Hartmut Kremer - Interim Executive for Digital Strategy, Product Management and Transformation

Q: Where is Hartmut based?

Hartmut is based in Lisbon, Germany .

Q: What languages does Hartmut speak?

Hartmut speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), Portuguese (Elementary) .

Q: How many years of experience does Hartmut have?

Hartmut has at least 24 years of experience. During this time, Hartmut has worked in at least 39 different roles and for 25 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 7 months . Note that Hartmut may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Hartmut's latest experience?

Hartmut's most recent position is Director Software, Connectivity & Services (Interim) at Smart Metering Leader .

Q: What companies has Hartmut worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Hartmut has worked for Smart Metering Leader , Awesome Innovations Ltd. , Anwaltskanzlei , International Software Provider , and Global Mobile Operator .

Q: Which industries is Hartmut most experienced in?

Hartmut is most experienced in industries like Energy , Retail , and Telecommunication . Hartmut also has some experience in Information Technology (IT) , Utility Services , and Education .

Q: Which business areas is Hartmut most experienced in?

Hartmut is most experienced in business areas like Product Development , Strategy and Planning , and Project Management . Hartmut also has some experience in Information Technology (IT) , Operations , and Research and Development (R&D) .

Q: Which industries has Hartmut worked in recently?

Hartmut has recently worked in industries like Energy , Retail , and Telecommunication .

Q: Which business areas has Hartmut worked in recently?

Hartmut has recently worked in business areas like Product Development , Strategy and Planning , and Project Management .

Recommended expert

Lisbon, Germany

Experience

Apr 2024 - Feb 2025

11 months

Director Software, Connectivity & Services (Interim)

Smart Metering Leader

Overall responsibility for software, connectivity and services within the smart-metering organization
Product leadership for 3 team leads and indirect responsibility for 20 product managers
Strategic development, organization and scaling of the software and service business
Managed realignment of software development including governance, prioritization and delivery model
Achieved over 200% increase in service revenue and 80% reduction in open initiatives through a scalable delivery framework
Initiated company-wide digital transformation and provided top-management strategic advisory on software, platform and service strategy
Technologies & methods: Digital Transformation, Business Transformation, Cost Optimization, Scaled Agile, IoT, SaaS, Azure, ITIL

Nov 2023 - Present

2 years 4 months

Founder & Interim Executive (CPO/CTO/Program Director)

Awesome Innovations Ltd.

Interim leadership at C-Level and director level specializing in digital transformation, product leadership and operating model transformation in energy, telecommunications and retail
Secured 5+ mandates since 2023, including Interim Director Software & Services for a Smart Metering Leader in Nürnberg and Interim Operations Director for an international software provider in Köln
Focus on quantifiable business transformation
Technologies & methods: Digital Transformation, Process Automation, Product Discovery, Design Thinking, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Large Language Models (LLM)

Nov 2023 - Feb 2024

4 months

External Management Consultant – AI Strategy

Anwaltskanzlei

Developed IT and AI strategy, identified and prioritized AI use cases
Created AI roadmap with implementation measures and delivered quick wins
Technologies & methods: Digital Strategy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Large Language Models (LLM), Process Automation, Change Management

Jul 2023 - Mar 2024

9 months

Operations Director (Interim)

International Software Provider

Built and led the operations organization in the public sector, reporting to the COO
Managed 6 senior managers and planned portfolio strategy and resources for 15+ client engagements
Established the operations organization in 3 months and increased team utilization by 50%
Oversaw annual delivery of 2,500+ work days (€2M+ portfolio value) and reduced delivery delays by 25% through clear governance
Technologies & methods: Program Management, Project Management, Portfolio Management, Agile PMO, Cost Optimization, Jira, Confluence

Feb 2023 - May 2023

4 months

Interim IT Project Director

International Software Provider

Led the most critical development project of the business unit, managing internal teams and external partners
Achieved ~20% cycle time reduction through new agile processes and tooling
Technologies & methods: Project Management, Agile Leadership, Process Automation, Scrum, Kanban

Nov 2022 - Dec 2022

2 months

External Management Consultant – Product Strategy

Global Mobile Operator

Conducted market analysis as basis for product strategy, outlined solutions and developed comprehensive business case
Identified 30% additional revenue growth and defined product roadmap
Technologies & methods: Digital Strategy, Product Strategy, Business Development, Market Analysis, BI

Nov 2021 - Sep 2022

11 months

Interim Program Director User Experience & Data Analytics

Network Operator

Co-led a program with 40+ members to modernize portal and data, integrating UX and data insights
Achieved 18% reduction in service effort through portal and data modernization
Technologies & methods: Digital Transformation, Digital Strategy, Process Automation, Cost Optimization, User Experience (UX), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Analytics, Microsoft Power BI

Nov 2020 - Oct 2021

1 year

Interim Director of Customer Experience Center

Network Operator

Established and led an in-house innovation consultancy with 15 cross-functional roles
Delivered 30+ digital prototypes and projects
Technologies & methods: Product Leadership, Digital Strategy, Business Development, Design Thinking, Agile, User Experience (UX), Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Mar 2020 - Oct 2020

8 months

External Management Consultant – Business Model & Product Development

Network Operator

Led a research program with 3 sub-projects and 25 members for business model and product development
Established a customer-centric product development process for the entire company
Technologies & methods: Digital Strategy, Product Strategy, Business Development, Product Discovery

Oct 2019 - Dec 2019

3 months

Digital Transformation Director (External) – Digital Office

Energy Company

Provided external consulting on critical projects
Established career track “Value Manager” for product owners and conducted in-house trainings
Reviewed and enhanced the “Energy Data Use Cases” business model
Technologies & methods: Digital Strategy, Change Management, Agile Coaching, Objectives and Key Results (OKR), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Large Language Models (LLM)

Apr 2019 - Sep 2019

6 months

Interim Agile Product Lead

Insurance Company

Defined vision, mission and roadmap
Built program backlog with 100+ products and capabilities
Initiated a new “Agile Factory Model” for internal value stream including requirements model and tooling

Dec 2018 - Mar 2019

4 months

Interim Senior Product Manager “Mobile” and Enterprise Agile Coach

Multinational Telecommunications Group

Developed mobile strategy for key consumer product
Restructured a “Design Studio” of 20+ members as strategic upstream for a SAFe framework with 130+ participants
Introduced Objectives and Key Results (OKR) schema
Trained leaders, strategists, experts, initiative owners and UX leads in design thinking and agile methods

Feb 2018 - Nov 2018

10 months

External Digital Strategist and Enterprise Agile Coach

Multinational Telecommunications Group

Defined digital touchpoint strategy for B2B customers
Reestablished marketplace for core products and “Rising Stars” (IoT, Cloud)
Managed internal and external partners across 10+ teams
Designed new organizational structure for sales and marketing unit and integrated it into a SAFe setup
Trained leaders and teams in agile methods

Nov 2016 - Jan 2018

1 year 3 months

Interim Senior Program Manager E-Commerce Internationalization

International Trading Company

Launched e-commerce platform in NL including all digital touchpoints
Implemented a new loyalty program with external partner
Managed 10+ agile teams and external partners under LeSS framework

Feb 2016 - Nov 2016

10 months

Interim Transformation Program Manager

Global Mobile Operator

Oct 2015 - Jan 2016

4 months

Interim Senior Product Manager – Customer Processes & Next-Level Technical Platform

Global Mobile Operator

Jul 2015 - Oct 2015

4 months

Interim Senior Product Manager App & Web Development

Global Mobile Operator

Led app and web development for launch of an MVNO

Nov 2014 - Nov 2014

1 month

External Managing Consultant, Market Research and Point-of-Sale Optimization

Bakery Chain

Sep 2014 - Oct 2014

2 months

External Managing Consultant, M&A Preparation

International Infrastructure Service Provider

Jul 2014 - Feb 2015

8 months

Interim Project Manager Internationalization Strategy and Project Office Setup

International Infrastructure Service Provider

May 2014 - Jun 2014

2 months

Interim Project Lead – International Tender Management

International Infrastructure Service Provider

Jan 2014 - Dec 2015

2 years

Founder and Managing Director

Global Retail Solutions GmbH

Built startup with 8 FTE and multiple freelancers

Apr 2013 - Oct 2013

7 months

Interim Program Manager "New Top-Level Domains"

Internet Service Provider

Managed program with 100+ FTE

Feb 2013 - Mar 2013

2 months

External Management Consultant – Internationalization Strategy

International Service Company

Nov 2012 - Dec 2012

2 months

External Management Consultant – Business Analysis

Video-on-Demand Platform of a Leading Media Group

Sep 2012 - Nov 2012

3 months

External Digital Product Strategist

Multinational Telecommunications Corporation

Nov 2011 - Jul 2012

9 months

Interim Product Director “Social Business”

Internet Service Provider

Sep 2011 - Oct 2011

2 months

External Digital Product Strategist

Internet Service Provider

Mar 2011 - Aug 2011

6 months

Interim Product Director

Internet Service Provider

Jan 2011 - Feb 2011

2 months

E-Commerce Business Analyst

Retail Company

May 2010 - Oct 2010

6 months

Interim Product Manager Strategy

Internet Service Provider

Jun 2009 - Dec 2010

1 year 7 months

Founder and Managing Director – Consulting

Kremer Trading

Jun 2009 - Dec 2009

7 months

Interim Product Manager Smart Metering

Energy company

Jan 2009 - May 2009

5 months

Business Consultant – Business Developer for Renewable Energies

Energy company

Apr 2008 - Dec 2023

15 years 9 months

Founder & Managing Director

Kremer Consulting

Provided strategic consulting and interim management at C-Level and director level for digital products and processes across DACH and Asia
Built and transformed product, tech and delivery organizations and conducted agile product and project management training
Advised 40+ companies in energy, telecommunications, retail and IT; established multiple agile product organizations
Maintained 3-year Asia presence in Singapore and China
Technologies & methods: Product Leadership, Product Management, Digital Strategy, Cost Optimization, Digital Transformation, Agile Leadership, SAFe, Scrum, Program Management, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Business Transformation, Process Automation, Software Development, Target Operating Model, Change Management

Apr 2008 - Dec 2008

9 months

Business Consultant – Product Development Smart Metering

Energy company

May 2007 - Mar 2008

11 months

Product Manager Energy and Smart Metering

Yello Strom GmbH

Nov 2004 - Mar 2007

2 years 5 months

Product Manager Internet Applications

1&1 Internet AG

Jul 2004 - Oct 2004

4 months

Business Consultant and IT Project Manager

Webportal fuba-net.de

Sep 2001 - Jan 2004

2 years 5 months

Research Associate, Faculty of Computer Science & Engineering

Cologne University of Applied Sciences

Industries Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time. Longer bars indicate deeper hands-on experience, while shorter ones reflect targeted or project-based work.

Experienced in Energy (19 years), Retail (18 years), Telecommunication (18 years), Information Technology (3.5 years), Utilities (2.5 years), and Education (2.5 years).

Energy

Retail

Telecommunication

Information Technology

Utilities

Education

Business Areas Experience

The graph below provides a cumulative view of the freelancer's experience across multiple business areas, calculated from completed and active engagements. It highlights the areas where the freelancer has most frequently contributed to planning, execution, and delivery of business outcomes.

Experienced in Product Development (21 years), Strategy (18 years), Project Management (16 years), Information Technology (5.5 years), Operations (4 years), and Research and Development (3 years).

Product Development

Strategy

Project Management

Information Technology

Operations

Research and Development

Summary

Interim Executive for Digital Strategy, Product Management and Transformation. Develops future-proof strategies, puts them into action consistently and delivers measurable business success.

Over 20 years of experience as an interim executive and management consultant, 40+ projects – most recently +200% service revenue and -80% open initiatives at a Smart Metering leader.

Oversaw global programs with 100+ participants. Scaled digital platforms for 2M+ users. Established and led an in-house consulting unit for 50+ teams.

Built and led organizations – from vision and structure to reliable execution. Developed AI strategies and implemented them in teams – from roadmaps to automated daily workflows.

Founded two companies (DE, CN) and worked in Asia for three years.

Skills

Core Competencies

Executive Leadership & Transformation: Digital Transformation, Digital Strategy, Business Transformation, Product Leadership, Agile Leadership, Program Management, Change Management
Operational Excellence: Process Automation, Cost Efficiency, Target Operating Model, Portfolio Management, Project Management, Governance
Innovation & Growth: Commercial Innovation, Artificial Intelligence & Ai-driven Processes, Rapid Prototyping, Product Discovery, Design Thinking
Frameworks & Methodologies: Agile & Scaled: Safe (Scaled Agile Framework), Scrum, Less, Kanban, Objectives And Key Results (Okr)
Product & Ux: Product Discovery, Design Thinking, User Experience (Ux), Customer Experience (Cx), Service Design
Technologies & Tools: Ai & Automation: Chatgpt, Claude, Cursor, Make.com, Zapier, Lovable, Replit | Product & Collaboration: Jira, Miro, Mural, Notion Ai, Figma, Canva | Cloud & Architecture: Microsoft Azure, Saas, Iot, Api-first Architectures | Governance & Operations: Itil 4, Portfolio Management

Skills

Chatgpt, Claude Code, Cursor, Lovable, Figma, Canva – Artificial Intelligence (Ai) & Prototyping
Make.com, Replit, Zapier, Microsoft Copilot – Low-code & Automation
Kanban, Scrum, Scaled Agile Framework (Safe), Less, Objectives And Key Results (Okr), Miro, Mural, Notion Ai – Agile & Collaboration
Product Discovery, Design Thinking, Customer Experience (Cx), User Experience (Ux), Api-first Architectures, Itil4 – Product & Data

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Portuguese

Elementary

Education

Oct 2000 - Dec 2003

Cologne University of Applied Sciences

Bachelor of Science · Media Informatics · Cologne, Germany · 1.7

Apr 1995 - Sep 2000

University of Cologne

Master equivalent (First State Examination) · Educational Science and Psychology · Cologne, Germany · 2.0

Certifications & licenses

Artificial Intelligence In Project Management

Project Management Institute

Artificial Intelligence Agents For Product Leaders

ITIL4 Foundation

PeopleCert

Artificial Intelligence: Implications For Business Strategy

MIT

How To Manage A Remote Team

Coursera

Certified SAFe 4 Program Consultant (SPC)

Scaled Agile Inc.

Certified SAFe 4 Agilist

Scaled Agile Inc.

CSPO – Certified Scrum Product Owner

Scrum Alliance

Profile

Created

January 2026

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Frequently asked questions

Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.

Where is Hartmut based?

Hartmut is based in Lisbon, Germany.

What languages does Hartmut speak?

Hartmut speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), Portuguese (Elementary).

How many years of experience does Hartmut have?

Hartmut has at least 24 years of experience. During this time, Hartmut has worked in at least 39 different roles and for 25 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 7 months. Note that Hartmut may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Hartmut be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Hartmut would be well-suited for roles such as: Director Software, Connectivity & Services (Interim), Founder & Interim Executive (CPO/CTO/Program Director), External Management Consultant – AI Strategy.

What is Hartmut's latest experience?

Hartmut's most recent position is Director Software, Connectivity & Services (Interim) at Smart Metering Leader.

What companies has Hartmut worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Hartmut has worked for Smart Metering Leader, Awesome Innovations Ltd., Anwaltskanzlei, International Software Provider, and Global Mobile Operator.

Which industries is Hartmut most experienced in?

Hartmut is most experienced in industries like Energy, Retail, and Telecommunication. Hartmut also has some experience in Information Technology (IT), Utility Services, and Education.

Which business areas is Hartmut most experienced in?

Hartmut is most experienced in business areas like Product Development, Strategy and Planning, and Project Management. Hartmut also has some experience in Information Technology (IT), Operations, and Research and Development (R&D).

Which industries has Hartmut worked in recently?

Hartmut has recently worked in industries like Energy, Retail, and Telecommunication.

Which business areas has Hartmut worked in recently?

Hartmut has recently worked in business areas like Product Development, Strategy and Planning, and Project Management.

What is Hartmut's education?

Hartmut holds a Master in Educational Science and Psychology from University of Cologne and a Bachelor in Media Informatics from Cologne University of Applied Sciences.

Does Hartmut have any certificates?

Hartmut has 8 certificates. Among them, these include: Artificial Intelligence In Project Management, Artificial Intelligence Agents For Product Leaders, and ITIL4 Foundation.

What is the availability of Hartmut?

Hartmut is immediately available for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Hartmut?

Hartmut's rate depends on the specific project requirements. Please use the Meet button on the profile to schedule a meeting and discuss the details.