Corinna S. - Strategic Brand and Change Consultant

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Düsseldorf, Germany

Experience

Dec 2024 - Mar 2025

4 months

Düsseldorf, Germany

Strategic Brand and Change Consultant

Targobank

The bank was in a phase of brand and change optimization and needed external support to improve its internal processes and structures. I was brought in to advise on brand management strategy, provide crisis intervention, and develop change measures.
Strategic advising of the brand leadership on brand strategy and change processes
Analysis of existing processes, resources, and interfaces within the team and with internal and external stakeholders
Development and implementation of recommendations for process optimization and efficiency gains
Project and change management to successfully implement measures
Selection and management of external service providers to ensure smooth delivery
Optimization of internal processes and interfaces through detailed analyses and targeted recommendations, successfully implemented
Effective strategic advice to brand management, speeding up and improving decision-making processes
Successful management of external providers and agencies, leading to more efficient workflows and higher-quality results.

May 2024 - Present

1 year 4 months

Berlin, Germany

Communications and Marketing Expert, Change Consultant

Deutsche Rentenversicherung

The Deutsche Rentenversicherung is undergoing one of Germany’s largest IT transformations. I was engaged to guide the change communication strategy and shape its execution. (Mandate via SopraSteria SE, IT consulting)
Strategic advising of the communications and marketing staff unit
Developing communication initiatives and content for internal and external audiences
Creating targeted communication campaigns and initiatives
Implementing, evaluating, and refining campaigns and communication measures
Supporting large internal stakeholder events with communication services
Leading the campaign for the new IT system rollout, including management and evaluation
Successfully guided the first two releases with targeted change communication
Developed and implemented an organization-wide communication strategy that positively influenced the internal and external perception of one of Germany’s biggest IT transformations (€800M, 600 staff and consultants)
Improved internal communication and perception of the change process by introducing new content formats (e.g. newsletter, social intranet, live communication)
Created extensive C-level presentations (committee communications) on the transformation approach, contributing to strategic decision-making.

Apr 2023 - Dec 2023

9 months

Frankfurt, Germany

Strategic Corporate and Change Communication Consultant

DB Systel GmbH

DB Systel was optimizing its internal corporate communication. I was tasked with analyzing communication strategies, creating new formats, and managing internal campaigns to boost efficiency.
Analyzed and optimized internal communication channels for reach, quality, acceptance, and innovation
Conducted requirements workshops with stakeholders to define strategic communication needs
Developed a company-wide communication strategy, including creative formats (text, video, audio) for social media (LinkedIn, C-level)
Created a communication concept and roadmap to implement strategic corporate content
Project and change management for internal campaigns to improve time tracking rates
Campaign planning, creative concept, rollout, including evaluation and tracking
Presented and aligned the communication strategy with stakeholders and C-level
Optimized internal channels through data-driven analyses and strategic recommendations
Successfully implemented new formats (text, video, audio) to convey strategic content more effectively
Increased internal acceptance of communication measures, especially via LinkedIn social media
Ran an effective internal campaign that led to measurable improvements in time tracking participation
Presented the communication strategy to C-level, strengthening strategic communications.

May 2022 - Dec 2022

8 months

Frankfurt, Germany

Interim Senior HR Marketing and Project Manager, Trusted Employer Brand Advisor

BNP Paribas Group

BNP Paribas Group was refining its employer branding and talent marketing. I was hired to advise the Executive Board strategically, develop employer branding campaigns, and lead the Top Employer Award 2023 project.
Strategic advising of the Executive Board and HR leadership on employer branding, talent marketing, and recruiting
Developing and executing employer branding and talent marketing campaigns, including online and video formats
Analyzing and optimizing the employer brand across all online and offline touchpoints, with recommendations for 12 subsidiaries
Boosting reach and providing strategic advice for digital employer branding channels (social media, career website, VR formats)
Project management and overall leadership of the Top Employer Award 2023, coordinating national and international stakeholders
Creative and strategic guidance for the Germany career website relaunch to better position the employer brand
Won the Top Employer Award 2023, leading the entire project strategically
Optimized employer brand and strategy for 12 subsidiaries with tailored recommendations
Increased the employer brand’s reach and digital visibility through online campaigns and website relaunch
Enhanced employer brand positioning by introducing new video formats (image films, testimonials, VR videos)
Provided strategic advice to the Executive Board, optimizing long-term recruiting and internal mobility initiatives.

Sep 2021 - Feb 2022

6 months

Berlin, Germany

Interim Senior Change Communication Expert, Deputy Head of Communications and Change

Deutsche Rentenversicherung

As part of the pre-project “EULE,” Deutsche Rentenversicherung faced major digital IT transformation challenges. I was engaged to lead change communication strategy, develop a communication plan, and steer large change projects. (Mandate via SopraSteria SE, IT consulting)
Strategic advising of program leadership on change communication for digital transformation
Deputy head of the change communication unit, responsible for the communication strategy
Developed and implemented change communication strategies for various internal and external audiences
Created a product narrative (vision, mission, strategy) for consistent positioning of the digital program
Project management and oversight of large-scale change communication projects
Developed a brand strategy and brandbook for unified branding of the digital program
Designed and executed communication campaigns and initiatives, including content creation and stakeholder communication
Managed events and external service providers (agencies, print shops)
Successfully developed and executed a change communication strategy that effectively supported the IT transformation
Produced a clear product narrative (vision, mission, strategy) that made the digital transformation tangible
Positioned the digital program effectively with a holistic brand strategy and brandbook
Increased internal stakeholder buy-in through targeted change campaigns and communication measures
Improved stakeholder communication with interviews, content strategies, and creative campaigns

Jul 2020 - Dec 2023

3 years 6 months

Mettmann, Germany

Interim Senior Marketing and Communication Expert, Trusted Advisor in Restructuring and Change

Fondium Group

Fondium Group was undergoing a comprehensive restructuring and change process affecting competitiveness, sustainability, and digitalization. I was hired to advise the executive and HR leadership strategically, develop communication strategies, and lead large projects in internal/external communication and brand development.
Strategic advising of executive and HR leadership on internal and external communication during restructuring and change
Developed a brand-focused communication architecture to strengthen competitiveness and trust among internal and external audiences
Crafted vision and mission statements to sharpen the product narrative and guide brand strategy
Led change and communication projects in digitalization, competitiveness, and sustainability
Project lead for the company website redesign, including development of a new content strategy
Conducted workshops and training for leaders and top management to improve internal communication
Managed external providers (agencies, videographers, copywriters, editors) for high-quality communication deliverables
Successfully developed and implemented a new corporate communication strategy that improved internal acceptance and external perception
Guided the restructuring and change process with targeted communication measures that boosted competitiveness
Optimized internal communication for leaders through workshops and training that raised change capabilities
Repositioned the corporate brand effectively with a website redesign and improved content strategy
Managed stakeholder relationships to optimize collaboration between internal teams and external providers.

Jun 2018 - Jan 2020

1 year 8 months

Markdorf, Germany

Interim Senior Marketing and Brand Manager EMEA/Asia, Trusted Brand Leadership Advisor

J. Wagner GmbH

J. Wagner GmbH was expanding internationally and needed support for marketing and brand management in EMEA and Asia. I was tasked with optimizing marketing strategy, leading global sales campaigns, and strengthening brand presence through targeted initiatives.
Strategic advising of EMEA/Asia marketing and sales leadership on brand management and international market positioning
Developed and executed marketing strategies, including market analyses, customer journey mapping, and communication planning
Managed the brand for the decorative finishing product range, including strategic positioning and sales support
Planned and implemented marketing communications, including social media, PR reports, and trade press relations
Led the global rollout of the “The Unstoppables” sales campaign, including campaign management and content production
Organized and supervised photoshoots and video shoots for product and brand communication
Managed events and projects for brand and sales events to strengthen the corporate brand
Oversaw external providers (agencies, print shops, videographers, copywriters, editors, photographers) for consistent brand communication
Achieved successful international brand alignment and expansion through targeted marketing and sales measures
Optimized brand strategy and communication, strengthening market position in EMEA
Executed a successful global rollout of the “The Unstoppables” campaign, with high reach and positive B2B feedback
Increased brand presence and customer engagement with effective social media and content strategies
Delivered large-scale events and sales activities that drove brand awareness and customer loyalty.

Oct 2016 - Jan 2018

1 year 4 months

Hanover, Germany

Interim Senior Marketing and Brand Manager, Trusted Brand Strategy Advisor

Wienerberger GmbH

Wienerberger GmbH was refining brand and market positioning for multiple product lines and needed external expertise to optimize brand strategies and develop a unified communication approach. I was brought in to conduct market analyses, oversee brand and sales campaigns, and strengthen B2B social media presence.
Strategic advising of strategic marketing, product management, and communications leadership on brand positioning
Conducted market and portfolio analyses, including customer journey studies, to optimize market approach
Developed and executed market strategies and communication concepts for corporate and sub-brands
Planned, rolled out, and managed an image campaign for the corporate brand, including project leadership and execution
Created brand and sales strategies for Kamtec, Poroton, Koramic, and Argeton brands
Managed the corporate brand and sub-brands, including campaign management and execution
Developed a B2B social media strategy, including content management and creation
Project management and coordination of photoshoots and video shoots for communication and sales campaigns
Managed trade show and event activities, and optimized point-of-sale materials for retail
Oversaw external providers (agencies, print shops, videographers, copywriters, photographers) for a consistent brand message
Successfully realigned the corporate and sub-brand strategies, strengthening market position
Optimized customer journey and market outreach with data-driven insights and strategic recommendations
Launched and delivered an image campaign that significantly improved brand recognition and corporate image
Boosted brand presence and customer engagement with a targeted B2B social media strategy
Executed large-scale events and trade shows that enhanced customer loyalty and brand visibility.

Aug 2016 - Present

9 years 1 month

Düsseldorf, Germany

Executive Interim Manager, Strategic Consultant, Owner

Schmidt-Interim, Interim Marketing & Change Management

Strategic consulting, project management, and interim management for marketing, communications, and change mandates. (See detailed project list below)

Sep 2015 - Mar 2016

7 months

Sabbatical

Built my freelance practice

Feb 2014 - Aug 2015

1 year 7 months

Beringen, Switzerland

Head of Business Unit Industry

BBC Bircher SmartAccess AG

Oct 2010 - Dec 2013

3 years 3 months

Pfullendorf, Germany

Head of Marketing Communications

Geberit Germany

Apr 2010 - Sep 2010

6 months

Zürich, Switzerland

Key Account Manager (investors, general contractors, and architects)

Inhaus AG

Nov 2008 - Feb 2010

1 year 4 months

Nürtingen, Germany

Agency Director, Creative Director

Agentur ID im Dialog GmbH

Feb 2008 - Feb 2010

2 years 1 month

Nürtingen, Germany

Head of Marketing and Communications

Birk GmbH

Mar 2007 - Feb 2008

1 year

Singen, Germany

Agency Director, Creative Director

Formart

Jul 2004 - Feb 2007

2 years 8 months

Singen, Germany

Head of Marketing and Communications

SeminarPool GmbH (today: platzhirsche.net)

Nov 2002 - Jun 2004

1 year 8 months

Marburg, Germany

Junior Art Director

Prinz & Partner

Jul 2001 - Oct 2002

1 year 4 months

Marburg, Germany

Full-Time Intern (40 hrs/week)

Prinz & Partner

Summary

With over 20 years of experience in marketing, communications, and change management, I take on senior project and leadership roles. I develop strategic communication and branding initiatives, guide transformation processes, and lead cross-functional teams through change phases. As an interim manager and project lead, I drive companies through growth and restructuring – with clear strategies, effective communication, and hands-on execution – always collaborative, never top-down!

Roles:

Strategic Consultant for Change Communication
Interim Manager Marketing & Brand Leadership
Head of Marketing and Communications (interim/project-based)

Areas of Expertise:

Change Communication & Transformation Support (digitalization, restructuring, employer branding)
Brand Strategy & Brand Management (marketing, employer brand, rebranding, product narratives)
Communication and Campaign Management (internal & external communication, social media, PR)
Project Leadership & Executive Coaching (complex projects, C-level consulting, leadership coaching)

Industries:

IT & Digitalization (IT consulting, digital transformation)
Finance & Public Sector (banks, pension insurance)
Industry & Automotive Suppliers (mechanical engineering, construction, surface technology)