Accomplished executive with 35+ years of operational and strategic leadership experience in direct and indirect procurement, business development, and risk management across diverse global industries, including global finance institutions (UBS), the chemical industry (BASF) and managed services (Chain IQ).

A skilled Global Development Manager, recognized for driving procurement excellence through strategic planning, seamless execution, and strong stakeholder alignment.

Renowned for exceptional communication and presentation skills, with a proven ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all management levels. Results-driven, highly reliable, and resilient, with a history of delivering measurable success in dynamic and high-pressure environments.

With nearly 20 years in the lighting and semiconductor industries, I’ve worked across startups, mid-sized firms, and global corporations, navigating the complexities of leadership, talent and operational efficiency. I don’t just consult – I dive deep into companies to pinpoint what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change.

My focus:

Executive Search – finding the right leaders to drive growth.
The best companies aren’t just built on great products – they’re built on great people. I help businesses identify high-impact talent, aligning leadership with strategy, culture, and long-term success.

Enterprise Health & Organisational Efficiency – fixing what’s holding your company back.
Hidden inefficiencies drain time, money, and talent. The Enterprise Health Program uncovers these gaps through data-driven diagnostic, and delivers structured solutions to improve leadership, processes, and team effectiveness.

Where I add value:
I combine deep industry insight with hands-on execution. I’m often described as the “engine” behind transformational initiatives – bringing the right people together, tackling inefficiencies head-on, and helping companies move forward with clarity and confidence.

I am a seasoned expert with more than 25 years of international leadership experience in the automotive and mobility industry. I advise executives on industrial and organizational transformation, global manufacturing strategy, and the transition toward electric mobility. Drawing on senior management roles at a major automotive OEM across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, I combine strategic clarity with strong execution expertise to support clients in reshaping complex organizations and building sustainable, future-ready operations.

In addition, I advise companies on executive search and talent-related career solutions. My goal is to be a trusted and long-term partner in developing organizations with the right people — bringing together talent, leadership capability, and deep industry know-how to create lasting impact.

Driven by a passion for international collaboration, I help build powerful global organizations that deliver technologically advanced, sustainable, and high-quality solutions — with the ambition to build strong, future-ready automotive and defense ecosystems.

A solid foundation:

Trained as a printer, studied printing technology as one of the best in his year, and was the winner of the Hubert Sternberg Prize.
Extensive experience in the printing supply industry as head of application technology. Comprehensive knowledge of printing inks, printing press construction, and all technical and economic challenges of printing technology and businesses.

Profound experience as Managing Director of printing companies and as CEO of a manufacturer of metal decorating presses. Ralf has extensive knowledge and experience in the packaging industry, especially metal packaging, the beverage industry and folding cartons.
Experience and knowledge at top management level with all 3 major German printing press manufacturers.