Florian Lehmann - Interim Head of Transformation

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Hamburg, Germany

Experience

Jun 2023 - Present

2 years 2 months

Interim Head of Transformation

TOMRA Systems ASA

Machinery and plant engineering Recycling & Mining (Revenue: EUR 1.2 billion)
As the central leader in the transformation process at a global technology company, I hold full responsibility for the strategic and financial realignment of the business. My mandate focuses on sustainable value creation, performance improvement and CFO-relevant control models:
Strategic Transformation & Value Creation: Initiated and executed a company-wide transformation program to establish a scalable, process-oriented organization. Focused on strategic agility, cost leadership and long-term financial resilience in a volatile market.
Operational Excellence & Digitalization: Introduced digital control tools and automation initiatives to boost efficiency and speed up decision-making. Designed a modern operating model to promote data-driven leadership and transparency across the value chain.
Finance, Controlling & Performance Management: Built an integrated finance and controlling framework with clear KPIs to manage profitability, OPEX and cash flow. Developed a rolling forecast model and established robust reporting mechanisms as the basis for C-level strategic decisions.
Working Capital, Liquidity Management & Treasury: Optimized working capital and managed the cash conversion cycle through targeted measures in inventory, receivables and payables. Established an integrated treasury architecture for active liquidity planning and stronger financial flexibility.
Global Integration & ERP Transformation: Led the global harmonization of systems and processes by implementing a scalable ERP platform. Drove synergies and transparency across borders to strengthen the global finance architecture.
Growth Strategy, Efficiency Improvement & Executive Sparring: Responsible for designing and executing group-wide initiatives to reduce costs, improve efficiency and drive sustainable growth with direct impact on EBITDA and overall financial performance. I act as a trusted sparring partner for the CFO and CEO, with a clear focus on financial controllability, operational excellence and strategic scaling. Closely collaborate on investment strategies, resource allocation and transformation priorities to strengthen long-term competitiveness and returns.

Dec 2022 - Apr 2023

5 months

Interim CFO

CycleFusion Group

Bicycle industry wholesaler/retailer (Revenue: EUR 100 million)
Financial Restructuring & Reporting: Optimized finance processes and implemented private equity–compliant reporting.
Liquidity, Capital & Controlling Management: Managed liquidity planning, working capital and built integrated controlling to stabilize finances and improve group performance. Developed a rolling forecast model for active management of cash flows, costs and results.
Post-Merger Integration & Scaling: Directed the integration and scaling of the group after mergers.
Group Financial Statements & Financial Management: Prepared monthly and annual financial statements for five subsidiaries (GER, UK, NL) and the consolidated group (HGB, IFRS). Restructured finance processes and implemented PE reporting.

Jun 2021 - Jan 2023

1 year 8 months

United States

Member Board of Directors

Schotten & Hansen Holding Inc. / Schotten & Hansen Inc.

Jun 2021 - Jan 2023

1 year 8 months

United Kingdom

Managing Director & Shareholder

Schotten & Hansen Ltd.

Apr 2020 - Jun 2021

1 year 3 months

Consultant

BPM Broadcast & Professional Media GmbH

Video technology wholesaler (Revenue: EUR 20 million)
Financial Management & Controlling: Developed and implemented solid budgeting, liquidity control and transparent reporting to secure financial stability.
Restructuring & Turnaround: Strategically realigned the company with a focus on efficiency, cost optimization and sustainable profitability.
Crisis Management & Financing: Successfully secured long-term financing during the COVID-19 pandemic based on restructuring results.
M&A Strategy & Sale: Structured and supported the successful sale of the company to a strategic investor, including finance and due diligence processes.

Dec 2019 - Nov 2022

3 years

Interim CFO & CRO

Schotten & Hansen GmbH

Wood industry manufacturing company (Revenue: EUR 30 million)
Finance Strategy & Controlling: Built and optimized finance and controlling processes to secure long-term financing.
Monthly and Annual Financial Statements: Fully responsible for monthly and annual statements of the group under HGB, including consolidation, audits and reporting to shareholders and banks.
Liquidity Management: Introduced efficient liquidity planning to ensure financial stability.
Data-Driven Management: Developed and implemented KPI-based reporting for all performance areas to steer the company continuously.
Cost Management: Established cost center and cost object accounting for precise efficiency analysis and control.
Restructuring & Transformation: Strategically realigned the company for sustainable growth and profitability (67% revenue increase, >900% improvement in operational profitability, double-digit EBITDA margin).
International Expansion: Realigned international strategy by founding foreign subsidiaries, building a global sales network and winning and managing international projects.

Jun 2019 - Sep 2019

4 months

Consultant

MI.T Gastro Management GmbH

Hospitality sector company (Revenue: EUR 10 million)
Business Development & Strategy: Created a comprehensive business plan for a European food & beverage company, focusing on scalability and market potential.
Investor Acquisition & Fundraising: Identified, approached and negotiated with potential investors to fund growth.
Successful Capital Raise: Brought in a European venture company builder as lead investor.

Dec 2018 - Aug 2019

9 months

Consultant

schweco GmbH

Construction industry company (Revenue: EUR 30 million)
Organizational Development & Scaling: Strengthened the company structure and optimized processes for sustainable growth.
Control & Controlling Systems: Implemented powerful planning and control tools for efficient management.
Financial Management & Reporting: Developed and implemented structured budgeting, liquidity control and transparent reporting to ensure financial stability.
M&A & Finance Strategy: Created innovative financing solutions for acquisitions and portfolio expansion.
Buy & Build Strategy: Prepared and positioned the company for targeted expansion through acquisitions, strengthening structure and processes to secure growth.

Oct 2016 - Nov 2018

2 years 2 months

CFO & Member of the Executive Board

Cadolto Fertiggebäude GmbH & Co. KG

Modular construction company in the building industry (Revenue: EUR 400 million)
Finance & Corporate Management: Full responsibility for finance, accounting, controlling and legal across the group.
Monthly and Annual Financial Statements: Prepared monthly and annual statements for 12 subsidiaries under HGB, including consolidation, audits and regular reporting to shareholders and supervisory bodies.
Strategic Transformation: Developed and implemented growth and earnings strategies, including a full restructuring and strategic realignment with employee representatives.
Financial Management & Capital Strategy: Optimized cash, finance and treasury processes and developed a sustainable financing strategy involving external investors.
Controlling & Performance Management: Built project and corporate controlling for major projects with volumes up to EUR 100 million.
Efficiency & Process Optimization: Analyzed and optimized order-to-cash and end-to-end processes to boost operational excellence.
M&A & Sale: Structured and executed the company transaction to a strategic investor as part of a succession solution.
Risk Management & Financing: Managed group financing, including guarantees and sureties totaling EUR 50 million.

Jan 2016 - Sep 2016

9 months

Sabbatical

Feb 2011 - Dec 2015

4 years 11 months

Board Advisor

Werner Maschinenbau GmbH

Sep 2008 - Jun 2014

5 years 10 months

Board Advisor & Shareholder

J.H. Ziegler GmbH

Dec 2007 - Jun 2016

8 years 7 months

Supervisory Board Member

ASC-TEC AG

May 2007 - Dec 2015

8 years 8 months

Investment Manager & Investor & Managing Director

Unger Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH

Private equity firm
Investment Strategy & Deal Sourcing: Built a strong network for equity investments and identified mid-market opportunities (succession solutions, growth financing).
Financial Analysis & Valuation: Conducted detailed valuations, KPI analyses and due diligence for potential investments.
Transaction Finance: Structured and secured financing for acquisitions, including preparing bank presentations.
Value Creation & Company Development: Developed and implemented investment strategies, buy-and-build concepts and efficiency programs for sustainable earnings growth.
Controlling & Reporting: Implemented portfolio controlling and supported financial leadership in portfolio companies.
M&A Transactions: Managed acquisitions and sales with thorough buy- and sell-side due diligence. Built and maintained an extensive network for sourcing investment options and financing solutions.

Dec 2002 - Apr 2007

4 years 5 months

Senior Manager & Consultant Automotive

xpuls business solutions GmbH

Consulting for automotive and aviation industries
Leadership & Acquisition: Managed up to 10 staff, recruited and led international consulting projects in general management, operational excellence and lean manufacturing.
Project & Revenue Responsibility: Oversaw national and international production, logistics and process optimization projects with full budget, revenue and cost accountability.
Strategic Business Development: Expanded the consulting portfolio, standardized methods and strengthened market positioning.
Efficiency & Digitalization: Implemented lean manufacturing, digital factory concepts and ramp-up management to optimize production and logistics. Responsible for up to 10 team members and recruiting new staff.

Dec 2001 - Nov 2002

1 year

Los Angeles, United States

Project Manager Logistics

arvato services Inc (Bertelsmann)

Logistics service provider in the Bertelsmann group
Supply Chain Optimization: Planned, budgeted and implemented supply chain and CRM processes to improve efficiency.
Process Management: Analyzed and optimized operational processes to boost performance and cut costs.
Strategic Space Utilization: Developed space planning concepts to optimize site strategy.
Warehouse & Logistics Management: Improved inbound and storage processes, including technical inbound controls in SAP R/3.
Restructuring & Transformation: Successfully realigned and improved efficiency of a printing plant within the group. Planned, budgeted and implemented supply chain and CRM processes.

Summary

Visionary and results-driven manager with extensive experience in corporate leadership, transformation and financial management. Successfully implemented growth strategies, restructurings and operational excellence in international companies across various industries. Proven track record in value creation, process optimization and market expansion.

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Education

Nov 1996 - Oct 2001