Converting innovations and digital business models into profitable growth and value creation – this ambition has accompanied me as an entrepreneurial investor and CFO in various positions. On the operational level and on the investor side, I have successfully accompanied the development of high-growth technology and digital companies, in start-up organizations as well as in international corporate structures. Three career stages in particular have shaped my experience:
1. the development and control of the digital investment portfolio of Axel Springer as long-time managing director and CFO of the holding company Axel Springer Digital. The digital portfolio, which today accounts for over 80% of operating profit, was the key driver of the successful digital transformation of the company.
2. the establishment of the competence field of corporate venture capital and corporate venturing at Axel Springer hy, a majority stake of Axel Springer and peer-to-peer business consultancy for digital transformation.
3. the support of the global expansion of Intershop, the pioneer for e-commerce software, through the successful IPO, the dual listing on NASDAQ and award-winning investor relations. Intershop was one of the first German unicorns with a market cap of up to € 11 billion.
Today, I use my experience to drive innovation and transformation and make them commercially successful, including as a partner of AI.FUND and AI.STARTUP.HUB and initiator of the CVC Circle Hamburg.