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 30 years of experience at the forefront of the semiconductor and automotive industries, I have a proven track record of defining and building the products of tomorrow. My career journey encompasses hardware, software platforms, and complex systems, seamlessly combining technological expertise with strategic business acumen to deliver innovative solutions that have a lasting impact on the market.

From initial concept to mass production, I have developed solutions for global markets, spanning consumer electronics to safety-critical automotive components. Throughout my career, I have honed a diverse set of functional skills, including global business development, innovation, partnership programs, mergers and acquisitions, product and project lifecycle management and technical marketing.

I specialize in assisting and coaching executives and organizations in transitioning from project-driven cultures to value-added product-driven mindsets. This includes navigating and supporting the cultural and process changes essential for sustained success.

During 28 years in Life Science industry and global contract research organisations, I have built and led teams, through Merger and Acquisitions, Re-structuring and Changes always with the focus to grow business and increase customer loyalty.

With decades in Business Development in global service organisations I understand the importance of cultural differences and the need of “everybody is in sales” mentality. With strong client focus and consultative sales approach I have formed solutions meeting client’s needs and aligned project teams and functions to deliver it efficiently and effectively. This has resulted in many strong partnerships program and long-term customer relations that I have formed and governed.

I am passionate about continuous learning, innovation and people development and helping organisations to thrive in an environment that is getting more complex and competitive every day.

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.