Interim Management · Consulting · Advisory Boards
I take responsibility when a lot is at stake in manufacturing: as an interim manager at executive level, as a consultant who also implements, and as an independent member of supervisory and advisory boards.
Core Competencies
Relocating and closing production sites, carefully planned and implemented in a socially responsible way, from the business case and negotiations with the works council and workforce through to a stable ramp-up at the new site, without disrupting customer supply.
Building new production facilities from scratch: site selection, investment, buildings, equipment, recruitment and ramp-up. Most recently, as managing director of a greenfield solar module factory, I led the project from initial planning through series production.
Integrating acquired companies into international group structures. Aligning processes, systems, reporting and culture without harming day-to-day operations, and actually realising the synergies.
Services
Hands-on leadership for a defined period as interim CEO, COO or plant manager. For relocations, turnarounds, integrations and critical vacancies.
Learn moreAnalysis, concept and implementation in production, supply chain, quality and organisation. Pragmatic and measurable.
Learn moreIndependent, certified support for owners and management, with a deep understanding of industrial value creation.
Learn moreAbout Me
I am a graduate electrical engineer (Dipl.-Ing.) and have spent almost four decades leading industrial manufacturing operations as managing director, plant manager and authorised officer at internationally operating companies such as 3M, Philips, Panasonic, Saia-Burgess, Laird Technologies and Altro.
My work starts with listening, moves on to precise analysis and ends with solutions that deliver results. I lead close to the people and deep in the processes, while keeping the bigger picture in view. For me, success is always a shared journey.
Since November 2025, I have supported companies through my own consultancy as an interim manager, consultant, and board member.
FAQ
Whenever a relocation or site closure must be handled on top of day-to-day business, and nobody internally has the experience or capacity. An experienced interim manager brings proven methods, negotiates with the works council and workforce, keeps supply secure and leaves the company once the new site is running stably.
That depends on scope, product complexity and customer approvals. A manageable relocation can be completed in around twelve months, as with the move of Laird's Kaltenkirchen site from Germany to the Czech Republic while meeting all delivery targets. Larger projects involving requalification of processes and products take correspondingly longer.
I have been responsible for four plant relocations: to Portugal (3M), Slovakia (Panasonic), Hungary (Saia-Burgess) and the Czech Republic (Laird Technologies). In addition, I built a greenfield factory in Germany and set up a European logistics hub after Brexit.
A robust business case, a realistic schedule with buffers for qualification and customer approvals, early and fair communication with the works council and workforce, targeted knowledge transfer to the new site and a tightly managed ramp-up. Most relocations do not fail because of technology, but because knowledge transfer is underestimated and schedules are too tight.
My focus is on medical technology, automotive, electronics manufacturing and mechanical engineering. I also have experience in thermal management, renewable energy, building materials, consumer goods and food production.
Usually at short notice. After an initial conversation and a brief alignment on goals and conditions, I can typically start within a few weeks, and even sooner in urgent cases.
Yes. I am a certified supervisory and advisory board member (Steinbeis Akademie Hamburg) and support owners and management teams of manufacturing companies in strategy, transformation and succession.
I am based in Hitzhusen in Schleswig-Holstein, near Hamburg. I take on assignments throughout Germany, Austria and Switzerland as well as at target sites across Europe, including extended periods on site. Assignments can be carried out in German or English.
A first conversation is free and without obligation. Describe your situation, and I will get back to you promptly.
