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Manfred Simon

Managing Partner

Manfred Simon
Munich, Germany

Experience

Mar 2013 - Dec 2023
10 years 10 months
Germany

Managing Partner

Consulting Firm for Business Development, Marketing, and Sales

  • IT Solution (Interim Marketing and Product Portfolio Manager DACH): Positioned the brand as a market leader for automated proctoring solutions; built relationships with key influencers in the higher education and corporate learning environment; developed a sales pipeline and targeted lead generation process; implemented all online and offline media; developed a PR strategy for regular and crisis communications
  • IT Solution (Provider of an e-ID solution platform): Conducted market and potential analysis and business plan evaluation for the DACH region; segmented target groups; defined requirements for product management; generated initial pilot projects; developed segment-specific messaging; created a PR strategy for special-interest media
  • IT Solution (Mid-sized partner of a market-leading CRM solution): Analyzed market potential in the DACH region; developed a business plan and repositioned the company; created a lead generation process; doubled revenues within two years by integrating marketing and sales
  • Energy (Marketing and Product Portfolio Consultant for a holding company with over 200 subsidiaries): Designed a marketing concept for various service companies under a single umbrella brand; implemented an event concept for the annual group meeting; advised on selecting an advertising agency
  • Furniture (Product and Marketing Manager for a mid-sized Italian furniture manufacturer): Conducted market potential analysis and risk assessment for the DACH region; defined sales targets for Germany and Austria; developed a go-to-market strategy; positioned the brand in the upper mid-price segment; secured initial specialty dealers and end-customer projects; created the brand story, corporate design, and communication materials
  • IT Solution (Interim Marketing and Product Manager DACH for an electronic signature portal): Launched the solution; crafted core messages for lead generation; defined industry and target group value propositions; executed online campaigns and a trade show concept; acquired initial pilot customers and built the sales pipeline
  • IT Solution (Interim Marketing Director and Product Manager for a mid-sized ITSM consulting firm): Repositioned the company; established it as a key partner for large corporations; created a lead generation process and aligned sales and marketing; built the sales pipeline; integrated licensing and professional services; developed a PR strategy; increased revenue from €2.5 million to approximately €18 million in 4 years
Feb 2010 - Feb 2013
3 years 1 month
Munich, Germany

Management Consultant

Freelance

  • Municipal Utility of a mid-sized city (Strategic Advisor): Developed a communications strategy for internal and external positioning of the executive board; designed a strategic realignment and defined the strategic and tactical agenda; created brand and communication strategies; managed change after an executive leadership change
  • Mid-sized software company with custom development and own products (Interim Marketing Director): Developed an integrated marketing and business development strategy; realigned the marketing department and provided interim leadership; initiated product development to reduce customer dependency and increase service scalability
  • BI provider from Denmark: Provided strategic and operational marketing and business development consulting to strengthen the company's presence in the German market; sharpened brand communication and realigned the acquisition strategy
  • Automotive (Change Communication Manager for an automaker): Supported change and transformation processes; digitized development; implemented communication measures to drive acceptance and implementation of the transformation
  • Energy (Project Manager for Marketing and Portfolio Online Platform): Consolidated the concept of a digital marketing platform for distribution grid operators; developed and reviewed the brand strategy, communication strategy, marketing opportunities, partner model, product portfolio strategy, and pricing model; defined potential
  • Automotive (Marketing and Business Development Manager for an automotive retail company): Developed the brand strategy for 20 dealerships; expanded service and product offerings; created cross-brand communication concepts and sales strategies for new, annual, and used cars
  • Energy (Consultant for Marketing, Business Development, and Product Management for a service company serving regional energy companies): Introduced a broadband offering as both a white-label and own brand; repositioned the brand and services; implemented measures to acquire end customers and retain existing ones
  • IT Solution (Interim Marketing Manager for an exclusive SAP reseller): Implemented lead generation measures for an SAP Cloud solution; developed and executed a networking strategy to reach new target groups; secured initial reference projects
  • Automotive (Consultant for Marketing and Product Portfolio): Developed marketing and business development strategy for a premium manufacturer's accessories portfolio; analyzed the portfolio for target group alignment; created target group-specific positioning and retail marketing plans
Dec 2007 - Jan 2010
2 years 2 months

Managing Partner

Agency Group

  • IT/Tourism (Online Travel Portal): Developed and implemented online user acquisition measures; gradually increased user numbers; positioned the brand in the online tourism sector as a neutral platform
  • Fashion (Premium Outdoor Clothing Manufacturer): Created event concepts and marketing initiatives for flagship stores in major cities; implemented measures to increase foot traffic; generated media attention for store openings
  • Finance (Leading Direct Bank): Launched an image campaign with a high-profile testimonial; executed all online and offline initiatives; established the brand as a market leader in online banking
Jan 2005 - Dec 2007
3 years
Munich, Germany

Director of Marketing and Product Management

Telecommunications Company in Düsseldorf and Munich

  • Responsible for marketing strategy, media planning and buying, and PR
  • Provided strategic and conceptual leadership for the B2C brand
  • Analyzed market and target groups to guide product innovations
  • Launched the brand in the brick-and-mortar stores of Europe's largest drugstore chain (11,000 outlets)
  • Positioned and established the corporate brand in the B2B segment
  • Developed and executed cross-media and cross-selling partnerships
  • Implemented CRM measures for customer retention, increased usage, new customer acquisition, churn prevention, and cross-/upselling
  • Built an online customer care center, including an online shop
  • Developed outbound initiatives for customer retention and an inbound service hotline; ensured service quality
  • Launched the brand as a prepaid product; acquired up to 2,500 new customers per week; rapidly grew the customer base; introduced additional services
Apr 2002 - Dec 2004
2 years 9 months
Munich, Germany

Director of Consulting

Advertising Agency

  • Publishing (Women's Magazine): Strategically and communicatively realigned the brand for new, younger audiences; executed all initiatives for readers and media decision-makers
  • Fashion (Ready-to-Wear Manufacturer): Repositioned the brand to attract younger female buyers; provided strategic and conceptual communication realignment; reached new buyers while maintaining the existing business
  • Fashion (Men's Fashion Manufacturer): Launched and established a new brand; introduced the product range into specialty stores; secured licensees; increased visibility in media and at the point of sale
Feb 1999 - Mar 2002
3 years 2 months
Munich, Germany

Executive Board Member

Advertising Agency

  • Energy (Regional Energy Supplier): Supported the merger process of two regional companies; developed and launched a new brand including the brand name; defined the group's brand strategy; implemented internal and external communication measures
  • Energy (Energy Trading Company): Strategic brand positioning and launch to the B2B target group; awareness generation through unconventional outreach; B2B lead generation
  • IT Solution (International Hardware Manufacturer): International strategic brand management; implementation of the brand strategy for the merger of a German and a Japanese manufacturer; establishment of the brand in B2C and B2B segments; acquisition of new customers in Germany
  • Automotive (Premium Car Manufacturer – Lifestyle Brand): Brand repositioning; transition into the lifestyle segment; opening of flagship stores in cooperation with dealers; establishment as a lifestyle brand
  • Automotive (Premium Car Manufacturer): Launch of new models at the dealer level; development of communication measures at the POS and dealer communication; reduction of acceptance barriers for revolutionary models
Jan 1996 - Jan 1999
3 years 1 month
Frankfurt, Germany

Account Manager

Advertising Agency

  • Managed all communication activities for a car line
  • Strategic positioning and launch of a new model including ATL and BTL measures
  • Set up a CRM database for the entire company (cross-brand and cross-division)
  • Designed CRM activities for three passenger car brands and one van brand
  • Set up inbound and outbound call centers for customers and prospects; managed service providers
  • Dealer communication (inbound and outbound), campaign and sales support, lead tracking and documentation
  • Repositioning and relaunch of the service division (financial services, mobility guarantee)
  • Launch of an in-house certified used car brand; initiatives for dealers and end customers
Apr 1993 - Nov 1995
2 years 8 months
Frankfurt, Germany

Consultant

Consulting Firm

  • Public Transport (Regional Transport Company): Development of a sales and marketing concept including a new pricing structure; positioning of the company and definition of activities for customer retention and acquisition
Jul 1988 - Feb 1993
4 years 8 months
Frankfurt, Germany

Account Manager

International Advertising Agency

  • Automotive/Tourism (Car Manufacturer and International Airline): Customer database management; development of prospect and customer retention activities

Summary

I have built a strong career in business development, marketing, and product management with a focus on creating and repositioning brands in IT, energy, automotive, and other industries. I have developed market strategies, defined communication concepts, and generated customer leads by aligning marketing and sales.

My experience includes market and potential analyses, launching digital solutions, and managing change during transition phases. I bring deep knowledge of lead generation and all aspects of communication from online to offline channels, always striving for measurable results and lasting impact.

Skills

  • Marketing

  • Business Development

  • Brand Strategy

  • Communication Strategy

  • Marketing Concepts

  • Brand Workshops

  • Target Group Analyses

  • Potential Analyses

  • Market Analyses

  • Brand Launch

  • Brand Relaunch

  • Sales Support

  • Aligning Sales And Marketing Strategy

  • Integrated Communication

  • Industry- And Target Group-specific Marketing Concepts

  • B2b

  • B2c

  • Internal (Change) Communication

  • B2e

  • Building And Managing Network And Partner Structures

  • Sales And Marketing Processes

  • Press Relations

  • Pr Strategy

  • Automotive

  • Energy

  • It

  • Hardware

  • Digitalization Solutions

  • Saas Solutions Business

  • Telecommunications

  • Public Transportation

  • Publishing

  • Banking And Financial Services

  • Furniture

  • Fashion Manufacturer

  • Fashion Retail

  • Pharma

  • Cosmetics

  • Tourism

  • Fmcg

Languages

German
Native
English
Advanced

Education

Apr 1984 - Jun 1990

Johann Wolfgang Goethe University

Diploma in Business Administration · Studies in Business Administration · Frankfurt, Germany

Certifications & licenses

Manager as a Coach based on the N.E.W.S method

Profile

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Frequently asked questions

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

Where is Manfred based?

Manfred is based in Munich, Germany.

What languages does Manfred speak?

Manfred speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced).

How many years of experience does Manfred have?

Manfred has at least 34 years of experience. During this time, Manfred has worked in at least 7 different roles and for 7 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 3 years and 10 months. Note that Manfred may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Manfred be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Manfred would be well-suited for roles such as: Managing Partner, Management Consultant, Director of Marketing and Product Management.

What is Manfred's latest experience?

Manfred's most recent position is Managing Partner at Consulting Firm for Business Development, Marketing, and Sales.

What companies has Manfred worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Manfred has worked for Consulting Firm for Business Development, Marketing, and Sales.

Which industries is Manfred most experienced in?

Manfred is most experienced in industries like Energy, Information Technology (IT), and Automotive. Manfred also has some experience in Manufacturing, Professional Services, and Advertising.

Which business areas is Manfred most experienced in?

Manfred is most experienced in business areas like Marketing, Strategy and Planning, and Sales. Manfred also has some experience in Product Development and Customer Service.

Which industries has Manfred worked in recently?

Manfred has recently worked in industries like Energy, Information Technology (IT), and Manufacturing.

Which business areas has Manfred worked in recently?

Manfred has recently worked in business areas like Marketing, Product Development, and Sales.

What is Manfred's education?

Manfred attended Johann Wolfgang Goethe University for Studies in Business Administration.

Does Manfred have any certificates?

Manfred has 1 certificate: Manager as a Coach based on the N.E.W.S method.

What is the availability of Manfred?

Manfred will be available from February 2026.

What is the rate of Manfred?

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

How to hire Manfred?

To hire Manfred, click the Meet button on the profile to request a meeting and discuss your project needs.

Average rates for similar positions

Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.

1000
750
500
250
Market avg: 800-960 €
The rates shown represent the typical market range for freelancers in this position based on recent contracts on our platform.
Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.