Extensive Experience and Expertise in Operations
I am a seasoned, globally active senior executive with over 25 years of proven success across all facets of operations (Plan, Source, Make, Deliver) in diverse industries – ranging from high-tech and semiconductors to consumer goods, hardware, and fittings – and in global corporations (including a DAX company, family-owned businesses, and brand manufacturers). Operational excellence and lean management are embedded in my professional DNA. I rely on a comprehensive set of tools and methods including Six Sigma, Kaizen/Continuous Improvement, value stream mapping, the pull principle, theory of constraints, FMEA, and process optimization.

Excelling in Change and Crisis
As a committed change agent, I have consistently and successfully driven change and transformation at every level. In addition to leading large teams in inline functions, I successfully headed major outsourcing initiatives, carve-out, and M\&A integration projects. From maintaining the global value chain during temporary insolvency to securing supply chains throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, accepting and successfully overcoming crisis challenges is a hallmark of my career.

People Are Key
People are the driving force behind every success. My passion for working with people – recruiting, inspiring, leading, motivating, and developing employees and teams – has shaped my 25+ years of experience in line, matrix (worldwide, complex, multicultural), and project organizations.

My Offering
Building on this foundation, I support you in strengthening your organization – especially in times of change and crises – through:
• Strategy development and deployment
• Operational excellence / Lean management
• Organizational development
• Leadership and talent development
• Recruiting suitable executives, leaders, or successors.

Let’s tackle it together.

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.

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.