Harald Kirsch

Lecturer

Rodenbach, Germany

Experience

Apr 2024 - Present
1 year 3 months

Lecturer

IU University of Applied Sciences

As part of the activity, experience, knowledge, methods and best practices - relating to the challenges and solutions that exist today for the successful integration of information systems in companies - are communicated.

In particular, changes to traditional system and process architectures through digital platforms, platform ecosystems and new digital technologies are analyzed.

Another key topic is the development of agile digital platform structures to overcome the challenges of an increasingly dominant VUCA world and the requirements for an effective corporate resilience strategy.

IT contingency planning, business continuity management, IT emergency management and IT service continuity management to ensure the maintenance or recovery of critical business processes during or after undesired events.

Furthermore, the current state of research on the acceptance and use of information systems will be discussed. Ethical and intercultural issues in connection with digitalization will also be discussed.

Building on this, aspects of digital design and cyber security are covered.

Questions of sustainability and corporate digital responsibility are discussed alongside all topics.

Course objectives:

  • Explain the importance of digital platforms and platform ecosystems.
  • Shape the integration of information systems.
  • Clarify the challenges in the acceptance and use of information systems.
  • Application of design patterns for successful digital design.
  • Treating the aspects of cyber security and cyber resilience.
  • Answer questions relating to the sustainability of information systems, ethical responsibility in connection with information systems and corporate digital responsibility.
Apr 2024 - Jul 2024
4 months
Germany

Honorary position - MINT ice program

BWHW - Training Center of the Hessian Economy

  • Cooperation with schools and introducing pupils to the prospects of MINT professions during the career orientation phase and getting them interested in them.
  • Implementation of workshops and AGs in the field of computer science.
Apr 2023 - Present
2 years 3 months

Entrepreneur

Transformation Z

The central element of my work - keyword enablement - is to support the user side in deciding on effective solutions for their digital challenges and to develop the necessary key skills in the employees required.

Based on the Transformation Z service portfolio, companies are supported in securing their future viability. The consulting service begins with determining the "digital" / "security" maturity level of the company, includes the evaluation and further development of the current organizational model and the socio-technological framework conditions, and then focuses on the creation and implementation of a company-specific future strategy based on an effective digital transformation concept and the necessary implementation methodology to make the organization fit for the future.

The aim is to evaluate these organizations in their business practices and business models, as well as to shape entrepreneurial action and management according to clear principles. As a result, these organizations not only save costs, but also become more resilient and increase their competitiveness through unique selling points compared to their global competitors. Specific challenges such as digitalization, cyber security, globalization, skills shortages and knowledge management are taken into account and solutions are proposed.

Dec 2018 - Mar 2023
4 years 4 months

Head of Automation and Industrial IT

ALD Vacuum Technologies GmbH

Responsible for the strategic implementation and consistent further development of the company's digital strategy. The focus is on strengthening the market position in global competition, developing new business areas and thus securing the future viability of the company.

The common basis of the strategy is the digitalization of core processes, a future-proof IIoT and I4.0 infrastructure, innovative services and a shared understanding of the digital strategy within the ALD organizational units.

The basis for this is to digitally rethink the current strengths and competencies of the ALD organization and introduce modern tools such as Design Thinking or Lean Startup. Innovative, agile service and product development with customer involvement in order to achieve a fast-learning curve and an effective go-to-market.

Areas of responsibility:

  • Development of the ALD automation and industrial IT organization, including definition of the business model.
  • Development of the strategy for the digital transformation of internal ALD processes in coordination with the IT department and the responsible heads of the ALD organizational units.
  • Positioning the ALD-Automation and Industrial IT organization as a digital competence center within the parent organization (AMG Group).
  • Definition and implementation of the ALD EXPERT platform strategy.
  • Development of a standardized implementation methodology (A²IM).
  • Development of new digital services, products and business models.
  • Introduction of the COBIT-5 framework for holistic corporate management.
  • ITIL-compliant IT services incl. enterprise application management.
  • Implementation of the necessary risk and compliance guidelines.
  • Introduction and implementation of the cyber security strategy based on ISO 27001, GDPR, NIS2, CRA and EU Cyber Resilience Act.
  • Introduction of procedures and processes for responding to business-critical incidents and standards such as ISO 22301, ISO 27031, BSI standard BSI 200-4 on IT emergency management and business impact & business continuity management.
  • Development of a smart ISO 50001-compliant energy and resource management system.
  • Development of a management system for complex hybrid energy storage systems and smart metering.
  • Development and implementation of business and profitability planning.
  • Recruitment to implement the defined organizational structure.
  • Development of a high-potential development program in cooperation with national and international universities.
  • Implementation of a training program for digital transformation and development of the "digital mindset".
  • Implementation of the go-to-market strategy.
  • Tapping into alternative market potential and developing new sales and growth opportunities through digital products and services.
  • Development of a targeted sales strategy and implementation of the necessary measures.
  • Implementation of the developed multi-channel marketing strategy.
  • Independent acquisition of external customer projects as a strategy for opening up new market potential.

Corporate responsibility and performance:

  • Target: 100% self-financing through independent acquisition and implementation of projects outside the ALD organization in the period 2020 - 2023.
  • Result 2021: Achieved 57% self-financing.
  • Acquisition of the first major global customer. The aim of the collaboration is to digitally modernize the existing production environment with the aim of continuously increasing manufacturing costs and product quality.
  • Introduction of an optimized energy management system to ensure legal compliance and reduce energy costs (> 10%).
  • Conception and realization of a cyber resilience solution architecture that complies with regulations and laws.
  • Result 2022: Achieved 85% self-financing (through external customer business) with 80% target.
Jan 2016 - Nov 2018
1 year 11 months

Channel Sales Manager

arago GmbH

With focus on international business development and development of new business areas.

Areas of responsibility:

  • Definition and implementation of the global partner program with the aim of global scaling to enable the application of standardized, AI-enabled enterprise solutions based on Arago technology.
  • The strategic goal is to maintain expert knowledge of technologies, industries and regions and to promote continuous growth through scaling and the development of innovative, complementary business models.
  • International business development and targeted market entry in potential growth industries - in the areas of general artificial intelligence, intelligent process automation.
  • Supporting pioneers in the development of market-dominating business solutions through innovative Arago software technology.
  • Development of innovative or complementary business models and future-proof, flexible, transformative and highly scalable digital business platform strategies.

Entrepreneurial responsibility and success:

  • Objective: Development of new business areas outside the traditional market segment.
  • Result: Acquisition of the first reference project in the industrial sector in cooperation with Festo for the "AI-based Bionic Workplace". Self-learning workplace with artificial intelligence for human-robot collaboration. Presentation at the Hannover Messe 2018.
Feb 2016 - Dec 2016
11 months

Director Portfolio Management

SNP AG

Areas of responsibility:

  • Interface between the market and the various business units of the SNP Group with their different business models and solution offerings.
  • Moderation of the strategy process in collaboration with the SNP Executive Board and the heads of the individual organizational units.
  • Identification of market potential to improve the company's market position and innovative strength.
  • Implementation of innovative business models.
  • Analysis, evaluation and optimization of the solution and service portfolio.
  • Increasing profitability through effective use of budgets and resources.
  • Management of the change process in cooperation with the international division managers.

Business accountability and successes:

  • Introduction of strategic portfolio management.
Feb 2015 - Jun 2016
1 year 5 months
Germany

Managing Director

SNP Axxiome GmbH

Strategic cooperation between SNP AG and Axxiome Deutschland GmbH to implement digital transformation projects in the financial sector.

Areas of responsibility:

  • Company structure.
  • Development of the marketing strategy.
  • Development of the specific portfolio of solutions and services in line with future market requirements.

Business accountability and success:

  • Implementation of business planning and go-to-market strategy.
  • Acquisition of first customer projects.
Apr 2013 - Dec 2016
3 years 9 months

Director Alliances

SNP AG

Areas of responsibility:

  • As a member of the Executive Board - responsibility for the global business partner strategy.
  • Development of "white spots" - this means company or brand positions that are relevant to success but not yet occupied, which are identified as part of the analysis of innovation potential.
  • Direct business responsibility in the countries and regions to be developed.
  • Management of business development by identified alliance partners as a strategic goal of sustainable corporate development.
  • The most important tasks include:
  • Identification of complementary business models.
  • Development of complementary product, solution and service models.
  • Establishment of a global partner organization.
  • Program and project management.

Business accountability and successes:

  • Increase in partner sales development from EUR 3.9 million (2013) to > 10.6 million (2015).
  • Planning and implementation of a joint venture with subsequent assumption of management responsibility in the newly founded company.
May 2011 - Mar 2013
1 year 11 months

Head of Product Management

SNP AG

Areas of responsibility:

  • Development of a sustainable product and service strategy, including its successful implementation.
  • As a market expert - implementation of concepts for a successful international market launch.
  • Provision of convincing target market analyses and strategic market/competitor positioning as well as the necessary sales arguments.
  • Risk management and certification of products and services.
  • Monitoring company performance and profitability.

Business accountability and successes:

  • Significant increase in sales development in the Software division within 3 years.
  • Development of a strategic product management organization.
Jan 2009 - May 2011
2 years 5 months

Director Sales & Strategic Alliances

Atos Origin GmbH

Areas of responsibility:

  • As the person centrally responsible for strategic alliances, targeted management of business development through alliance partners. This includes the development of successful business relationships, the identification of complementary business models and the implementation of joint market entries with partner companies as a strategic goal of business development.
  • As a member of the Strategy Board: Responsibility for the business strategy and strategic portfolio management for the key offerings (Sustainability & Business Transformation, Consulting and System Integration Services). Coaching of high potentials within the Atos Origin internal career development model.
  • As well as for the areas of responsibility:
  • Development of new business areas and the portfolio of the Consulting & System Integration Service Organization (C&SI).
  • Business development & sales responsibility.
  • Realignment of alliance / partner management.
  • Development of alternative sales channels.
  • Significant generation of additional sales through the implemented partner eco-system.
  • Increase in customer/partner satisfaction.
  • Coaching of "high potentials" as part of Atos Origin's internal career development model.

Business accountability and success:

  • Direct personnel responsibility: 4 employees (direct).
  • Sales responsibility: EUR 26 million.
Jan 2008 - May 2011
3 years 5 months

Manager Competence Center Process Solution & Integration

Atos Origin GmbH

Areas of responsibility:

  • Establishment and further development of a central Consulting & System Integration Service Organization for the topics:
  • Business analytics.
  • Information lifecycle management.
  • Business processing & integration.
  • Enterprise architecture management.
  • Company-wide content management of data.
  • IT security.
  • Definition & development of the organizational structure.
  • Strategic portfolio and innovation management.
  • Business development & definition of the go-to-market strategy.
  • Management of cooperation models and strategic alliances.
  • Personnel development, including the development of high potentials.
  • Optimization of corporate performance.

Business accountability and success:

  • Business responsibility for the organizational unit of 122 employees.
  • OE (Order Entry) Responsibility: EUR 11 million.
Jul 2007 - Dec 2009
1 year 6 months

Manager Business Development in the energy sector

Atos Origin GmbH

Areas of responsibility:

  • The main task was the development of the go-to-market strategy for the energy market, based on a newly implemented business development, consulting & system integration organization.
  • Introduction of central portfolio & program management.
  • Development of business plans, incl: Industry and customer structure analysis.
  • Development of alternative business models.
  • Management and expansion of cooperation models.
  • Strategic, cross-company project responsibility.

Business accountability and successes:

  • Development of an initial solution concept for smart metering.
Dec 2004 - Jun 2007
2 years 7 months
Ludwigshafen, Germany

Senior Sales Executive - Business Development Europe

BASF IT Services GmbH

Areas of responsibility:

  • Representation of the division in the development of the future BASF-wide innovation program - BASF Perspectives 2010 - for company-wide, future-oriented market development.
  • Responsibility for the development of new business areas, sectors, solutions & services and sales models for the Industrial Solutions, Managed Infrastructure Services, Application & Services divisions.
  • Participation in the company-wide sourcing strategy.
  • Representation of the company in industry associations.

Overall business accountability and successes at BASF IT Services GmbH:

  • Direct personnel responsibility: 3 MAs (across various roles).
  • Contributed to a business unit of > 2,000 MAs.
  • Sales target responsibility (across sales roles): € 40 million.
Apr 2003 - Nov 2004
1 year 8 months
Ludwigshafen, Germany

Head of Business Development

BASF IT Services GmbH

Areas of responsibility:

  • Development of alternative business models.
  • Development and management of partner sales.
  • Collaboration in the development of the European sales and marketing strategy.
  • Support in the development of new sales markets and regions.
  • Suggestions for designing the corresponding go-to-market strategy.
  • Development & negotiation of individual sales strategies and "make-or-buy" scenarios.
  • Identification and implementation of sales projects with significant sales potential.
  • New business development for the divisions:
  • Complex products, solutions and services.
  • Complex service approaches.
  • Business Process Outsourcing.
  • Managed Infrastructure Service.
  • Outsourcing.
Nov 2002 - Mar 2003
5 months
Ludwigshafen, Germany

Manager Business Development

BASF IT Services GmbH

Areas of responsibility:

  • Establishment of a "non-captive" business development unit - for the continuous development of external business potential.
  • Recruitment of the sales team.
  • Definition of the underlying sales processes.
  • Integration of the organization into the company's value chain.
Jan 2001 - Sep 2002
1 year 9 months
Germany

Head of Sales D-A-CH of the Business Unit Enterprise Management

Computer Associates GmbH

Areas of responsibility:

  • Winning new business.
  • Personnel responsibility 27 MA.
  • Sales responsibility EUR 18 million.

Overall business accountability and successes at Computer Associates GmbH:

  • Continuous further development of the responsibility framework.
  • Greatest individual successes:
  • Letters of reference from Innobase, NordIT can be submitted.
  • Multiple participation in the Compass Club (world's most successful sales employees).
  • Additional letter of thanks from the company's Management Board.
Jan 1999 - Dec 2000
1 year
Germany

Regional Vice President - Central Sales Office

Computer Associates GmbH

Jan 1998 - Dec 1999
1 year
Germany

Enterprise Account Representative

Computer Associates GmbH

Feb 1998 - Dec 1998
11 months
Germany

Marketing Specialist

Computer Associates GmbH

Jan 1997 - Jan 1998
1 year 1 month
Germany

Technical Manager

Systar Deutschland GmbH

  • Personnel responsibility: 17 MAs.
  • Significant contribution to the acquisition of the first major customers in Germany (T-Systems, Emil Kriegbaum).
Apr 1995 - Dec 1997
1 year 9 months
Germany

Technical Support

Systar Deutschland GmbH

Oct 1992 - Mar 1995
2 years 6 months
Germany

Engineer for software support

HORIBA Europe GmbH

  • Significant contribution to the introduction of new control systems and automation software for chassis dynamometers and exhaust gas analysis systems for automotive engineering.
  • Project management and customer training for process control and data management systems.
  • Customer-specific further development of the software.
  • Project responsibility for the first successful introduction of analysis technology in major projects Mercedes Benz, EMPA.
Oct 1991 - Sep 1992
1 year

Software Engineer Graphical Computer Control Systems

CCS GmbH

Mar 1989 - Sep 1991
2 years 7 months
Germany

Software developer / automation of computer-controlled systems

Leybold AG

Production of laboratory systems for the sputter, chip and wafer industry. Development of software for computer-controlled systems.

  • Software development of computer-controlled devices and automation of computer-controlled systems.
  • Development of the first graphical user interfaces for computer-controlled systems.
  • Responsibility for your own product line.

Summary

Dynamic, entrepreneurial business strategist with over 30 years of professional experience in the areas of corporate development, organizational development, optimization and restructuring of corporate platforms, digital transformation, securing the future viability of grown, classic system and process architectures through modernization to digital platforms, platform ecosystems and new digital technologies

As part of my leadership skills, I cultivate respectful interaction with people. I am characterized by a high level of personal responsibility, strong strategic and conceptual thinking, strong analytical skills, creativity and vision, a participative and results-oriented management style and a hands-on mentality.

My work focuses on the development and optimization of modern organizations, the necessary business processes and technological architectures. The aim is to ensure future viability on the basis of effective digital transformation.

My professional development in various areas of responsibility and companies, my strong entrepreneurial background, my understanding of global market trends, my experience and expertise in the development and marketing of successful solutions and services and innovative platform strategies, my talent for building international business relationships and my excellent networks in the industry, committees and institutes are all helpful.

  • Strong sense of leadership and responsibility
  • Management of Find-Make-Grow-Realize programs to ensure the future viability of companies
  • Multi-project management in the interaction of IT / IIoT / OT in a hybrid project environment
  • Development of effective strategies in the field of hyper automation
  • Human capital management, personnel management and employee development
  • Strong analytical skills for strategy development
  • Practical orientation and strong implementation skills
  • Goal and result orientation
  • Creativity and vision
  • Very good technological knowledge
  • Strong presentation and communication skills

Languages

German
Native
English
Advanced

Education

Oct 1984 - Jun 1989

University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt

Graduate engineer (FH) · Electrical engineering · Darmstadt, Germany

Oct 1982 - Jun 1983

Technical college

Advanced technical college entrance qualification · Electrical engineering · Hanau, Germany

Oct 1973 - Jun 1979

Realschule Gelnhausen

Gelnhausen, Germany