Rüdiger Tiedemann - Interim Commercial Manager

Q: Where is Rüdiger based?

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

Q: What languages does Rüdiger speak?

Rüdiger speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Advanced), Spanish (Intermediate) .

Q: How many years of experience does Rüdiger have?

Rüdiger has at least 29 years of experience. During this time, Rüdiger has worked in at least 21 different roles and for 27 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 1 month . Note that Rüdiger may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Rüdiger's latest experience?

Rüdiger's most recent position is Interim Commercial Manager at Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH .

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

In recent years, Rüdiger has worked for Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH , Alpha Trains Europa GmbH , CMR CureDiab Metabolic Research GmbH , Macaw netzkern GmbH , and Egon Zehnder AG .

Q: Which industries is Rüdiger most experienced in?

Rüdiger is most experienced in industries like Media, Entertainment and Publishing , Retail , and Manufacturing . Rüdiger also has some experience in Biotechnology , Professional Services , and Pharmaceutical .

Q: Which business areas is Rüdiger most experienced in?

Rüdiger is most experienced in business areas like Finance , Accounting , and Human Resources (HR) . Rüdiger also has some experience in Audit , Strategy and Planning , and Business Intelligence .

Q: Which industries has Rüdiger worked in recently?

Rüdiger has recently worked in industries like Biotechnology , Pharmaceutical , and Tourism and Hospitality .

Q: Which business areas has Rüdiger worked in recently?

Rüdiger has recently worked in business areas like Finance , Accounting , and Audit .

Recommended expert

Cologne, Germany

Experience

Apr 2025 - Present

11 months

Interim Commercial Manager

Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH

Managed finance & HR for 120 employees and 4 direct reports
ERP: DATEV
Optimized accounting, cash, and payment processes
Implemented modern HR software including AI features
Restructured internal reporting including cost centers
Increased automation in HR and finance
Improved data quality and management decision-making capabilities

Nov 2024 - Feb 2025

4 months

Senior Accounting Specialist

Alpha Trains Europa GmbH

Leasing of rail vehicles, ERP: MS Dynamics 365
Accounting for complex syndicated loans under IFRS 9
Operational accounting for two subsidiaries in Italy and the UK
Provided operational support to the CFO

Oct 2024 - Present

1 year 5 months

CFO (part-time)

CMR CureDiab Metabolic Research GmbH

Biotech/pharma start-up with 4 employees, ERP: DATEV
Established finance processes with external accounting
Prepared business plan and seed pitch deck
Aligned finances with medical leadership
Developed investor-ready reports and financial planning
Implemented an efficient structure for early-stage financing

Nov 2023 - Sep 2024

11 months

Finance Manager / Senior Expert

Macaw netzkern GmbH

Digital agency / online marketing, ERP: Unit4 and MS Dynamics NAV
Led finance projects in Germany with 6 team members
Prepared multi-year financial statements for three entities
Developed monthly reports in LucaNet and Power BI
Cleaned up balance sheets including provisions and intercompany items
Restored closing capability and delivered audited financial statements
Established standardized group-level reporting

Feb 2023 - Jun 2023

5 months

Finance Consultant

Egon Zehnder AG

HR services – executive search, leadership advisory, ERP: Oracle NetSuite
Optimized finance processes across multiple offices
Introduced purchase orders
Implemented streamlined processes

Apr 2022 - Jan 2023

10 months

CFO

Safran Data Systems GmbH

Aerospace, part of the French Safran group, 75 employees, ERP: Infor M3
Responsible for fast close & reporting locally and internationally
Optimization of internal control systems (ICS)
Migration of reporting tools from Hyperion to SQL
Shortened closing cycles and improved group communication
Strengthened internal control mechanisms

Aug 2021 - Mar 2022

8 months

Head of Accounting

next e.GO Mobile SE

Automotive startup, approx. 300 employees, ERP: eGecko / Penta
Set up group accounting for IPO preparation
IFRS conversion including IFRS 15/16
Digitized the purchase-to-pay process
IFRS-compliant close within four months
Achieved audit readiness for IPO preparation

Mar 2021 - Feb 2022

1 year

Head of Finance / CFO

T-Balance Therapeutics GmbH

Biotechnology startup, ERP: DATEV Unternehmen Online
Established budget and cash management
Developed pitch materials and investor reports
Successfully prepared and supported the seed round
Created financial transparency for investors

Oct 2020 - Jul 2021

10 months

Head of Accounting / LCA

KVP Pharma + Veterinär GmbH

Animal pharmaceuticals, carve-out from Bayer/Elanco, ERP: SAP R/3
Took over accounting, treasury, and reporting in the carve-out
Implemented SOX test plans
Optimized P2P/O2C/R2R processes
Acted as liaison between Bayer and Elanco during the exit
Achieved successful SAP migration and international SOX audit readiness

Oct 2019 - Sep 2020

1 year

Senior Expert Finance

Interxion GmbH

Data centers / IT infrastructure, ERP: SAGE, reporting: HFM
Fixed asset accounting, CAPEX, and IFRS 16
Reporting and SOX documentation for Digital Realty
Supported US reporting and closing processes
Implemented and automated standardized reporting structures
Achieved successful IFRS-compliant accounting

Aug 2019 - Sep 2019

2 months

Senior Expert Controlling

Groupe SEB

Household appliances / consumer goods, ERP: SAP R/3
Short-term project in commercial controlling
Analysis of invoice terms (approx. 15,000 line items)
Reconciliation of postings, contracts, and Excel reports
Resolution of complex legacy items
Improved traceability of provisions

Oct 2018 - Apr 2019

7 months

Senior Expert Finance & Controlling

Jack Wolfskin

Outdoor apparel and equipment, group sales of EUR 350 million, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV, SAP, AX
Controlling of investments, OPEX, CAPEX, 1–3 year forecasts and budgets
Operational reports for owners and management
Support for group consolidation (13 entities), IFRS 15/16, implementation of fast close
Introduction of BI systems for sales controlling and ERP preparation
Restructuring after Callaway Golf takeover with US GAAP/IFRS reconciliations
Improved reporting quality and speed
Successful transition to new P&L/balance sheet structure and chart of accounts

Jun 2018 - Sep 2018

4 months

Co-CFO / Senior Finance Expert

New Flag GmbH

FMCG / personal care, sales EUR 50 million, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV
Finance & controlling projects including BI systems and group consolidation (7 companies)
Setup of P&L by products, key accounts, and sales channels
Analysis of tax filings vs. payments, reclassifications, and pricing
Implementation of robust structures for reporting and management metrics
Significantly increased transparency in product and customer profitability

Aug 2016 - Jul 2018

2 years

Mulhouse, France

Finance Manager

Crane XOMOX

Mechanical engineering (industrial valves), group sales of EUR 3 billion, ERP: QAD, HFM
Head of finance and controlling in Mulhouse including HR, payments, and accounting
US reporting, budgeting/forecasting, letters of credit, and credit management
Setup of a shared service center in Lindau and outsourced payroll in France
SOX compliance and internal audits
Stabilization and integration of finance function after site migration
Significant improvement of compliance and process quality

Apr 2016 - Jul 2016

4 months

Finance Manager

Harman Connected Services GmbH

Automotive software (connected car), entity sales EUR 10 million, ERP: MS Dynamics AX
Year-end closing 2014/2015 and HR/payroll audit
Support for expatriates and development of tax optimizations
Audit-proof closings despite on-site gaps
Stabilization of HR and tax processes on an interim basis

Feb 2016 - Feb 2016

1 month

Finance Consultant

Erasco/Continental Foods GmbH

Food / FMCG, private equity (corporate venture capital), entity revenue €120 million, ERP: SAP R/3
Analysis of sales processes, key account controlling and campaign tracking
Improvement of sales controlling structure

Jun 2015 - Nov 2015

6 months

Münster, Germany

Interim Treasury Manager

COMPO Expert GmbH

Chemicals / premium fertilizers, ERP: SAP R/3
Built the treasury function after a carve-out by PE firm Triton
Introduced factoring within four weeks
Developed liquidity planning and cash pooling
Negotiated credit insurance and payment terms
Secured liquidity quickly and implemented structured treasury processes in 20 entities

Mar 2015 - Apr 2015

2 months

Hartha, Germany

Financial Controller

Trimas Germany GmbH

Automotive supplier, group revenue approx. €1 billion, entity revenue €15 million, ERP: Infor Syteline
Led operational finance and controlling
Monthly reporting to HQ including variance analysis
Ensured continuity of finance function after the sudden departure of the finance director

Jan 2015 - Dec 2016

2 years

Cologne, Germany

Lecturer in Finance and Controlling

Fresenius / ISM

Teaching IFRS, consolidated financial statements and international controlling (DE/EN)
Developed practical course modules for students at international partner universities

Apr 2014 - Sep 2014

6 months

Vienna, Austria

Finance Manager

DIC Europe GmbH

Specialty chemicals, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV and Magnitude
Production controlling at the new Vienna plant
Reporting to a US group using Magnitude
Optimized finance and administration processes
Established international reporting structures and fast close

Feb 2013 - Dec 2013

11 months

Braunschweig, Germany

Head of Controlling

Essilor GmbH

Medical technology / eyeglass lenses, ERP: Oracle and NAV
Developed a Cubeware BI system for sales and gross profit
Implemented QlikView sales reporting
Business partnering with sales, HR, and SCM
Integrated and automated planning and reporting
Increased transparency of customer and product margins

Jan 2011 - Nov 2012

1 year 11 months

Mettmann, Germany

CFO

TechnikService24 GmbH

Aftersales service for household appliances, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV
Commercial management after post-carve-out by PE investor ELBE
ERP implementation and consolidation for investor reporting
Negotiations with major clients and social plans during closures
Supported insolvency process and successful sale
Built a central IT/finance platform

Feb 2010 - Jan 2011

1 year

Berlin, Germany

Interim CFO

Medici Arts b.v.

Classical film production & distribution, US media group
Restructuring and liquidity management
Daily liquidity planning and creditor negotiations
Restructuring and transfer of rights
Due diligence and sale preparation of multiple units
Business continuity and successful sale preparation

Oct 2009 - Jan 2010

4 months

Ludwigshafen, Germany

Consultant

Pfalzwerke AG

Energy supplier, ERP: SAP R/3
Cost optimization in purchasing and fleet management
Analysis and identification of savings potentials in operating expenses
Presented results to management
Uncovered significant optimization opportunities

Oct 1996 - Mar 2009

12 years 6 months

Cologne, Germany

Finance Director

TASCHEN GmbH

Publishing / media / retail, ERP: MS Dynamics NAV
Group-wide finance leadership with 150 staff across 9 entities
Implemented NAV ERP system in seven countries
Established group consolidation and MIS
Responsible for treasury, controlling, HR, and M&A
Shortened closing cycle from D7 to D3
Established global financial integration and reporting

Sep 1995 - Jul 1996

11 months

Berlin, Germany

Consultant

GrundyUfa TV Produktions GmbH

TV production / media
Commercial management on a project basis
Setting up a contract database and budget planning
Optimizing marketing, merchandising, and music production
Increasing contract transparency and improving budget control

Mar 1994 - Mar 1995

1 year 1 month

Düsseldorf, Germany

Consultant

Droege & Comp.

Management consulting
Process optimization in retail, manufacturing, and banking
Projects for cost reduction and efficiency improvement
Achieved measurable cost savings across multiple engagements

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 Retail (14 years), Media and Entertainment (14 years), Manufacturing (3 years), Biotechnology (2.5 years), Pharmaceutical (2 years), and Professional Services (2 years).

Retail

Media and Entertainment

Manufacturing

Biotechnology

Pharmaceutical

Professional Services

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 Finance (27.5 years), Accounting (23 years), Human Resources (13.5 years), Audit (4.5 years), Strategy (3.5 years), and Business Intelligence (2.5 years).

Finance

Accounting

Human Resources

Audit

Strategy

Business Intelligence

Summary

Experienced CFO and interim finance executive with over 30 years of leadership in medium-sized and international corporate environments. Specialized in restructuring, carve-outs, post-merger integration, IFRS/US-GAAP, treasury, and ERP rollouts. Supports owners, investors, and founders with setup, transformations, exit preparation, and digitalization in companies with revenues from €0 to €25 billion. 2 years in business consulting and projects, 13 years as a CFO in owner-managed mid-sized companies and hidden champions, and 16 years as an interim.

Skills

Core Competencies

Fp&a, Cash Flow Management, Treasury, Audit, Consolidation
M&a, Carve-outs, Pmi, Ipo Readiness, Private Equity Reporting
Restructuring, Transformation, Shared Services

Accounting Standards

Hgb, Ifrs, Us-gaap, Local Gaaps (De/uk/fr/es/jp/cn)

Systems And Tools

Erp: Sap R/3, Microsoft, Datev, Oracle, Sage, Infor, Qad, Egecko
Bi: Lucanet, Power Bi, Hfm, Cubeware, Qlikview, Professional Planner
Hr/payroll: Personio, Datev Payroll
Office: Ms Office Suite Incl. Excel (Pivot Tables, Powerquery), Powerpoint, Word, Outlook

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

French

Advanced

Spanish

Intermediate

Education

Oct 1990 - Jun 1993

University of Cologne

PhD · Economics · Cologne, Germany

Oct 1984 - Jun 1990

University of Münster & Cologne

Diploma in Business Administration · Business Administration · Cologne, Germany

Certifications & licenses

CINA IFRS Certificate

Profile

Created

May 2025

Last Update

August 2025

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Frequently asked questions

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

Where is Rüdiger based?

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

What languages does Rüdiger speak?

Rüdiger speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Advanced), Spanish (Intermediate).

How many years of experience does Rüdiger have?

Rüdiger has at least 29 years of experience. During this time, Rüdiger has worked in at least 21 different roles and for 27 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 1 month. Note that Rüdiger may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Rüdiger be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Rüdiger would be well-suited for roles such as: Interim Commercial Manager, Senior Accounting Specialist, CFO (part-time).

What is Rüdiger's latest experience?

Rüdiger's most recent position is Interim Commercial Manager at Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH.

What companies has Rüdiger worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Rüdiger has worked for Schokoladenmuseum Köln GmbH, Alpha Trains Europa GmbH, CMR CureDiab Metabolic Research GmbH, Macaw netzkern GmbH, and Egon Zehnder AG.

Which industries is Rüdiger most experienced in?

Rüdiger is most experienced in industries like Media, Entertainment and Publishing, Retail, and Manufacturing. Rüdiger also has some experience in Biotechnology, Professional Services, and Pharmaceutical.

Which business areas is Rüdiger most experienced in?

Rüdiger is most experienced in business areas like Finance, Accounting, and Human Resources (HR). Rüdiger also has some experience in Audit, Strategy and Planning, and Business Intelligence.

Which industries has Rüdiger worked in recently?

Rüdiger has recently worked in industries like Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, and Tourism and Hospitality.

Which business areas has Rüdiger worked in recently?

Rüdiger has recently worked in business areas like Finance, Accounting, and Audit.

What is Rüdiger's education?

Rüdiger holds a Doctorate in Economics from University of Cologne and a Master in Business Administration from University of Münster & Cologne.

Does Rüdiger have any certificates?

Rüdiger has 1 certificate: CINA IFRS Certificate.

What is the availability of Rüdiger?

Rüdiger is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Rüdiger?

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