Katharina Neumann - Growth, Brand, Marketing & Digital Strategy Consultant

Q: Where is Katharina based?

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

Q: What languages does Katharina speak?

Katharina speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), Italian (Intermediate) .

Q: How many years of experience does Katharina have?

Katharina has at least 28 years of experience. During this time, Katharina has worked in at least 27 different roles and for 22 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 1 year . Note that Katharina may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Katharina's latest experience?

Katharina's most recent position is Multi-Brand Strategy & Activation Consultant at HAMBURG SÜD/ A.P. Moller - Maersk .

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

In recent years, Katharina has worked for HAMBURG SÜD/ A.P. Moller - Maersk and LIKE MEAT/ The Livekindly .

Q: Which industries is Katharina most experienced in?

Katharina is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing , Retail , and Cosmetics . Katharina also has some experience in Chemical , Professional Services , and Agriculture .

Q: Which business areas is Katharina most experienced in?

Katharina is most experienced in business areas like Marketing , Sales , and Product Development . Katharina also has some experience in Project Management , Strategy , and Business Intelligence .

Q: Which industries has Katharina worked in recently?

Katharina has recently worked in industries like Food and Beverage and Transportation .

Q: Which business areas has Katharina worked in recently?

Katharina has recently worked in business areas like Product Development and Marketing .

Recommended expert

Düsseldorf, Germany

Check rate

Experience

Sep 2022 - Apr 2023

8 months

Hamburg, Germany

Multi-Brand Strategy & Activation Consultant

HAMBURG SÜD/ A.P. Moller - Maersk

Responsible for developing and globally implementing brand and marketing strategy for various corporate brands
Revised brand strategy (positioning, brand essence, brand pillars, etc.) and prepared and supported the global rollout
Defined marketing and CRM strategy and developed a marketing plan including communication and campaign management to establish the new positioning
Created a migration plan for multiple brands as part of the corporate restructuring

Aug 2021 - Apr 2022

9 months

Düsseldorf, Germany

Interim Manager Innovation & Product Portfolio

LIKE MEAT/ The Livekindly

Overall responsibility for optimizing the product portfolio including developing, implementing, and launching innovations and new products
Developed and launched new category ranges and products
Redesigned packaging including design
Achieved +13% revenue growth through innovations and relaunch of the existing range
Optimized the new product development process from idea generation to successful market launch, including realigning responsibilities and interfaces (R&D, packaging, regulatory, quality, production, purchasing, supply chain, finance)

Nov 2020 - Jan 2021

3 months

Cologne, Germany

Consultant / Corporate Strategy Development

GLOBALG.A.P.

Advised and supported the CEO and division heads in revising the corporate strategy
Updated purpose, positioning, and corporate strategy, including defining the main pillars to realize the growth strategy
Facilitated the strategy process at board level and aligned the board and top management on a common direction through intensive stakeholder management

May 2019 - Oct 2019

6 months

Potsdam, Germany

Consultant / Restructuring and Digital Transformation Management

Private equity company (NDA)

Supported and advised management in transforming into a future-ready organization, aligning the holding and individual companies with a focus on organization, IT, and HR topics
Restructured the organization in terms of structure, key business processes, and systems to ensure future viability
Guided change management measures
Initiated the digital transformation process including implementing a new ERP system and defining workflows

Apr 2019 - Jul 2019

4 months

Germany

Consultant / Business Model, Brand & Marketing Strategy

Private Equity (NDA)

Advised shareholders to secure the investment and unlock the business potential of the portfolio company
Realigned purpose, positioning, and business model to tap into new growth potentials
Implemented initial levers for the 2019 season
Created a roadmap for further expansion and growth over the next two years

Sep 2018 - Jan 2019

5 months

Germany

Expert / Innovation Excellence Workshop Series

Consumer Goods/Non-Food (NDA)

Supported and advised executive management and department heads to optimize the success rate of innovations and time-to-market
Redefined and successfully implemented the innovation process
Increased the innovation rate

Apr 2018 - Jul 2018

4 months

Stuttgart, Germany

Consultant / Customer Experience Management Strategy Development

CREDITPLUS BANK

Supported and advised department management in identifying and defining structural and content measures to optimize the customer experience
Identified levers to strengthen customer focus and differentiate from competitors
Developed a Customer Experience (CX) concept and an action plan to set up a new cross-functional Customer Experience Management area of responsibility

Nov 2017 - Mar 2018

5 months

Remscheid, Germany

Consultant / Data-Driven Marketing Development including Performance Measurement and Management

VAILLANT GROUP

Supported and advised the Commercial Director and marketing teams in developing and rolling out data-driven marketing
Built a KPI system for marketing and sales
Developed and globally introduced a precise, consistent performance monitoring across all countries with KPIs and ROI measurement
Ensured full commitment from all parties and country subsidiaries

Jul 2017 - Aug 2017

2 months

Berlin, Germany

Consultant / Future Concept Development for Lifestyle/Outdoor Brand

WEBER STEPHEN (EMEA)

Supported the board and VP Marketing in defining the strategy for the brand’s future lifestyle concept
Conducted extensive market, customer, and trend analyses and created a future map
Developed strategic options for brand development and secured buy-in from key stakeholders

Apr 2017 - Aug 2017

5 months

Remscheid, Germany

Consultant / Optimization and Operationalization of Annual International Marketing and Budget Planning

VAILLANT GROUP

Led the project to realign and implement efficiency improvements in the planning of all marketing activities
Restructured international marketing planning and redefined the planning process at the global level
Introduced a planning and budgeting tool
Laid the foundation for optimizing marketing effectiveness and efficiency, achieving increases of up to 30%
Ensured full commitment from all parties (headquarters, country subsidiaries)

Apr 2016 - Jul 2016

4 months

Berlin, Germany

Consultant / Overhaul of Brand & Marketing Strategy and Operationalization within International Marketing Planning

WEBER STEPHEN (EMEA)

Supported and advised the board and division heads to ensure a consistent brand presence and an efficient approach in international market operations (EMEA)
Transformed from a decentralized to a centrally managed structure for EMEA marketing and budget planning
Refined the brand and marketing strategy considering country-specific requirements
Laid the foundation for marketing effectiveness and efficiency improvements, achieving increases of up to 15%

Oct 2015 - Feb 2017

1 year 5 months

Berlin, Germany

Consultant / Marketing Restructuring and Establishment of Central Marketing EMEA

WEBER STEPHEN (EMEA)

Led the redesign and transformation of marketing as part of the global reorganization
Established the Central Marketing division in an international context and restructured marketing departments across eight country organizations
Developed collaboration and working models for headquarters and local markets
Revised key marketing processes
Selected, built, and coached a new SVP Marketing

Apr 2015 - Sep 2015

6 months

Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany

Consultant / Realignment of Strategic Marketing and Budget Planning

WEBER STEPHEN

Supported and advised the board in optimizing and increasing the efficiency of EMEA-wide marketing activities
Streamlined and restructured the planning process, including redefining the collaboration model between regions
Synchronized marketing activities and leveraged synergy and efficiency potentials by developing joint initiatives

Nov 2014 - Apr 2015

6 months

Frankfurt, Germany

Consultant / Expanding Competitive Advantage and Enhancing Brand Reputation by Optimizing Customer/Brand Experience

UNION INVESTMENT

Advised executive management and marketing leadership on advancing brand perception and expanding premium market leadership
Designed cross-functional customer journeys with updated service design concepts across touchpoints (NPS +6 pts)
Optimized customer journey management
Established an internal brand ambassador program to strengthen customer focus, brand profiling, and internal brand engagement

Feb 2014 - Apr 2014

3 months

Düsseldorf, Germany

Expert / Product Portfolio Optimization and Category Relaunch

ARLA FOODS

Advised and supported the marketing department in revising and defining the future product portfolio
Developed and guided a sustainable brand portfolio and product concept for one of the key SBUs

Sep 2012 - Dec 2013

1 year 4 months

Düsseldorf, Germany

Principal

KEYLENS MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS

Acquisition, management and execution of marketing- and sales-oriented consulting projects from strategy to operational implementation in the retail, consumer goods and services sectors
Key areas: growth strategy, brand strategy, marketing/sales strategy, marketing performance programs, as well as marketing organization and processes
Leader of Marketing Performance & Efficiency practice
Leading project and client teams as well as clients' partner agencies
Examples: optimizing media spend (10% savings), streamlining international marketing planning processes, increasing lead generation (>10%) and customer retention (>5%), optimizing corporate market research, reviewing and developing a franchise concept in the healthcare/medical technology sector

Mar 2012 - Sep 2012

7 months

Cologne, Germany

Consultant / Interim Manager / Strategic realignment including marketing restructuring

PROMARKT (REWE)

Overall responsibility for designing and implementing the strategic realignment (project lead followed by interim head of marketing)
Developing and successfully implementing a comprehensive brand relaunch including new positioning, branding, and a 360° marketing and advertising concept
Restructuring the marketing department and securing the full commitment of the executive board to the business case for revitalizing the retail brand

Dec 2011 - Mar 2012

4 months

Hamburg, Germany

Consultant / E-commerce strategy development

PEEK & CLOPPENBURG

Advising management on developing the e-commerce strategy including implementation options
Designing a holistic cross-channel marketing approach and creating a detailed roadmap for implementation

Sep 2011 - Dec 2011

4 months

Hamburg, Germany

Consultant / Restructuring marketing and improving marketing effectiveness and efficiency

PEEK & CLOPPENBURG

Project lead for the marketing realignment
Restructuring marketing and realigning the communication strategy with clear targeting and an effective marketing mix
Positioning the retail brand and increasing overall marketing efficiency by 10-15%

Dec 2010 - Oct 2011

11 months

Bremen, Germany

Consultant / Strategic realignment including restructuring of the international marketing & sales organization

BEGO GROUP

Project lead for a customer-centric corporate transformation and overall responsibility for revising the corporate strategy to realize growth potential
Restructuring the international marketing and sales organization including structure, roles, responsibilities (RACI), and core processes
Introducing and building a new global marketing department including role profiles and job descriptions
Developing and implementing a corporate and brand strategy with new architecture and a double-digit increase in customer satisfaction compared to the previous year

Sep 2009 - Jul 2010

11 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

Project Manager / Implementation of New Intranet Platform and SharePoint Migration

R+V VERSICHERUNGEN

Project management to implement a functional concept from a previous sales optimization project
Developed the project plan, including time, cost and resource planning and detailed work packages
Led project committees and acted as interface to the project sponsor (Board of Sales and IT)
Structured and managed the creation of sales-relevant content (blueprint) and ensured on-schedule delivery despite high time pressure and limited resources

Apr 2008 - Jun 2009

1 year 3 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

Consultant / Restructuring Sales Organization to Increase Impact and Efficiency

R+V VERSICHERUNGEN

Advised and supported the Head of Sales and the Head of Marketing in the realignment to increase sales efficiency
Implemented an information culture and related communication concepts, processes and tools tailored to target groups and needs
Achieved measurable increase in productivity of the field sales organization and sales partners (one more customer meeting per day)
Increased sales organization satisfaction by 23%
Restructured the field support organization and developed a functional concept for digital sales information

Aug 2007 - Aug 2008

1 year 1 month

Cologne, Germany

Consultant / Development and Introduction of a Multidimensional Brand/Marketing Performance Monitoring System (Brand Score Card)

GALERIA KAUFHOF

Led the project for the development and introduction of a multidimensional brand/marketing performance monitoring system (Brand Score Card)
Developed and introduced the Brand Score Card for continuous performance monitoring of all private labels with financial, customer and market data
Established a cross-functional learning approach for continuous optimization, including defining processes across all areas (Marketing/CRM, Purchasing, Sales, Controlling)

Mar 2007 - Jul 2007

5 months

Hamburg, Germany

Interim Head of Marketing

STAPLES

Overall responsibility for the marketing department (Advertising, CRM, Market Research) with ten employees (three direct reports)
Realigned the marketing department in terms of content, organization and structure
Increased sales by 18% compared to the previous year
Laid the foundation for far-reaching improvements in marketing effectiveness and efficiency, with increases of up to 20%

Apr 2002 - May 2007

5 years 2 months

Düsseldorf, Germany

Partner

BRAND BUILDERS Strategy Consulting (later KEYLENS)

Led and executed brand consulting projects from strategy definition through operational implementation in retail, industry and services
Focused on brand management, growth strategies, marketing strategy, communication, market research and marketing organization
Established and led the Analytics & Research/Knowledge Management division
Managed projects and provided technical leadership to custom teams (up to 40 people) and partner agencies (Design, ATL/BTL, Online, CRM, PR)
Examples: Marketing master plan (+10% efficiency), private label strategy, corporate branding, SBU restructurings, company relaunch (+15% revenue/+11 NPS), home automation strategy (+22% revenue), service quality (+8% NPS)

Oct 1999 - Mar 2002

2 years 6 months

Ingelheim am Rhein, Germany

Interim Managing Director Germany & Head of Marketing DACH

SCOTTS CELAFLOR GmbH

Interim Managing Director (07–12/2001) in addition to leading marketing: restructuring Germany (120 employees), cost optimization program, works council negotiations, reporting to European and global headquarters
Head of Marketing DACH with P&L responsibility (€100M revenue) and 18 employees in Germany, plus functional leadership of Austria/Switzerland marketing (7 employees)
Achievements: double-digit revenue growth and No. 2 market position in Germany, shift to consumer-centric marketing, acquisition of the Substral brand, introduction of a master brand strategy, innovation process and future-proof portfolio, development of the Professional Business Business Plan

Apr 1991 - Sep 1999

8 years 6 months

Marketing Manager / Senior Product Manager / Key Account Manager

HENKEL KGaA / HENKEL Italia S.r.l.

Brand and product management focusing on innovation, consumer insights, campaign development and P&L responsibility (up to €60M revenue), plus leading up to six employees
Development and launch of a new international master brand
Double-digit revenue increases through innovative specialty detergents and cleaning products (formulas, USPs, packaging, design)
Development and implementation of international ATL and BTL brand campaigns
Introduction of international methods/models for marketing efficiency measurement (ROI)

Industry Experience

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

Experienced in Manufacturing, Retail, Cosmetics, Chemical, Professional Services, and Agriculture.

Manufacturing

Retail

Cosmetics

Chemical

Professional Services

Agriculture

Business Area Experience

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

Experienced in Marketing, Sales, Product Development, Project Management, Strategy, and Business Intelligence.

Marketing

Sales

Product Development

Project Management

Strategy

Business Intelligence

Summary

Experienced marketing expert with a background as a management consultant, interim manager, and marketing executive, and proven expertise in developing and implementing growth strategies. Combines insights, analytics, strategic marketing, and operational actions to drive sustainable business growth. Demonstrated track record in strengthening market position and providing effective solutions that have immediate impact and contribute to long-term success. Skilled in optimizing and transforming marketing organizations into customer-focused, innovative, and growth-oriented teams. Passionate, empathetic, and hands-on manager who drives project success and fosters collaboration for shared value creation. Over 12 years of leadership responsibility overseeing up to 5 departments with more than 25 employees.

Skills

Growth Strategy & Business Development
Brand Strategy And Activation
Strategic And Operational Marketing
Consumer/customer Insights Management
Innovation And Product Management
Marketing Organization & Processes
Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Strategic Mindset With Strong Analytical Skills And A "Get-things-done" Attitude
Excellent Communicator Who Interacts At All Hierarchy Levels And Has Very Good Presentation Skills.
Empathetic Leader And Coach With Proven Ability To Motivate, Guide, And Develop Teams
Cross-functional Collaboration And Collaborative Management Of External Partners (E.g. Creative Agencies)
Strategy Development Models
Okr Management Method
Change Management
Process Optimization
Workshop Facilitation
Business Model Canvas/design Thinking
Ms Office; User Proficiency In Ms Project, Asana, Jira, Google Analytics, Selected Ai Tools
Consumer Goods & Retail
B2c Services
B2b Services & Industries

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Italian

Intermediate

Education

Oct 1985 - Jun 1991

Freie Universität Berlin

Diploma in Business Administration · Business Administration · Berlin, Germany

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 27

Experience in Manufacturing 9.5 y

Avg length 1 y 1 m

Longest experience 8 y 5 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 1 (Germany)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Multi-Brand Strategy & Activation Consultant, Interim Manager Innovation & Product Portfolio, Consultant / Corporate Strategy Development

Main industries Manufacturing, Retail, Cosmetics

Main business areas Marketing, Sales, Product Development

Profile

Created

October 2022

Last Update

May 2026

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Frequently asked questions

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

Where is Katharina based?

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

What languages does Katharina speak?

Katharina speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), Italian (Intermediate).

How many years of experience does Katharina have?

Katharina has at least 28 years of experience. During this time, Katharina has worked in at least 27 different roles and for 22 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year. Note that Katharina may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Katharina be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Katharina would be well-suited for roles such as: Multi-Brand Strategy & Activation Consultant, Interim Manager Innovation & Product Portfolio, Consultant / Corporate Strategy Development.

What is Katharina's latest experience?

Katharina's most recent position is Multi-Brand Strategy & Activation Consultant at HAMBURG SÜD/ A.P. Moller - Maersk.

What companies has Katharina worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Katharina has worked for HAMBURG SÜD/ A.P. Moller - Maersk and LIKE MEAT/ The Livekindly.

Which industries is Katharina most experienced in?

Katharina is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing, Retail, and Cosmetics. Katharina also has some experience in Chemical, Professional Services, and Agriculture.

Which business areas is Katharina most experienced in?

Katharina is most experienced in business areas like Marketing, Sales, and Product Development. Katharina also has some experience in Project Management, Strategy, and Business Intelligence.

Which industries has Katharina worked in recently?

Katharina has recently worked in industries like Food and Beverage and Transportation.

Which business areas has Katharina worked in recently?

Katharina has recently worked in business areas like Product Development and Marketing.

What is Katharina's education?

Katharina attended Freie Universität Berlin for Business Administration.

What is the availability of Katharina?

Katharina will be available part-time from May 2026.

What is the rate of Katharina?

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