Recommended expert

Knut (Dr.) Michelberger

Managing Director & CFO (ad interim)

Knut Michelberger
Kronberg im Taunus, Germany

Experience

Apr 2024 - Jul 2024
4 months
Troisdorf, Germany

Managing Director & CFO (ad interim)

Formel D Group

  • Quality service provider for the automotive industry, €350 Mio. sales
  • Rebuilt global finance and controlling organizations to meet private equity standards
  • Functioned as interim CFO during periods of transition under 3i ownership
  • Member of the supervisory board and Chair of audit committee
Jul 2019 - Jan 2020
7 months
Troisdorf, Germany

Managing Director & CFO (ad interim)

Formel D Group

  • Quality service provider for the automotive industry, €350 Mio. sales
  • Rebuilt global finance and controlling organizations to meet private equity standards
  • Functioned as interim CFO during periods of transition under 3i ownership
  • Member of the supervisory board and Chair of audit committee
Sep 2017 - Mar 2018
7 months
Troisdorf, Germany

Managing Director & CFO (ad interim)

Formel D Group

  • Quality service provider for the automotive industry, €350 Mio. sales
  • Rebuilt global finance and controlling organizations to meet private equity standards
  • Functioned as interim CFO during periods of transition under 3i ownership
  • Member of the supervisory board and Chair of audit committee
Jan 2014 - Jun 2016
2 years 6 months
Osnabrück, Germany

Managing Director & CFO

Kaffee Partner Holding GmbH

  • Office coffee machines and services for Germany, Austria and Switzerland: 40,000 machines under rental and service contract
  • Major business is structured sales (100 salesmen), efficient service operation (100 service technicians), online marketing, and fast delivery/logistics
  • Took over the operating roles of three managing directors and rebuilt the management team over two years
  • Capvis AG ownership, member of the supervisory board 2016–2021
Jan 2010 - Dec 2013
4 years
Luxembourg

Global CFO

Dematic Group S.a.r.l.

  • Intralogistics and warehouse operations systems supplier with global footprint and manufacturing facilities in Germany, Italy, Spain, USA, China, and Australia, €800 Mio. sales
  • Triton Partners ownership
  • Led financial transformation and improved profitability significantly; managed a global team across six countries
  • Prepared the company for a remarkably successful exit
  • Negotiated and launched two major corporate bonds in the US, including one for the acquiror AEA Investors
  • Supported the transition of the headquarters to Atlanta for the new owner
Jan 2006 - Dec 2009
4 years

Executive Board Member and CFO of RKW SE; Managing Director of JM Gesellschaft

RKW SE / JM Gesellschaft für industrielle Beteiligungen mbH & Co. KGaA

  • Optimized footprint and operational performance of RKW, a PE film manufacturing company with €800 Mio. sales
  • Manufacturing performance as major value driver; packaging as major market focus
  • Managed global finance operations, working capital optimization, funding, and M&A
  • Responsible for global HR (HR Director)
  • Converted legal German AG into European S.A.
  • Prepared major group company Kiefel AG (packaging and blow molding machines) for sale and managed the sales process successfully
Jan 2004 - Dec 2006
3 years
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hybrid

CFO & COO

GE Access Capital Solutions

  • Europe-wide hybrid manufacturing/assembling computer and factoring/leasing company with 4 European subsidiaries, €300 Mio. sales
  • Targeted preparation of the company for divestment
  • 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 years
Luxembourg

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 subsidiaries
  • Supported and funded growth, local investments, liaised with major customers
  • Managed the acquisition and integration of Eberle Controls and served 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 years
Charlottesville, United States

CFO and Managing Director of various subsidiaries and related companies

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 companies
  • Supported the group CEO with operative, strategic, and financing advice
Jan 1977 - Dec 1984
8 years
Duisburg, Germany

Manager, Corporate & Business Development

Klöckner Werke AG

  • Supported multiple strategic acquisitions across packaging and machinery sectors (e.g., Klöckner Pentaplast, PVC film; Otto Hänsel, confectionary processing machines; Ferromatic, pharma blister packaging machines; Tevopharm, horizontal packaging machines; beverage machine company KHS)
  • Served as COO of subsidiaries and Managing Director of global finance holding companies in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Shanghai
Jan 1975 - Dec 1976
2 years
United Kingdom

Sales Engineer, 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.

Skills

Private Equity Engagements Partnered With 3i, Triton, Capvis, Capiton, Baltcap, And Bpe In Operational, Board, And Advisory Roles. Delivered Significant Value Through Restructuring, Buy & Build, And Exit Readiness Support.

  • Industrial & Automation: Intralogistics, Robotics, Factory & Process Automation
  • Manufacturing: Mechanical Engineering, Plastic Processing, Packaging Machinery
  • Packaging: Rigid And Flexible, Pharma, Food, Industrial, Etc.
  • Fmcg & Services: Coffee Vending, Distribution, Leasing/factoring
  • Private Equity: Buyouts, Carve-outs, Turnarounds, M&a, Exit Management

Languages

German
Native
English
Advanced
French
Intermediate

Education

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Doctor of Administrative Sciences (Dr. sc. admin) · Administrative Sciences

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Dipl.-Ing., Mechanical Engineering · Mechanical Engineering

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Dipl.-Ök., Business Administration · Business Administration

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