Jakob Hess - CEO - CRO - Advisory Board Member

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 38 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 . 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 Advisor to the shareholder at Rego Herlitzius GmbH .

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 Production , Sales , and Strategy .

Recommended expert

Wiesbaden, Germany

Experience

Sep 2025 - Present

7 months

Wuppertal, Germany

On-site

Advisor to the shareholder

Rego Herlitzius GmbH

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

A medium-sized machinery company, specializing in machines and systems for food processing, is currently in a phase of strategic and operational realignment. In view of changing market demands and increasing competitive pressure, an interim leadership position was created to align the company organizationally, in production and in the market for the future.

Focus areas of the current assignment:

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

Feb 2025 - Jun 2025

5 months

Rahden, Germany

Interim Sales Director

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

Reporting to shareholders
Revenue responsibility approx. €20 million
Personnel responsibility for 180 employees (now 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

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

May 2018 - Present

7 years 11 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

CEO - CTO - CRO - Advisory Board Member

Self-employed

Advised companies including Seysen GmbH & Co. KG, shareholders of EFAFLEX, PROTEC B.V. NL, and Matchbird GmbH (a world market leader in serendipity services), and private equity firms
Internationalization of sales
30% increase in production efficiency
Setting up advisory boards (Protec, Matchbird)
Post-merger integration into the parent company/group
Preparing for an acquisition (private equity)
Accreditation of EuroPriSe Cert GmbH by the DAkkS

Jan 2016 - Aug 2018

2 years 8 months

Bruckberg, Germany

Managing Director

EFAFLEX GmbH & Co. KG

Revenue responsibility over €150 million
Responsibility for approx. 1,300 employees
Overall responsibility for sales (worldwide) & production in Germany and the Czech Republic
Responsibility for R&D in Germany, the Czech Republic & Slovenia
Revenue increase of more than 15%
Sales restructuring
Reactivating lost markets/customers
Digitalization: initiation and introduction of SAP-CRM
Introduction of new products (e.g., machine safety gates, bulletproof doors)
Internationalization (USA, China, India, Australia)
New trade partners in Asia and Australia
Implementation of company-wide marketing
Implementation of a document management system
Development of a KPI system
M&A activities in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the USA
Company agreements with the works council

Apr 2012 - Dec 2015

3 years 9 months

Osnabrück, Germany

Sales Director

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
Stabilization and establishment in the market
Product rationalization and introduction of 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 revenue from €7 million to €25 million
PMI / integration of Airloq & FLSmidth Wuppertal into the group
Product development
Restructuring and consolidation of production at one location
Optimization of inventory turnover
Product and process standardization within the group
Acquisition of a mid-sized company
Established end-to-end IT support to boost order processing efficiency
Introduction of a document management system
Introduction of key performance indicators (KPIs)
Preparation for production relocation to Chennai, India

Apr 2005 - Jan 2012

6 years 10 months

Copenhagen, Denmark

Sole Managing Director of 3 group subsidiaries

FLSmidth

Listed 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 Management Consulting

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 revenue by 80%
Established 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.

Increase in sales revenue of approx. 12 %
Reactivation of lost markets
Internationalization of sales (Europe/Asia, especially Japan)
Establishment of a sales company & partners in the USA and Japan

Apr 1989 - Aug 1993

4 years 5 months

Germany

Head of Sales/Marketing/Customer Service

Ingersoll–Rand Group

Development and sale of maintenance contracts
Market analysis to check compatibility of competitor spare parts
Lead trainer for TQM programs at Ingersoll Rand Germany

Oct 1987 - Dec 1988

1 year 3 months

Faßberg, Germany

Training Non-Commissioned Officer

Technical School of the Air Force

Training in mathematics, jet engines and physics

Jan 1979 - Jul 1979

7 months

Neuss, Germany

Industrial 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 specifically in achieving your strategic and operational goals.

With over 25 years of experience in senior management roles, I have been guiding companies as an interim executive since 2018 – especially in 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 advisory boards not only as an interim manager, but also as a strategic sparring partner – especially when it comes to filling critical key positions, building effective structures or preparing for transactions.

Skills

Management

Executive Management > 25 Years
Responsibility For Up To 1300 Employees
Revenue Responsibility > €150 Million
Experience In Corporate Group Structures And Medium-sized Companies
Pmi / Integration Of Companies Into Group / 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 And Plant Engineering
Process And Plant Automation
Industrial Gates
Automotive Industry
Measurement And Testing Technology
Cement, Steel Production And Mining

International Experience

Expansion Of International Markets Focusing On China, The Middle East, India, North And South America

Methodological Skills

Strong Negotiator And Closing Skills
Analytical, Conceptual And Goal-oriented Way Of Working
Convincing And Coaching Approach To Working With Employees

Communication

Communication Style Is Open, Clear And Respectful

Personal Skills

High Level Of Authenticity And Persuasiveness
Entrepreneurial Thinker And Catalyst
Strong Market And Customer Orientation
Sustainable, Holistic Thinker

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

French

Advanced

Chinese

Elementary

Education

Oct 2025 - Jan 2026

Allensbach University

ESUG and StaRUG Consultant · Economics · Allensbach, Germany

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

The restructuring of companies using a self-administration and protective shield procedure is considered in business as a strategic option for companies that have fallen into a crisis. Since early 2021, the legislator has created with the Corporate Stabilization and Restructuring Act (StaRUG) an option for companies to restructure outside of insolvency using a legally defined restructuring procedure. During this procedure, the company must develop a restructuring plan that includes, in addition to the necessary financial measures, all important restructuring steps. Creditors must approve this plan with a majority of 75 percent. The entrepreneur actively shapes the restructuring process and the creditors can participate in the procedure. Companies should rely on an experienced restructuring consultant for support, who advises them on the complex issues of this restructuring path.

Oct 1981 - Jun 1987

University of Applied Sciences

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

Oct 1975 - Jun 1979

International Harvester Company mbH

Machine fitter · Machine fitter · Neuss, Germany

...and 1 more

Certifications & licenses

StaRUG (DIAI)

German Institute for Applied Insolvency Law e.V.

Marketing Manager (EBS)

EBS European Business School

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 19

Experience in Manufacturing 34 y

Avg length 3 y 2 m

Longest experience 12 y 11 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 2 (Germany, Denmark)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Advisor to the shareholder, Interim Sales Director, Interim Managing Director

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

March 2026

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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 38 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. 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: Advisor to the shareholder, Interim Sales Director, Interim Managing Director.

What is Jakob's latest experience?

Jakob's most recent position is Advisor to the shareholder at Rego Herlitzius GmbH.

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 Production, Sales, and Strategy.

What is Jakob's education?

Jakob holds a Master in Marketing from University Continuing Education Center 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 will be available full-time from April 2026.

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.