Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Finance executive with more than 20 years of experience across accounting, finance operations, governance and transformation within a global DAX-listed organization. Currently leading a finance organization with direct responsibility for more than 20 professionals and functional leadership across international shared service structures. Throughout my career, I have combined deep expertise in IFRS reporting, corporate governance and finance operations with a strong track record of leading organizational change, process transformation and finance modernization initiatives in complex business environments. My experience includes responsibility for statutory and IFRS reporting, governance and internal control frameworks, finance transformation programs, shared service operating models, post-merger integrations and large-scale digitalization initiatives. I currently play a leading role in the ongoing SAP S/4HANA transformation, helping shape future finance processes, controls and operating structures. In addition to my technical finance background, I am passionate about developing high-performing teams, building effective organizational structures and driving sustainable operational excellence through simplification, automation and continuous improvement. Core areas of expertise: • Finance Leadership & Organizational Development • Finance Operations & Governance • IFRS & HGB Reporting • Corporate Governance & Internal Controls • Finance Transformation & Change Management • Shared Services & Global Operating Models • SAP S/4HANA Transformation • Automation & Process Excellence • Post-Merger Integration • Executive Stakeholder Management & Big4 Coordination I enjoy working at the intersection of finance leadership, governance and transformation, enabling organizations to navigate complexity, strengthen performance and build scalable finance capabilities for the future.
Leading finance operations, governance and organizational leadership activities for the Germany & Switzerland cluster within a complex international DAX environment. Leading a finance organization comprising more than 20 direct reports across six teams and functional leadership of approximately 50 finance professionals within international shared service structures. Key achievements and responsibilities include: • Leading finance operations for the Germany & Switzerland cluster within a highly complex finance environment • Coordinating finance activities with shared service organizations across Europe and Asia • Leading post-merger integrations including transition from local GAAP environments into IFRS reporting structures and related process integration • Leading finance transformation initiatives including the ongoing SAP S/4HANA transformation and implementation of evolving IFRS requirements including IFRS 18 • Driving finance process standardization, automation and operating model improvements across complex finance structures • Major contribution to the legal and operational restructuring of Henkel KGaA into separate operational entities and holding structures • Strengthening governance and internal control frameworks in close collaboration with executive management and external auditors • Managing complex stakeholder environments including executive leadership and Big4 advisors
Responsible for accounting, governance and reporting activities for Henkel KGaA within a highly complex corporate and regulatory environment. Key achievements and responsibilities included: • Leading accounting and governance activities during the legal and operational restructuring of Henkel KGaA into separate operational entities and holding structures • Managing highly complex governance, reporting and legal entity structures within a unique KGaA environment • Leading integration activities for newly acquired entities including IFRS transition and process harmonization • Steering highly complex stakeholder environments including executive leadership, external advisors and senior Big4 partners
Expanded leadership responsibility across accounting, reporting and pension commitments within Henkel’s international finance organization. Leading multiple finance teams and complex reporting environments while driving automation and reporting efficiency initiatives. Key achievements and leadership contributions included: • Expanding leadership scope to include pension commitments and related reporting structures • Driving automation and reporting efficiency initiatives contributing to industry-leading reporting and audit timelines within the DAX environment • Successfully leading audit transition activities and collaboration with external auditors • Managing complex reporting requirements across multiple finance areas and stakeholder groups • Leading automation and process standardization initiatives impacting more than 200 legal entities globally.
Responsible for strategic and organizational projects across technology transfer, organizational development and international collaboration within one of Germany’s largest scientific organizations.
Co-founder and managing director of an independent cultural and event organization in St. Gallen, Switzerland. Responsible for organizational management, event coordination and operational leadership. https://www.e-periodica.ch/cntmng?pid=sai-001%3A2000%3A7%3A%3A1103
Supporting a change management initiative for BertelsmannSpringer Switzerland in close collaboration with executive management.
Research and teaching activities in economics and legal research including financial studies, academic publications and curriculum development at the University of St. Gallen (HSG).