Manuel J.
Vice President AI Strategy & Products
Experience
Nov 2024 - Oct 2025
1 yearUnterföhring, Germany
Vice President AI Strategy & Products
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE
- Developed and implemented group-wide AI strategy and introduced “AI Business Partner” role for translating strategy into execution across units
- Launched AI roadmaps across all major business units
- Rolled out internal GenAI Playground (>3,000 users = 75% of ENT staff)
- Established AI Ambassador network (>120 ambassadors representing each business unit) to drive cross-functional AI adoption
- Oversaw strategic AI product portfolio; high impact examples include:
- TV scheduling optimization (>EUR 5M annual savings)
- AI-generated metadata for streaming & advertising (>EUR 5M annual incremental revenue)
- Sales assistant chatbot (>EUR 1M annual time savings)
- Provided disciplinary leadership of 18 FTE
Oct 2021 - Oct 2024
3 years 1 monthUnterföhring, Germany
Head of AI Products & Strategy
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE
- Collaborated with scheduling, sales, and marketing to embed AI into planning and decision-making
- Delivered high-impact AI products including:
- AI tool for TV campaign optimization (up to +30% traffic for internal e-commerce brands)
- First MVP for AI-based scheduling, enabling transition from gut feeling to data-driven decisions
- Championed early stakeholder engagement to secure adoption
- Led two AI product teams (15 FTE) and established Scrum-based workflows
Jul 2019 - Sep 2021
2 years 3 monthsUnterföhring, Germany
Associate Director Data Products
ProSiebenSat.1 Media SE
- Played a key role in building the Data & AI unit from scratch
- Initiated and led first AI product pilots including market share forecasting for program planning and AI-based ad attribution and slot optimization
- Actively promoted AI potential through internal networking and workshops
Aug 2018 - Jun 2019
11 monthsPullach, Germany
Head of Customer Insights & Strategy
Sixt SE
- Introduced ML-based models to predict rental cancellations and trigger retention offers with up to 30% reduction in cancellation rate
- Designed new points-based loyalty program to replace volume-based model, created business case and rollout concept
- Owned product development of a digital self-service portal to streamline rental workflows
- Collaborated directly with the executive board on data-driven initiatives across marketing, pricing, and CRM
- Provided disciplinary leadership of 4 FTE
Jan 2017 - Jul 2018
1 year 7 monthsPullach, Germany
Senior Lead Manager Customer Analysis & Strategy
Sixt SE
- Developed CLV-based segmentation and provided recommendations for customer lifecycle optimization
- Co-led initial design of a new loyalty program concept
- Provided disciplinary leadership of 4 FTE
Jul 2016 - Dec 2016
6 monthsPullach, Germany
Senior Manager Corporate Development & Strategy
Sixt SE
- Defined go-to-market strategy for a new brand in the smart-value segment
- Developed multiple business cases and decision documents for the executive board
Oct 2014 - Jun 2016
1 year 9 monthsPullach, Germany
Manager Corporate Development & Strategy
Sixt SE
- Developed and implemented an in-store music concept aligned with the brand, managing rollout in 200+ branches
- Created multiple business cases and decision documents for the executive board
Oct 2013 - Jan 2014
4 monthsNeubiberg, Germany
Student Consultant
Infineon Technologies
Jun 2013 - Jul 2014
1 year 2 monthsMunich, Germany
Working Student
Roland Berger Strategy Consultants GmbH
Apr 2013 - Jul 2013
4 monthsMunich, Germany
Student Consultant
Siemens AG
Jul 2012 - May 2013
11 monthsMunich, Germany
Intern and Working Student
Kienbaum Management Consultants GmbH
Feb 2011 - Oct 2011
9 monthsMunich, Germany
Intern and Working Student
Clevis Consultant GmbH
Sep 2009 - Oct 2009
2 monthsMunich, Germany
Intern
Bayern Consult GmbH
Summary
Strategic and hands-on executive with 10+ years of experience driving AI innovation, data product development, and digital transformation. Proven leader in building and executing AI strategies that deliver substantial business impact. Adept at aligning C-level stakeholders, leading cross-functional teams, and turning complex ideas into scalable solutions. Combines entrepreneurial vision with strong analytical thinking and operational excellence. Passionate about leveraging data and AI to create real, lasting value at the intersection of business, technology, and people.
Skills
- Ai Strategy & Implementation
- Product Management
- Digital Transformation
- Cross-functional Leadership
- C-level Stakeholder Management
- Agile Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Data-driven Decision Making
- Emerging Technologies (E.g. Genai)
- Business Strategy
Languages
German
NativeEnglish
AdvancedFrench
IntermediateEducation
Oct 2012 - Sep 2014
Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
Master of Science, Business Administration · Business Administration · Munich, Germany · 1.5
Oct 2010 - Jun 2011
University of Wales Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
Oct 2008 - Sep 2012
Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration · Business Administration · Munich, Germany · 1.4
...and 2 more
Certifications & licenses
Leading High Performance Teams
St. Gallen Business School
St. Galler Leadership Program
St. Gallen Business School
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