Christoph Schmidt

Executive Vice President Finance & Controlling @ IAV GmbH | Master in Economics

Greater Hamburg Area

About

As Head of Controlling & Finance at IAV, I lead a finance organization of ~70 professionals with overall responsibility for Controlling, Accounting, Treasury and related corporate finance functions. Working closely with C-level management, I drive financial strategy, corporate planning and performance management across all legal entities. I act as a trusted commercial sparring partner to top management, providing financial transparency and strategic guidance at national and international level. My scope includes annual and consolidated financial statements, accounting and reporting under HGB and IFRS, as well as fleet management and insurance. My focus is on value-driven financial leadership, combining governance, performance steering and business impact.

Experience

  • IAV (Full-time · 7 yrs 10 mos)
    • EVP Finance & Controlling
      Jan 2026 - Present · 6 mos

    • Senior Vice President Controlling
      Sep 2018 - Dec 2025 · 7 yrs 4 mos

      • As direct report to C-FO I manage the Controlling department, collaborating closely with C-level management for strategic financial development and operational excellence. • Spearhead the continuous improvement of capacity and performance management through the development of KPI sets and digitization of processes. • Lead the strategic assessment of investments and M&A projects, contributing to the company's financial growth. • Participate in the preparation of monthly and annual financial statements.

  • Head of R&D Finance at RCP Pharma LLP
    Jul 2016 - Aug 2018 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    • Established comprehensive controlling/reporting for independent development units to enhance pharmaceutical research projects financed by external investors. • Conducted various due diligence activities with pharmaceutical companies and investors to ensure project viability and success.

  • Rheinmetall Landsysteme GmbH (Unterlüß, Germany)
    • Head of Projectcontrolling Combat Platforms
      Apr 2014 - Jun 2016 · 2 yrs 3 mos

      • As direct report to CFO I led a team of 5 employees in project controlling for combat platforms with project volumes ranging from mEUR 20 to bnEUR 1.3. • Optimized company key figures like contribution margin, OWC, and cash flow to drive profitability. • Ensured proper accounting of projects according to HGB and IFRS standards. • Acted as the central controlling contact for all project-related topics.

    • Head of Projectcontrolling Combat Platforms
      Oct 2012 - Mar 2014 · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Nycomed (4 yrs 3 mos)
    • Head of R&D and Central Functions Controlling
      May 2011 - Sep 2012 · 1 yr 5 mos

      • As direct report to EVP R&D I managed a team of 7 employees in R&D and Central Functions Controlling at Nycomed in Germany. • Responsible for project and overhead controlling, data interpretation for decision-making, and optimizing reporting processes. • Introduced Business Warehouse (BW) for analysis, evaluated spin-off opportunities, and liaised with auditors.

    • Head of R&D Projectcontrolling
      Jul 2008 - Apr 2011 · 2 yrs 10 mos

      • Developed a Project Controlling unit within R&D Controlling at Nycomed • Implemented a global project reporting system to enhance project management efficiency • Managed project budgets in collaboration with the project portfolio manager • Trained project team members in financial topics to improve financial literacy and decision-making skills

  • R&D Controller at Schwarz Pharma
    Apr 2006 - Jun 2008 · 2 yrs 3 mos