of a world-leading oil and gas group (Germany revenue: €70m). Full CFO responsibility for Finance, Controlling, IT, and HR for Germany and Austria. Key achievements: · Reduced operating costs by 15% through digitalisation of customer service and accounting · Led SAP HANA implementation for Germany · Implemented cash pooling and treasury process · Ensured audit-proof transfer pricing documentation · Managed works council negotiations in connection with organisational restructuring · Primary contact for auditors, tax authorities, and banks
Owner-managed international SME with subsidiaries in USA, Canada, Estonia, and Czech Republic. Market leader in fertiliser and soil products (revenue: €55m). Key achievements: · Reduced production costs by €2m through process cost optimisation · Executed restructuring including plant closures in Germany and the USA with works council involvement · Implemented LucaNet for group-wide planning and consolidation · Responsible for budgeting, forecasting, liquidity planning, and business analysis
International pharmaceutical logistics provider (revenue: €250m). · Introduced activity-based costing (ABC) across European subsidiaries · Implemented group-wide risk management system · Responsible for financial reporting for Spain, France, and Ireland