Lukas Hippel - Board Member

Q: Where is Lukas based?

Lukas is based in Alzenau, Germany and can operate in on-site , hybrid , and remote work models.

Q: What languages does Lukas speak?

Lukas speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Elementary) .

Q: How many years of experience does Lukas have?

Lukas has at least 38 years of experience. During this time, Lukas has worked in at least 18 different roles and for 9 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 1 month . Note that Lukas may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Lukas's latest experience?

Lukas's most recent position is Board Member at Freelancer and Advisor to Startups .

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

In recent years, Lukas has worked for Freelancer and Advisor to Startups and Arxada .

Q: Which industries is Lukas most experienced in?

Lukas is most experienced in industries like Chemical , Pharmaceutical , and Education . Lukas also has some experience in Biotechnology , Professional Services , and Manufacturing .

Q: Which business areas is Lukas most experienced in?

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

Q: Which industries has Lukas worked in recently?

Lukas has recently worked in industries like Biotechnology , Professional Services , and Pharmaceutical .

Q: Which business areas has Lukas worked in recently?

Lukas has recently worked in business areas like Strategy and Planning , Operations , and Product Development .

Recommended expert

Alzenau, Germany

Experience

Jul 2023 - Present

2 years 8 months

Board Member

Freelancer and Advisor to Startups

Using the skills developed in three decades to support companies while combining methods and chances for organizations to cooperate.

Jan 2023 - Jun 2023

6 months

Head of Biotech Platform

Arxada

Developed biotech strategy for the whole organization
Secured approval by Presidents and Board of Directors
Prepared and handed over tasks to relevant business units

Jul 2020 - Dec 2022

2 years 6 months

Head CDMO

Arxada

Developed and implemented CDMO strategy
Restructured market access, development process, and pipeline management
Achieved best performing business line in the company
Tripled EBITDA margin to close to 30 %
Managed revenues of 300 mCHF and 350 FTE, with 1200 FTE in matrix

Feb 2020 - Jun 2020

5 months

Head of Strategy Development Biotechnology

Arxada

Developed and implemented a turnaround strategy for the Kourim site in the Czech Republic

Jul 2011 - Jan 2020

8 years 7 months

Managing Director

Pharma Waldhof GmbH

Restructured the entire company of 20 employees and a global matrix of 350 including China, India, and Japan
Implemented a new ERP system and secured synergies within the group
Improved innovation management with 25+ new products and 5 new APIs in the pipeline for market entry
Tripled EBIT within three years

Feb 2011 - Jun 2011

5 months

Site Manager Rhein-Main

Kruse GmbH & Co KG

Restructured operations for increased efficiency
Improved employee motivation and sales activities
Achieved break-even after two months and EBIT above budget after four months
Restored regulatory approvals within three months

Feb 2010 - Dec 2010

11 months

Head of Business Functions, Member of the Board

AllessaChemie GmbH

Developed strategy and transformed the company into a service provider for the chemical and pharmaceutical industry
Managed turnaround operations across Marketing & Sales, R&D, Procurement, and Product Safety
Optimized processes and innovation management

Apr 2006 - Jan 2010

3 years 10 months

Head of Marketing & Sales

AllessaChemie GmbH

Restructured marketing and sales and built a global agent network
Developed a pipeline of new products and projects
Renovated more than 50 % of the product portfolio within four years

Dec 2005 - Mar 2006

4 months

Senior Project Manager, Business Line Exclusive Synthesis

Degussa AG

Conducted due diligence for sale of Raylo site in Canada to Gilead (transaction volume > 70 million USD)
Performed due diligence for formation of a joint venture in China (transaction volume > 50 million EUR)

Jun 2004 - Nov 2005

1 year 6 months

Director Marketing & Sales, Business Line Exclusive Synthesis

Degussa AG

Developed and executed customer-specific strategies
Increased revenues by 20 % and EBIT by 15 %

Apr 2001 - Jun 2004

3 years 3 months

Director Business Development, Business Unit Fine Chemicals

Degussa AG

Integrated four companies (Degussa, Hüls, SKW, and Laporte) after three mergers within 18 months
Doubled revenues in India to over 15 million EUR
Significantly increased sales and profit in Europe
Screened acquisition targets in India and prepared decisions for the Head of Division

Aug 2000 - Mar 2001

8 months

Head of Site Development, ZN Hanau

Degussa AG

Implemented a new department to attract outside investors
Collaborated with local and state politics and organizations

Mar 1999 - Jul 2000

1 year 5 months

Project Manager, Integration Office and Consulting

Degussa AG

Merged and restructured engineering departments of Degussa and Hüls
Optimized structures and processes, achieving 20 % cost savings
Realized and controlled over 30 % cost savings in maintenance at Hanau
Developed strategies for the Marl and Hanau sites

Nov 1993 - Feb 1999

5 years 4 months

R&D HCN, Cyanides and Catalysts

Degussa AG

Optimized chemical processes
Developed new processes including scale-up and implementation into production, notably methyl mercaptan at 120 kt/a across three sites
Served as Controller of R&D for a division

Jul 1993 - Nov 1993

5 months

Business Trainee

atv GmbH

Mar 1993 - Jun 1993

4 months

Scientist (Research Assistant)

University of Munich

Jan 1989 - Mar 1993

4 years 3 months

Scientist (Full-time Research Associate)

University of Munich

Conducted research in cooperation with Siemens until December 1992

Jan 1988 - Dec 1988

1 year

Freelancer, Central R&D, Power Plant Exhaust Catalysis

Siemens

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 Chemical (17 years), Pharmaceutical (12 years), Education (4.5 years), Biotechnology (3.5 years), Professional Services (2.5 years), and Manufacturing (1.5 years).

Chemical

Pharmaceutical

Education

Biotechnology

Professional Services

Manufacturing

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), Operations (12.5 years), Strategy (12 years), Research and Development (11.5 years), Information Technology (8.5 years), and Sales (8.5 years).

Product Development

Operations

Strategy

Research and Development

Information Technology

Sales

Summary

Experienced executive in various markets/industries, using chemistry and biotechnology as tools for new products. Proven track record in changing complex situations. Experienced innovator with global perspectives. Intercultural experience outside of Europe gained in India (since 1998), Japan (since 1999), China (since 2001), US (since 1985), Middle East (since 2007) and other countries/regions. Board member of / and advisor to startups since 2004.

Startups are for me turnaround cases: When they start they have limited cash, no well-developed product, and no or limited market access while they have a young but unexperienced team. My methods worked repeatedly in successful turn-arounds and restructuring of organizations back to organic double-digit growth.

Using my methodology with startups is part of my actual work. Battery technology, use of AI, and new methods to generate electricity are actual examples of my work. I have no plans to stop working.

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

French

Elementary

Education

Jan 1989 - Dec 1992

Univ. Munich

PhD studies · Munich, Germany · magna cum laude

Oct 1985 - Sep 1987

Univ. Munich

Diploma · Chemistry · Munich, Germany

Oct 1983 - Sep 1985

Univ. Marburg

Prediploma · Chemistry · Marburg, Germany

Certifications & licenses

Best Biotech Company, Europe

Best Biotech Company Europe

Bridging Disciplines Award

Best Provider Of Biochemical Products – Europe

Best Provider Of Biochemical Products – Germany

Finalist “CEO Of The Year”

CPhI

Excellence Status In Talent Management

Deutscher Bildungspreis

Deutscher Stifterverband “Innovative through R&D”

Profile

Created

January 2026

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Frequently asked questions

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

Where is Lukas based?

Lukas is based in Alzenau, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.

What languages does Lukas speak?

Lukas speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Elementary).

How many years of experience does Lukas have?

Lukas has at least 38 years of experience. During this time, Lukas has worked in at least 18 different roles and for 9 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 1 month. Note that Lukas may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Lukas be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Lukas would be well-suited for roles such as: Board Member, Head of Biotech Platform, Head CDMO.

What is Lukas's latest experience?

Lukas's most recent position is Board Member at Freelancer and Advisor to Startups.

What companies has Lukas worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Lukas has worked for Freelancer and Advisor to Startups and Arxada.

Which industries is Lukas most experienced in?

Lukas is most experienced in industries like Chemical, Pharmaceutical, and Education. Lukas also has some experience in Biotechnology, Professional Services, and Manufacturing.

Which business areas is Lukas most experienced in?

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

Which industries has Lukas worked in recently?

Lukas has recently worked in industries like Biotechnology, Professional Services, and Pharmaceutical.

Which business areas has Lukas worked in recently?

Lukas has recently worked in business areas like Strategy and Planning, Operations, and Product Development.

What is Lukas's education?

Lukas holds a Doctorate from Univ. Munich and a Master in Chemistry from Univ. Munich.

Does Lukas have any certificates?

Lukas has 8 certificates. Among them, these include: Best Biotech Company, Europe, Best Biotech Company Europe, and Bridging Disciplines Award.

What is the availability of Lukas?

Lukas is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Lukas?

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