Ralf (Dr.) Raabe
Interim Management & Consulting
Experience
Interim Management & Consulting
Dr. Raabe Consult
- Interim management and consultancy services
Vice President Global Engineering Thermal Comfort Systems
Lear Corporation
- Ensured a successful transition of the product line operations
- Identified and implemented synergy effects across the Lear business units
Managing Director
Kongsberg Automotive GmbH
- Rapid market launch of electro-pneumatic seat massage systems at six OEMs in the USA, Europe, and Asia
- Development and vertical integration of modern active seat climate functions based on novel motors and subcomponents
- Reduced six external and internal development service providers by introducing in-house electronics development for hardware and software and establishing a technology center in Pune, India as a separate legal entity
- Increased development efficiency through consistent use of agile methods and simulation of products and processes
- Drastically reduced employee turnover at the Hallbergmoos site after assuming management responsibilities
- Generated alternative revenue streams during the COVID-19 crisis by quickly developing and launching respirator masks using materials from the seat heating business and existing production facilities
- Secured cash flow during the COVID-19 crisis through targeted measures
Vice President - Global Engineering Interior Comfort Systems
Kongsberg Automotive
- Global responsibility for the development of interior comfort systems with over 200 employees
Senior Vice President – CoC Electronic Systems
Knorr-Bremse Systeme für Schienenfahrzeuge GmbH
Led the Global Electronic Systems Center with around 600 employees worldwide for electronics systems in train control computers, brakes, doors, air conditioning, and power management
Held P&L responsibility for brake control electronics with triple-digit million euro revenues
Introduced global electronics standards based on a developed electronics strategy
Maximized synergy effects and minimized existing product families
Implemented modular, scalable, and standardized solutions for software, hardware, and mechanical design and utilized carry over
Achieved cost reductions by establishing best-cost development centers in Hungary, India, and China
Established a technology center in India with over 300 employees for rail business in cooperation with the commercial vehicles division
Developed a new generation of electronic brake controls, reducing customer project effort by up to 50%
Consolidated three product families for electronic brake controls into a modular, standardized toolkit with successful market launch for Hitachi high-speed trains in the UK and Hyundai Rotem metros in India
Successfully engineered electronics for over 200 customer projects worldwide and commissioned trains at customer sites
Introduced agile development methods and a unified obsolescence management process
Developed and implemented a connected systems strategy for all Knorr-Bremse rail subsystems
Received the Hitachi Rail Supplier Award 2017
Vice President - Body Electronics
Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.
Product and development responsibility for the segment with €300 M P&L responsibility in FY 08/09
Led 550 employees across nine development sites in China, Germany, India, Romania, and the USA
Achieved 18% annual revenue growth (CAGR) until October 2008
Member of the advisory board of Intedis GmbH & Co. KG, a Hella/Leoni joint venture for onboard powernet architectures
Delivered profitable business results in FY 08/09 despite an eight-month automotive crisis
Industrialized 10 products in FY 08/09 while managing obsolescence of over 300 devices for long-term supply
Expanded the product portfolio through a strategic partnership with ZF Lenksysteme and developed a modular concept for electric steering systems, securing a large-volume series order by meeting QKT targets
Entered the Korean market with energy management solutions for Hyundai across 15 vehicle model series
Received the Volkswagen Group Award 2008 for body control modules on the Golf platform, keyless entry/go systems for Passat, and remote key fobs for Golf and Polo platforms
Awarded GM Supplier of the Year 2006 for Hella body and memory seat controllers
Head of Body Electronics Development
Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.
Development responsibility for product families: body control modules, access and vehicle authorization systems, roof operating units, and memory seat modules with 70 employees in Germany
Strategically planned the global development network for the electronics division and led its establishment for body electronics
Implemented the Hella product creation process worldwide for body electronics
Expanded the customer base for networked roof operating units
Developed a strategy for non-automotive products in the electronics division
Business Development South America
Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.
Business development for the electronics division in Brazil, reporting to executive management
Negotiated with potential joint venture partners and evaluated production sites
Led sales activities in Brazil
Concluded a JV contract to establish a production and development facility
Developed a business plan and production site strategy
Secured projects with Brazilian automotive manufacturers
Head of International Projects
Hella KGaA Hueck & Co.
Led international activities of the body electronics product line
Established development sites in the USA, China, India, and Romania for the body electronics product line
Successfully acquired and developed products for American and Chinese customers
Formulated a NAFTA production site strategy including due diligence of existing plants in the USA and Mexico
Research Associate
Rheinisch Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen, Laboratorium für Werkzeugmaschinen und Betriebslehre (WZL)
- Acquired and led projects funded by the EU, the German Research Foundation, and the Steinbeis Foundation
- Developed digital controls adopted into series production by European machine tool manufacturers
- Completed PhD on process optimization for spark erosion sinking with neuro-fuzzy control (grade: very good)
Student Assistant
Rheinisch Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen, WZL
- Hardware and software development for machine tool controls
Intern
Bergbau AG Westfalen
- Industrial internships in surface and underground operations during school and semester breaks
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 Automotive (19 years), Manufacturing (18.5 years), Education (10.5 years), Professional Services (3.5 years), and Metals and Mining (3 years).
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 (37.5 years), Operations (21.5 years), Project Management (19 years), Strategy (10.5 years), Research and Development (10.5 years), and Supply Chain Management (4 years).
Summary
Diploma in Electrical Engineering (Communications Technology) and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering
Action-oriented and persuasive leader with long-standing management experience in international automotive and rail vehicle companies in a global, intercultural environment as MD, SVP, and VP
Methodical, structured working style with entrepreneurial thinking and actions
P&L responsibility for business units as well as global setup and management of development sites
Outstanding successes in product and project management, design & development, and professional product development with many years of experience in efficient and agile development methods
Numerous successes in crisis management and restructuring/transformations
Sales expertise with strong customer focus and negotiation skills
Constant pursuit of implementing goal-oriented solutions with consistent focus on results
Analytical and decision-making skills with focus on the essentials
Languages
Education
Rheinisch Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen
Ph.D., Process Optimization for Spark Erosion Sinking with Neuro-Fuzzy Control · Mechanical Engineering · Aachen, Germany · very good
Rheinisch Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen
Diploma in Electrical Engineering, specialization in Communications Engineering · Electrical Engineering, specialization in Communications Engineering · Aachen, Germany · very good
Märkisches Gymnasium
Abitur (general university entrance qualification) · Hamm, Germany
Profile
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