Knut (Dr.) M.
Managing Director & CFO (ad interim)
Experience
Apr 2024 - Jul 2024
4 monthsManaging Director & CFO (ad interim)
Formel D Group
- Quality service provider for the automotive industry, €350 million in sales
- Rebuilt global finance and controlling organizations to meet private equity standards
- Served as interim CFO during transition periods under 3i ownership
- Member of the supervisory board and chair of the audit committee
Jul 2019 - Jan 2020
7 monthsManaging Director & CFO (ad interim)
Formel D Group
- Quality service provider for the automotive industry, €350 million in sales
- Rebuilt global finance and controlling organizations to meet private equity standards
- Served as interim CFO during transition periods under 3i ownership
- Member of the supervisory board and chair of the audit committee
Sep 2017 - Mar 2018
7 monthsManaging Director & CFO (ad interim)
Formel D Group
- Quality service provider for the automotive industry, €350 million in sales
- Rebuilt global finance and controlling organizations to meet private equity standards
- Served as interim CFO during transition periods under 3i ownership
- Member of the supervisory board and chair of the audit committee
Jan 2014 - Jun 2016
2 years 6 monthsOsnabrück, Germany
Managing Director & CFO
Kaffee Partner Holding GmbH
- Office coffee machines and services for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland with 40,000 machines under rental and service contracts
- Main business includes structured sales (100 salespeople), efficient service operations (100 service technicians), online marketing, and fast delivery/logistics
- Took over operating roles of three managing directors and rebuilt the management team over two years
- Under Capvis AG ownership, served as a member of the supervisory board from 2016 to 2021
Jan 2010 - Dec 2013
4 yearsLuxembourg
Global CFO
Dematic Group S.a.r.l.
- Supplier of intralogistics and warehouse operation systems with a global footprint and manufacturing facilities in Germany, Italy, Spain, USA, China, and Australia, €800 million in sales
- Owned by Triton Partners
- Led financial transformation and significantly improved profitability; managed a global team across six countries
- Prepared the company for a successful exit
- Negotiated and launched two major corporate bonds in the US, including one for the acquirer, AEA Investors
- Supported the transition of the headquarters to Atlanta for the new owner
Jan 2006 - Dec 2009
4 yearsFrankenthal, Germany
Executive Board Member and CFO of RKW SE; Managing Director of JM Gesellschaft für industrielle Beteiligungen mbH & Co. KGaA
RKW SE / JM Gesellschaft für industrielle Beteiligungen mbH & Co. KGaA
- Optimized footprint and operational performance of RKW, a PE-backed film manufacturing company with € 800 Mio. sales
- Focused on manufacturing performance as major value driver and packaging as major market focus
- Managed global finance operation, working capital optimization, funding, and M&A
- Responsible for global HR (Labor Director)
- Converted legal German AG into European S.A.
- Prepared major group company Kiefel AG for sale and managed the sales process successfully
Jan 2004 - Dec 2006
3 yearsAmsterdam, Netherlands
HybridCFO & COO
GE Access Capital Solutions
- Europe-wide hybrid manufacturing/assembling computer and factoring/leasing company with four European subsidiaries, € 300 Mio. sales
- Prepared the company for divestment as non-core for GE
- Responsible for all operations, manufacturing, logistics, HR, and finance
- Oversaw divestiture preparation and operational turnaround
- Successfully sold the business to AVNET
Jan 1990 - Dec 2003
14 yearsLuxembourg
COO & CFO
GE Fanuc Automation Europe S.A.
- European process and factory automation business, € 350 Mio. sales
- Responsible for operations, assembly, logistics, HR, and finance
- Integrated and led 14 European subsidiaries; served on the management board of all
- Supported and funded growth, local investments, and liaised with major customers
- Managed acquisition and integration of Eberle Controls and functioned as their part-time CEO
- Reported to GE Industrial, USA and FANUC, Japan
- Founded and led six holding companies for GE and GE Capital in Luxembourg
Jan 1984 - Dec 1990
7 yearsCharlottesville, United States
CFO; Managing Director of various subsidiaries and related companies in Europe, USA, and APAC
Klöckner Capital Corporation
- Led holding activities, global M&A, footprint expansion of Klöckner Pentaplast of America, and funding of business operations in packaging and logistics
- Acquired and managed multiple smaller packaging companies and service firms, e.g. Rexam/Bartelt packaging machines in Sarasota, FL and Klöckner Carrier Corporation; served as part-time CEO of both
- Supported the group CEO with operative, strategic, and financing advice
Jan 1977 - Dec 1984
8 yearsDuisburg, Germany
Manager, Corporate & Business Development
Klöckner Werke AG
- Supported multiple strategic acquisitions across the packaging and machinery sectors, including Klöckner Pentaplast (PVC film), Otto Hänsel (confectionary processing machines), Ferromatic (pharma blister packaging machines), Tevopharm (horizontal packaging machines), and KHS (beverage machines)
- Served as COO of subsidiaries and Managing Director of global finance holding companies in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Shanghai
Jan 1975 - Dec 1976
2 yearsUnited Kingdom
Sales Engineer for process control systems
General Electric Company
- Early career in process engineering and industrial controls
Summary
Accomplished CFO and COO executive with over 35 years of leadership experience in management of operations, profit improvement programs, controllership, corporate finance, HR, and private equity-backed value creation. Proven track record of driving strategic growth, M&A execution, organizational restructuring, and international expansion. Strong governance experience as a supervisory board member and audit committee chair across multiple industries and geographies.
Languages
German
NativeEnglish
AdvancedFrench
IntermediateEducation
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Doctor of Administrative Sciences · Administrative Sciences
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Diploma in Mechanical Engineering · Mechanical Engineering
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Diploma in Business Administration · Business Administration
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