Jakob Hess - CEO - CRO - Board Advisor

Q: Where is Jakob based?

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

Q: What languages does Jakob speak?

Jakob speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Advanced), Chinese (Elementary) .

Q: How many years of experience does Jakob have?

Jakob has at least 39 years of experience. During this time, Jakob has worked in at least 14 different roles and for 19 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 11 months . Note that Jakob may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Jakob's latest experience?

Jakob's most recent position is CTO .

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

In recent years, Jakob has worked for Rego Herlitzius GmbH , KOLBUS Group GmbH , DALEX Automation & Welding GmbH , EuroPriSe Cert GmbH , and Boehm Group GmbH .

Q: Which industries is Jakob most experienced in?

Jakob is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing , Food and Beverage , and Professional Services . Jakob also has some experience in Banking and Finance , Metals and Mining , and Aerospace and Defense .

Q: Which business areas is Jakob most experienced in?

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

Q: Which industries has Jakob worked in recently?

Jakob has recently worked in industries like Manufacturing , Professional Services , and Banking and Finance .

Q: Which business areas has Jakob worked in recently?

Jakob has recently worked in business areas like Strategy , Production , and Sales .

Recommended expert

Wiesbaden, Germany

Check rate

Experience

Apr 2026 - Present

2 months

Hybrid

CTO

Mandate at an international technology group (photonics & precision optics) focusing on transformation, operational excellence and global scaling.

Sep 2025 - Jan 2026

5 months

Wuppertal, Germany

On-site

Shareholder Advisor

Rego Herlitzius GmbH

Project description – Interim management in mechanical engineering (food technology)

A mid-sized mechanical engineering company specializing in machines and equipment for food processing is currently in a phase of strategic and operational realignment. Against the background of changing market requirements and increasing competitive pressure, an interim leadership position was created to align the company organizationally, in production and in the market for the future.

Key focuses of the ongoing assignment:

Reorganization of sales, internal sales and technical departments to improve market performance
Development of a competitive, timely product and pricing portfolio
Analysis and optimization of assembly and production processes, including qualification of international suppliers
Structuring of the service area and development of a stable spare parts and after-sales business
Implementation of clear communication and decision-making paths between management, the company and foreign production partners

Feb 2025 - Jun 2025

5 months

Rahden, Germany

Interim Head of Sales

KOLBUS Group GmbH

Reactivation of sales after insolvency
Focus on contract manufacturing and iron foundry
Revenue: €50 million
Employees: 350

Oct 2023 - Jun 2024

9 months

Wissen, Germany

Interim Managing Director

DALEX Automation & Welding GmbH

Restructuring after insolvency
Revenue: €20 million
Employees: 150
Reporting to shareholders

Jun 2023 - Mar 2024

10 months

Bonn, Germany

Interim Managing Director

EuroPriSe Cert GmbH

Reporting to shareholders
Accreditation according to Art. 42 GDPR
International sales development

Mar 2021 - Sep 2021

7 months

Zella-Mehlis, Germany

Interim Managing Director

Boehm Group GmbH

Report to the shareholders
Revenue responsibility of approx. €20 million
Personnel responsibility for 180 employees (currently approx. 150)
Stabilization of customer and supplier relationships
Structuring production
Post-merger integration

Jul 2019 - Mar 2020

9 months

Riesa, Germany

Interim Managing Director & COO

Teigwaren Riesa GmbH

Report to the shareholders
Revenue responsibility as COO over €20 million
Revenue responsibility as Managing Director approx. €2 million
Significant efficiency and quality improvements
Structuring production

May 2018 - Present

8 years 1 month

Wiesbaden, Germany

CEO - CTO - CRO - Advisory Board Member

Self-employed

Consulted companies include Seysen GmbH & Co. KG; shareholder in EFAFLEX, PROTEC B.V. NL, Matchbird GmbH (world market leader in serendipity services), and private equity firms
Internationalization of sales
Increased production efficiency (30%)
Implementation of advisory boards (Protec, Matchbird)
PMI / integration into the parent company / group
Preparation for an acquisition (private equity)
Accreditation of EuroPriSe Cert GmbH by DAkkS

Jan 2016 - Aug 2018

2 years 8 months

Bruckberg, Germany

Managing Director

EFAFLEX GmbH & Co. KG

Revenue responsibility of over €150 million
Personnel responsibility for approx. 1300 employees
Overall responsibility for sales (worldwide) & production in Germany and the Czech Republic
Responsibility for R&D in Germany, the Czech Republic & Slovenia
Sales increase of over 15%
Restructuring of sales
Reactivation of lost markets and customers
Digitization: initiation and implementation of SAP-CRM
Introduction of new products (e.g. machine safety doors, bulletproof doors)
Internationalization (USA, China, India, Australia)
New trading partners in Asia and Australia
Introduction of company-wide marketing
Introduction of a document management system
Development of a key performance indicator (KPI) system
M&A activities in Switzerland, the Netherlands and the USA
Works council agreements

Apr 2012 - Dec 2015

3 years 9 months

Osnabrück, Germany

Head of Sales

Herzog Maschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG

Supplier in plant engineering for cement and mineral production
Revenue over €40 million
Employees: approx. 220

Apr 2012 - Dec 2015

3 years 9 months

Bremen, Germany

Managing Director

Inmess GmbH

Focus on profitable product segments
PMI / restructuring and closure of sites
Stabilizing and establishing in the market
Product rationalization and introduction of a modular design
Introduction of optical measurement technology as a new product area
Cost savings through renegotiation and centralization

Jan 2008 - Jun 2009

1 year 6 months

Mariager, Denmark

Advisory Board Member

FLSmidth Airloq

Increased sales from €7 million to €25 million
PMI / integration of Airloq & FLSmidth Wuppertal into the group
Product development
Restructuring and centralizing production at one site
Optimizing inventory turnover
Product and process standardization within the group
Acquisition of a mid-sized company
Building end-to-end IT support to improve order processing efficiency
Implementing document management
Introducing key performance indicators (KPIs)
Preparing for production relocation to Chennai, India

Apr 2005 - Jan 2012

6 years 10 months

Copenhagen, Denmark

Sole Managing Director in 3 group companies

FLSmidth

Publicly traded Danish group in plant engineering for cement and mineral production
FLSmidth Wuppertal GmbH, Pfaff Maschinenbau GmbH, FLSmidth spol. sr.o. Brno

Jun 2002 - Mar 2005

2 years 10 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

Managing Partner

Hess Unternehmensberatung

Jan 2002 - Dec 2014

13 years

Wiesbaden, Germany

Interim Managing Director

WIBERA GmbH

Events & catering

Mar 1996 - Jun 2002

6 years 4 months

Mörfelden-Walldorf, Germany

Managing Director

Legris GmbH

Increased sales by 80%
Built a Tier 1 structure
Restructured the exclusive dealer network
Significantly expanded the distribution network
Developed and implemented the European price list
Developed the sales strategy and pricing policy

Nov 1993 - Feb 1996

2 years 4 months

Wermelskirchen, Germany

Head of Sales

Kugelfabrik Schulte GmbH & Co.

Increased sales by around 12%
Reactivated lost markets
Internationalized sales (Europe/Asia, especially Japan)
Established a sales company and partners in the USA and Japan

Apr 1989 - Aug 1993

4 years 5 months

Germany

Head of Sales, Marketing and Customer Service

Ingersoll–Rand Group

Developed and sold maintenance contracts
Conducted market analysis to check compatibility of competitors' spare parts
Lead trainer for TQM initiatives at Ingersoll Rand Germany

Oct 1987 - Dec 1988

1 year 3 months

Faßberg, Germany

Non-Commissioned Officer Instructor

Air Force Technical School

Training in mathematics, jet engines and physics

Jan 1979 - Jul 1979

7 months

Neuss, Germany

Machine Mechanic

International Harvester Company mbH

Training and qualification

Industry Experience

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

Experienced in Manufacturing, Food and Beverage, Professional Services, Banking and Finance, Metals and Mining, and Aerospace and Defense.

Manufacturing

Food and Beverage

Professional Services

Banking and Finance

Metals and Mining

Aerospace and Defense

Business Area Experience

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

Experienced in Sales, Strategy, Operations, Production, Marketing, and Project Management.

Sales

Strategy

Operations

Production

Marketing

Project Management

Summary

Your interim manager for transformation, stabilization and entrepreneurial excellence Whether as CEO, CRO or advisory board member – I support you precisely in implementing your strategic and operational goals.

With over 25 years of experience in senior executive positions, I have been guiding companies as an interim executive since 2018 – especially during phases of reorientation, restructuring and transformation. My focus is on the sustainable optimization of sales, production and logistics processes, combined with clear leadership and execution skills.

I am valued by shareholders, investors and boards not only as an interim manager but also as a strategic sparring partner – especially when it comes to filling critical key positions, building high-performance structures or preparing for transactions.

Skills

Management

Executive Management > 25 Years
Staff Responsibility Up To 1,300 Employees
Revenue Responsibility > €150 Million
Experience In Corporate Groups And Mid-sized Companies
Pmi / Integration Of Companies Into Corporate Structures
Member Of Advisory Board / Supervisory Board
Cross-functional Management Experience In Sales, Production And Commercial Areas
Restructuring
M&a / Buy & Build

Industries

Machinery & Plant Engineering
Process And Plant Automation
Industrial Doors
Automotive Industry
Measurement & Testing Technology
Cement, Steel Production And Mining

International Scope

Expansion Of International Markets With A Focus On China, Middle East, India, North And South America

Methodological Expertise

Strong Negotiator With A Proven Track Record In Closing Deals
Analytical, Conceptual And Goal-oriented Working Style
Persuasive And Coaching Approach With Employees

Communication

My Communication Style Is Open, Clear And Respectful

Personal Skills

High Level Of Authenticity And Persuasiveness
Entrepreneurial Mindset And Initiator
Strong Market And Customer Orientation
Sustainable And Holistic Thinking

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

French

Advanced

Chinese

Elementary

Education

Oct 2025 - Jan 2026

Allensbach University of Applied Sciences

ESUG and StaRUG Advisor · Business · Allensbach, Germany

Training program for consultants to become experts in protective shield proceedings, self-administration and the StaRUG

The restructuring of companies using self-administration and protective shield proceedings is considered a strategic option for companies in crisis. Since early 2021, the legislator has created an option with the Corporate Stabilization and Restructuring Act (StaRUG) for companies to restructure outside of insolvency through a legally defined restructuring process. In the course of this process, the company must prepare a restructuring plan that, in addition to the necessary financial measures, also includes all important restructuring measures. The creditors must approve this plan with a 75 percent majority. The entrepreneur actively shapes the restructuring process and creditors can participate in the proceedings. Companies should engage an experienced restructuring advisor to support them and advise on the complex matters of this restructuring route.

Oct 1981 - Jun 1987

University of Applied Sciences

Diploma Engineer (FH) · Aerospace Engineering · Aachen, Germany

Oct 1975 - Jun 1979

International Harvester Company mbH

Machinist · Machinist · Neuss, Germany

...and 2 more

Certifications & licenses

StaRUG (DIAI)

German Institute for Applied Insolvency Law e.V.

Marketing Manager (EBS)

EBS European Business School

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 20

Experience in Manufacturing 34.5 y

Avg length 3 y

Longest experience 12 y 11 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 2 (Germany, Denmark)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles CTO, Shareholder Advisor, Interim Head of Sales

Main industries Manufacturing, Food and Beverage, Professional Services

Main business areas Sales, Strategy, Operations

Qualifications

Highest degree Master

Certifications earned 2

Profile

Created

September 2022

Last Update

April 2026

Need a freelancer? Find your match in seconds.

Try FRATCH GPT

Frequently asked questions

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

Where is Jakob based?

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

What languages does Jakob speak?

Jakob speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Advanced), Chinese (Elementary).

How many years of experience does Jakob have?

Jakob has at least 39 years of experience. During this time, Jakob has worked in at least 14 different roles and for 19 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 11 months. Note that Jakob may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Jakob be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Jakob would be well-suited for roles such as: CTO, Shareholder Advisor, Interim Head of Sales.

What is Jakob's latest experience?

Jakob's most recent position is CTO.

What companies has Jakob worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Jakob has worked for Rego Herlitzius GmbH, KOLBUS Group GmbH, DALEX Automation & Welding GmbH, EuroPriSe Cert GmbH, and Boehm Group GmbH.

Which industries is Jakob most experienced in?

Jakob is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing, Food and Beverage, and Professional Services. Jakob also has some experience in Banking and Finance, Metals and Mining, and Aerospace and Defense.

Which business areas is Jakob most experienced in?

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

Which industries has Jakob worked in recently?

Jakob has recently worked in industries like Manufacturing, Professional Services, and Banking and Finance.

Which business areas has Jakob worked in recently?

Jakob has recently worked in business areas like Strategy, Production, and Sales.

What is Jakob's education?

Jakob holds a Master in Marketing from WWZ of the University and a Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering from University of Applied Sciences.

Does Jakob have any certificates?

Jakob has 2 certificates. These include: StaRUG (DIAI) and Marketing Manager (EBS).

What is the availability of Jakob?

Jakob is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Jakob?

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