Manuel J. - AI Strategy & Transformation Leader | Bridging Business & Technology

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Tüßling, Germany

Experience

Nov 2024 - Oct 2025

1 year

Unterföhring, 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)
Rolled out 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)
Disciplinary leadership of 18 FTE

Oct 2021 - Oct 2024

3 years 1 month

Unterföhring, 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 months

Unterföhring, 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
Market share forecasting for program planning
AI-based ad attribution and slot optimization
Actively promoted AI potential through internal networking and workshops

Aug 2018 - Jun 2019

11 months

Pullach, 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 the product development of a digital self-service portal to streamline rental workflows
Collaborated directly with executive board on data-driven initiatives across marketing, pricing, and CRM
Disciplinary leadership of 4 FTE

Jan 2017 - Jul 2018

1 year 7 months

Pullach, 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
Disciplinary leadership of 4 FTE

Jul 2016 - Dec 2016

6 months

Pullach, 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 months

Pullach, 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

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.