Rüsselsheim, Hesse, Germany
Executive Leader | Operations, Communication Strategy & Program Management | Automotive Technical Development I am an operations executive with a 20-year track record at Toyota and Hyundai, specializing in the delivery of high-stakes technical programs. I operate at the intersection of creative design visions, complex engineering, and marketing & corporate financial strategy, ensuring multi-million-euro projects move from concept to market flawlessly. As Head of Design Operations at Hyundai’s European Technical Center, I hold the operational command over the studio’s development pipeline, continuously developing internal processes and adopting new technologies to drive efficiency. I am responsible for the infrastructure and execution frameworks that turn design concepts into production-ready reality. Key Areas of Impact: Financial Stewardship (CAPEX & OPEX): Full accountability for multi-million-euro budgets. I manage long-term capital investments in advanced design infrastructure (CAPEX) while optimizing recurring operational expenses (OPEX) to ensure lean, high-output performance. Design Communication Strategy: I translate complex design intent into clear corporate strategy and product launch input. I ensure the original aesthetic vision is protected and effectively communicated across all stakeholders to drive market success. Strategic Program Ownership: Leading large-scale vehicle programs through the entire lifecycle—from initial concept and digital modeling to physical prototyping and final production gates. Operational Transformation: I lead the continuous development of internal processes, adopting and integrating new technologies to stay ahead of industry standards. By optimizing the hand-offs between digital assets and physical prototypes, I eliminate technical bottlenecks and maximize both creative output and ROI of our development resources.
Managing Design Operation Department of European Hyundai Design Center, including the following: - Design Program Management - Digital Modelling - Digital Visualization - Physical Modeling (Clay models etc) - Design Communication (launch events / PR activities)
Led the cross-functional team responsible for strategic planning, creative workflow optimization, and early-stage product alignment within the European Design Centre. Creative Workflow & Program Management: Established and refined best-practice creative workflows across all internal styling, engineering, and modeling studios to ensure on-time project delivery. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Managed critical alignment between the Design Department and key corporate functions, including Product Planning, Marketing, Brand, PR, and Engineering. Design Strategy & Positioning: Coordinated early strategic guidelines for future models, including vehicle packaging, product positioning, and competitive analysis. Budget & Partner Management: Controlled department and project budgets while overseeing collaboration with external partners, design agencies, and concept car builders.
In charge of the department responsible for technical project management and production preparation of new powertrain technologies for the European market. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE: PRODUCTION READINESS & LAUNCH: Coordinated complete development loops, supplier readiness verification, and plant production preparation from design phase until successful start of mass production (SOP). REGULATORY COMPLIANCE PROGRAM: Led the overall cross-functional coordination towards the successful, on-time introduction of Euro 6 compliant engines and vehicles across EU markets. COST IMPROVEMENT OPTIMIZATION: Directed engineering and manufacturing lifecycle changes on mass production products to drive cost optimization and profitability.
Defined and managed core technical project plans from early vehicle concept to official market launch, ensuring all R&D and quality performance indicators were met. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE: PROGRAM LIFECYCLE MANAGEMENT: Defined master project schedules, controlled scope changes, and actively participated in prototype builds and technical testing tracking (including deployment to Japan). RISK & IMPACT ASSESSMENT: Evaluated operational and technical risks to secure on-time start of mass production, managing engineering design changes directly during the active manufacturing phase. SUPPLIER & PLANT ALIGNMENT: Synchronized internal R&D teams with Toyota manufacturing plants and Tier 1 suppliers to guarantee strict compliance with quality requirements. KEY VEHICLE PROGRAMS DELIVERED: Toyota Corolla Verso (Toyota Turkey) Toyota Camry (Toyota Russia) Toyota Yaris & Euro 5 Powertrain Integration (Toyota France)
Led cross-functional internal project teams focused on new product development (NPI) and product modifications for major global automotive OEMs. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE: OEM LAUNCH MANAGEMENT: Directed the new car glazing development program for the new KIA assembly plant in Žilina, Slovakia, from prototype phase to production readiness. FINANCIAL & FEASIBILITY ANALISYS: Conducted technical feasibility studies and cost estimations for new products, directly influencing procurement and tooling decisions. QUALITY AND DOCUMENTATION CONTROL: Coordinated product documentation processes according to strict automotive standards, participating actively in APQP processes and FMEA quality teams. CLIENT AND SUPPLY CHAIN ALIGNEMENT: Managed technical customer requests post-prototype builds and supervised the procurement and verification of manufacturing tools and checking fixtures.
PMPoland is company providing equipment for paper industry (paper making machines). Directed heavy industrial engineering projects from initial design freeze and procurement through manufacturing, to on-site assembly and final client handover. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE: INTERNATIONAL PROJECT DELIVERY: Managed end-to-end industrial execution and engineering schedules for high-profile global clients across Japan, China, USA, and Western Europe. FINANCIAL & RISK CONTROL: Accountable for project budget monitoring, cash flow optimization, and risk assessment across all manufacturing and assembly phases. SUPPLY CHAIN & PROCUREMENT: Supervised heavy procurement processes and participated in commercial negotiations with crucial suppliers to secure delivery timelines. STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATION: Led technical design approval meetings, progress reviews, and cross-functional communication between engineering teams and international customers. KEY GLOBAL CLIENTS MANAGED: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. (Japan) Nine Dragons Paper Industries Ltd. (China) Johnson Foils Ltd. (USA) Sandusky Walmsley Ltd. (England) Papeterie de la Seine (France) International Paper Klucze SA (Poland)