Geert Schmelzer

Q: Where is Geert based?

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

Q: What languages does Geert speak?

Geert speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), Italian (Elementary) .

Q: How many years of experience does Geert have?

Geert has at least 35 years of experience. During this time, Geert has worked in at least 15 different roles and for 16 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 3 months . Note that Geert may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Geert's latest experience?

Geert's most recent position is Interim Press Spokesperson at Enertrag SE .

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

In recent years, Geert has worked for Enertrag SE , Toyota Automated Logistics , MVV Energie AG , Deutsche Rentenversicherung , and SENEC GmbH .

Q: Which industries is Geert most experienced in?

Geert is most experienced in industries like Professional Services , Media and Entertainment , and Transportation . Geert also has some experience in Energy , Manufacturing , and Government and Administration .

Q: Which business areas is Geert most experienced in?

Geert is most experienced in business areas like Project Management , Marketing , and Production . Geert also has some experience in Operations , Strategy , and Research and Development .

Q: Which industries has Geert worked in recently?

Geert has recently worked in industries like Professional Services , Transportation , and Energy .

Q: Which business areas has Geert worked in recently?

Geert has recently worked in business areas like Marketing , Project Management , and Strategy .

Recommended expert

Hamburg, Germany

Check rate

Experience

Oct 2025 - Apr 2026

7 months

Hamburg, Germany

Hybrid

Interim Press Spokesperson

Enertrag SE

Classic press relations
Development and implementation of communication strategies for individual Enertrag projects like wind farms
Development and implementation of a crisis communication strategy
Development and implementation of media monitoring to analyze which media/journalists publish Enertrag topics
Advising the board and the head of communications

Oct 2025 - Apr 2026

7 months

Stuttgart, Germany

Hybrid

Consultant Internal/Change Communications EMEA/Americas

Toyota Automated Logistics

Development and implementation of a change communication strategy for the merger process
Planning and implementation of a content strategy for the new joint intranet
Planning, designing and coordinating content for internal and external audiences across different channels
Developing key messages and storytelling
Managing, rolling out and controlling marketing activities
Managing internal and external service providers
Preparing and presenting templates for business decisions
Contributing to strategic projects and working closely with marketing colleagues and subject areas in the company

Jan 2025 - Oct 2025

10 months

Mannheim, Germany

Hybrid

Interim Senior Marketing and Communications Expert

MVV Energie AG

Planning, designing and coordinating content for internal and external audiences across different channels
Developing key messages and storytelling
Managing, rolling out and controlling marketing activities
Managing internal and external service providers
Preparing and presenting templates for business decisions
Contributing to strategic projects and working closely with marketing colleagues and subject areas in the company

Mar 2024 - Nov 2024

9 months

Berlin, Germany

Hybrid

Interim Senior Marketing and Communications Expert, digital transformation of DRV software

Deutsche Rentenversicherung

Implementing the change communication and marketing strategy for the digital transformation of the software of 16 different German Pension Insurance (DRV) providers
Implementing and detailing the communication and marketing measures developed in the strategy for more than 80 different stakeholders
Developing and implementing current communication measures in the project
Developing and implementing current marketing measures in the project
Stakeholder management with various DRV positions and external service providers

Oct 2023 - Feb 2024

5 months

On-site

Interim Head of Corporate Communication

SENEC GmbH

Developing and implementing a new communication and marketing strategy together with the Head of Marketing
Developing and implementing a crisis communication strategy
Developing and implementing change communication
Developing and implementing sales communication
Leading and expanding the communications team
General press relations
Sparring partner for management

Jun 2023 - Sep 2023

4 months

Potsdam, Germany

Hybrid

Consulting and Interim Support in Executive Communications

Mittelbrandenburgische Sparkasse

Executive communication, including speechwriting and editorials
Preparing and digitizing the annual report
Developing and refining various communication strategies
Developing and implementing communication initiatives for the project
Developing and implementing marketing initiatives for the project
Managing stakeholders across internal teams and external vendors

Jan 2023 - Oct 2023

10 months

Hybrid

Interim Head of Corporate Communication

Honeypot GmbH

Co-developing a new communication and marketing strategy
Advising management on projects, goals, and communication approach
Advising on and implementing operational and strategic PR work, including coordinating and managing PR agencies across Europe
Identifying and crafting relevant stories for target media
Advising the communication team
Planning, writing, and distributing press releases
Custom pitching and close collaboration with journalists in German-speaking markets and beyond
Securing guest articles, interviews, and statements in relevant media
Preparing and following up on interviews, including briefings, approval processes, and feedback
Ensuring consistent external brand communication across multiple channels

Feb 2022 - Jun 2023

1 year 5 months

Remote

Interim Project Manager, Industrial Marketing

Rittal GmbH & Co KG

Creating content strategies, planning, designing, and coordinating content for internal and external audiences
Developing core messages and storytelling
Managing the international rollout and monitoring marketing activities
Budgeting and project planning for national and international initiatives
Managing internal and external vendors
Preparing and presenting decision-making templates for leadership
Contributing to strategic projects in close collaboration with marketing colleagues and business units

Aug 2021 - Feb 2022

7 months

Hybrid

Head of Change Communication and Marketing

Deutsche Rentenversicherung DRV

Developing and designing a comprehensive change communication and marketing strategy for the digital transformation of 16 Deutsche Rentenversicherung entities
Implementing strategic communication and marketing initiatives for over 80 stakeholders
Creating and executing current communication and marketing activities for the project
Managing stakeholders across various DRV departments and external partners

Apr 2019 - Aug 2021

2 years 5 months

Hybrid

External Consultant for Digital Transformation / Strategic Development of Internal and External Communication

HHLA - Hamburger Hafen und Logistik AG

Designing and implementing a digital internal communication system for around 6,000 operational employees across nine European countries and in nine languages
Designing and launching a digital newsroom for content management and planning
Developing a strategic editorial plan for the HHLA online magazine
Creating initiatives to internally communicate strategic action options
Designing employee campaigns on the topic "HHLA – Gateway to the Future"
Conceptualizing and developing content for leadership workshops
Driving internal cultural change
Overhauling and reconceptualizing the traditional employee magazine

Jun 2005 - Present

21 years

Hybrid

Communication Expert/Communication Expert

Conceptualization and management of communication projects in the area of corporate communication / change communication / corporate communications
Planning and implementation of channel- and audience-specific communication strategies for various target groups
Conceptualization and management of digital marketing strategies including social media, in close cooperation with top management levels of corporations and medium-sized companies
Coordination of external service providers in PR, content, graphics and technology
Consulting and support for specialist departments, as well as serving as a sparring partner for managers on suitable communication measures for selected topics
Conceptualization and development of print and digital corporate media
Process analysis and performance monitoring of implemented measures
Establishing and maintaining contacts with national and international media, journalists, bloggers and companies
Communicating with journalists using an extensive personal network while also building new contacts
Development of target group-specific PR concepts
Operational support in creating suitable PR materials
Planning and implementation of PR campaigns

Jan 2001 - Dec 2005

5 years

Head of Editorial

Capital.de / impulse.de

Responsible for daily reporting from up to 12 editors
General editorial management
Coordination with print editorial teams and the publishing management

Jan 2000 - Dec 2001

2 years

Project Manager

impulse.de

Development of the B2B channel in the Gruner+Jahr Business Channel
Responsible for developing the editorial and partnership concept with four team members

Jan 1998 - Dec 2000

3 years

Editor

impulse – das Unternehmermagazin

Reporting on companies and markets
Writing articles and feature stories
Editorial management

Jan 1996 - Dec 1998

3 years

Managing Editor

Der Handel, Deutscher Fachverlag

Reporting on companies and markets
Writing articles and feature stories
Editorial management

Jan 1991 - Dec 1996

6 years

Assistant and producer for current political radio shows

Westdeutscher Rundfunk

Assistance and production of current political radio shows like Tag um Fünf, Morgenecho on WDR 3, WDR 4, and WDR 5

Content Strategist

innogy SE

Developing a content strategy for B2C and B2B sales
Developing and implementing marketing and communication for B2B products, including whitepapers and newsletters
Implementing and evolving the digital content marketing strategy for the retail sector
Executive communication in a national and international change process
Developing an executive newsletter nationally and internationally

Industry Experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.

Experienced in Professional Services, Media and Entertainment, Transportation, Energy, Manufacturing, and Government and Administration.

Professional Services

Media and Entertainment

Transportation

Energy

Manufacturing

Government and Administration

Business Area Experience

See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.

Experienced in Project Management, Marketing, Production, Operations, Strategy, and Research and Development.

Project Management

Marketing

Production

Operations

Strategy

Research and Development

Summary

„I am an experienced interim manager with more than 20 years of experience in corporate communications and ensure your change processes succeed. Your change project benefits from the crucial involvement and positive motivation of your employees thanks to internal communications and moderation. This creates sustainable, viable solutions with high acceptance. „

Skills

Leadership Skills: Over 13 Years Of Experience Leading Various Teams Of In-house And Freelance Editors And Graphic Designers. Coordination Between Different Publishing Departments.
Journalism: Over 25 Years Of Experience In Journalism For Renowned Media Such As Wdr, Wirtschaftswoche, Capital, Impulse, Süddeutsche Zeitung, Der Spiegel, Mare, Lufthansa Magazin
Social Media: Developing And Implementing Social Media Formats Like Facebook And Twitter For Companies; Creating Formats For Social Media And Guidelines For The Use Of Social Media Like Facebook And Twitter By Employees, Developers And Customers.

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Italian

Elementary

Education

Oct 1990 - Jun 1995

University of Cologne

Diploma in Economics · Economics with a focus on social sciences · Cologne, Germany

Oct 1988 - Jun 1991

Cologne School - Institute for Journalism (today: Cologne School of Journalism for Politics and Business)

Training as a political and business journalist · Cologne, Germany

Certifications & licenses

Master Business With AI (MBAIⓇ)

„Strong in Crisis – the Readiness Model for Your Communication“

DPRG - German Public Relations Association

Intensive Training in Change Communication

German Academy for Journalism - DAPR

Change Management

Haufe Academy

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 17

Experience in Professional Services 21 y

Avg length 2 y 9 m

Longest experience 20 y 11 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 1 (Germany)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Interim Press Spokesperson, Consultant Internal/Change Communications EMEA/Americas, Interim Senior Marketing and Communications Expert

Main industries Professional Services, Media and Entertainment, Transportation

Main business areas Project Management, Marketing, Production

Qualifications

Highest degree Master

Certifications earned 4

Profile

Created

April 2024

Last Update

April 2026

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Frequently asked questions

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

Where is Geert based?

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

What languages does Geert speak?

Geert speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), Italian (Elementary).

How many years of experience does Geert have?

Geert has at least 35 years of experience. During this time, Geert has worked in at least 15 different roles and for 16 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 3 months. Note that Geert may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Geert be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Geert would be well-suited for roles such as: Interim Press Spokesperson, Consultant Internal/Change Communications EMEA/Americas, Interim Senior Marketing and Communications Expert.

What is Geert's latest experience?

Geert's most recent position is Interim Press Spokesperson at Enertrag SE.

What companies has Geert worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Geert has worked for Enertrag SE, Toyota Automated Logistics, MVV Energie AG, Deutsche Rentenversicherung, and SENEC GmbH.

Which industries is Geert most experienced in?

Geert is most experienced in industries like Professional Services, Media and Entertainment, and Transportation. Geert also has some experience in Energy, Manufacturing, and Government and Administration.

Which business areas is Geert most experienced in?

Geert is most experienced in business areas like Project Management, Marketing, and Production. Geert also has some experience in Operations, Strategy, and Research and Development.

Which industries has Geert worked in recently?

Geert has recently worked in industries like Professional Services, Transportation, and Energy.

Which business areas has Geert worked in recently?

Geert has recently worked in business areas like Marketing, Project Management, and Strategy.

What is Geert's education?

Geert holds a Master in Economics with a focus on social sciences from University of Cologne.

Does Geert have any certificates?

Geert has 4 certificates. Among them, these include: Master Business With AI (MBAIⓇ), „Strong in Crisis – the Readiness Model for Your Communication“, and Intensive Training in Change Communication.

What is the availability of Geert?

Geert is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Geert?

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