Knut Michelberger - Managing Director & CFO (ad interim)

Q: Where is Knut based?

Knut is based in Kronberg im Taunus, Germany .

Q: What languages does Knut speak?

Knut speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Intermediate) .

Q: How many years of experience does Knut have?

Knut has at least 43 years of experience. During this time, Knut has worked in at least 9 different roles and for 9 different companies . The average length of individual experience is 4 years and 11 months . Note that Knut may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Q: What is Knut's latest experience?

Knut's most recent position is Managing Director & CFO (ad interim) at Formel D Group .

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

In recent years, Knut has worked for Formel D Group .

Q: Which industries is Knut most experienced in?

Knut is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing , Transportation , and Food and Beverage . Knut also has some experience in Pharmaceutical , Information Technology , and Energy .

Q: Which business areas is Knut most experienced in?

Knut is most experienced in business areas like Finance , Operations , and Strategy . Knut also has some experience in Logistics , Investments and M&A , and Sales .

Q: Which industries has Knut worked in recently?

Knut has recently worked in industries like Automotive .

Q: Which business areas has Knut worked in recently?

Knut has recently worked in business areas like Accounting , Audit , and Finance .

Recommended expert

Kronberg im Taunus, Germany

Experience

Apr 2024 - Jul 2024

4 months

Troisdorf, Germany

Managing Director & CFO (ad interim)

Formel D Group

Quality service provider for the automotive industry, €350 Mio. sales
Rebuilt global finance and controlling organizations to meet private equity standards
Functioned as interim CFO during periods of transition under 3i ownership
Member of the supervisory board and Chair of audit committee

Jul 2019 - Jan 2020

7 months

Troisdorf, Germany

Managing Director & CFO (ad interim)

Formel D Group

Quality service provider for the automotive industry, €350 Mio. sales
Rebuilt global finance and controlling organizations to meet private equity standards
Functioned as interim CFO during periods of transition under 3i ownership
Member of the supervisory board and Chair of audit committee

Sep 2017 - Mar 2018

7 months

Troisdorf, Germany

Managing Director & CFO (ad interim)

Formel D Group

Quality service provider for the automotive industry, €350 Mio. sales
Rebuilt global finance and controlling organizations to meet private equity standards
Functioned as interim CFO during periods of transition under 3i ownership
Member of the supervisory board and Chair of audit committee

Jan 2014 - Jun 2016

2 years 6 months

Osnabrück, Germany

Managing Director & CFO

Kaffee Partner Holding GmbH

Office coffee machines and services for Germany, Austria and Switzerland: 40,000 machines under rental and service contract
Major business is structured sales (100 salesmen), efficient service operation (100 service technicians), online marketing, and fast delivery/logistics
Took over the operating roles of three managing directors and rebuilt the management team over two years
Capvis AG ownership, member of the supervisory board 2016–2021

Jan 2010 - Dec 2013

4 years

Luxembourg

Global CFO

Dematic Group S.a.r.l.

Intralogistics and warehouse operations systems supplier with global footprint and manufacturing facilities in Germany, Italy, Spain, USA, China, and Australia, €800 Mio. sales
Triton Partners ownership
Led financial transformation and improved profitability significantly; managed a global team across six countries
Prepared the company for a remarkably successful exit
Negotiated and launched two major corporate bonds in the US, including one for the acquiror AEA Investors
Supported the transition of the headquarters to Atlanta for the new owner

Jan 2006 - Dec 2009

4 years

Executive Board Member and CFO of RKW SE; Managing Director of JM Gesellschaft

RKW SE / JM Gesellschaft für industrielle Beteiligungen mbH & Co. KGaA

Optimized footprint and operational performance of RKW, a PE film manufacturing company with €800 Mio. sales
Manufacturing performance as major value driver; packaging as major market focus
Managed global finance operations, working capital optimization, funding, and M&A
Responsible for global HR (HR Director)
Converted legal German AG into European S.A.
Prepared major group company Kiefel AG (packaging and blow molding machines) for sale and managed the sales process successfully

Jan 2004 - Dec 2006

3 years

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Hybrid

CFO & COO

GE Access Capital Solutions

Europe-wide hybrid manufacturing/assembling computer and factoring/leasing company with 4 European subsidiaries, €300 Mio. sales
Targeted preparation of the company for divestment
Responsible for all operations, manufacturing, logistics, HR, and finance
Oversaw divestiture preparation and operational turnaround
Successfully sold the business to AVNET

Jan 1990 - Dec 2003

14 years

Luxembourg

COO & CFO

GE Fanuc Automation Europe S.A.

European process and factory automation business, €350 Mio. sales
Responsible for operations, assembly, logistics, HR, and finance
Integrated and led 14 European subsidiaries; served on the management board of all subsidiaries
Supported and funded growth, local investments, liaised with major customers
Managed the acquisition and integration of Eberle Controls and served as their part-time CEO
Reported to GE Industrial, USA, and FANUC, Japan
Founded and led six holding companies for GE and GE Capital in Luxembourg

Jan 1984 - Dec 1990

7 years

Charlottesville, United States

CFO and Managing Director of various subsidiaries and related companies

Klöckner Capital Corporation

Led holding activities, global M&A, footprint expansion of Klöckner Pentaplast of America, and funding of business operations in packaging and logistics
Acquired and managed multiple smaller packaging companies and service firms, e.g., Rexam/Bartelt packaging machines in Sarasota, FL, and Klöckner Carrier Corporation; served as part-time CEO of both companies
Supported the group CEO with operative, strategic, and financing advice

Jan 1977 - Dec 1984

8 years

Duisburg, Germany

Manager, Corporate & Business Development

Klöckner Werke AG

Supported multiple strategic acquisitions across packaging and machinery sectors (e.g., Klöckner Pentaplast, PVC film; Otto Hänsel, confectionary processing machines; Ferromatic, pharma blister packaging machines; Tevopharm, horizontal packaging machines; beverage machine company KHS)
Served as COO of subsidiaries and Managing Director of global finance holding companies in Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, and Shanghai

Jan 1975 - Dec 1976

2 years

United Kingdom

Sales Engineer, Process Control Systems

General Electric Company

Early career in process engineering and industrial controls

Industry Experience

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

Experienced in Manufacturing, Transportation, Food and Beverage, Pharmaceutical, Information Technology, and Energy.

Manufacturing

Transportation

Food and Beverage

Pharmaceutical

Information Technology

Energy

Business Area Experience

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

Experienced in Finance, Operations, Strategy, Logistics, Investments and M&A, and Sales.

Finance

Operations

Strategy

Logistics

Investments and M&A

Sales

Summary

Accomplished CFO and COO executive with over 35 years of leadership experience in management of operations, profit improvement programs, controllership, corporate finance, HR, and private equity-backed value creation. Proven track record of driving strategic growth, M&A execution, organizational restructuring, and international expansion. Strong governance experience as a supervisory board member and audit committee chair across multiple industries and geographies.

Skills

Private Equity Engagements Partnered With 3i, Triton, Capvis, Capiton, Baltcap, And Bpe In Operational, Board, And Advisory Roles. Delivered Significant Value Through Restructuring, Buy & Build, And Exit Readiness Support.

Industrial & Automation: Intralogistics, Robotics, Factory & Process Automation
Manufacturing: Mechanical Engineering, Plastic Processing, Packaging Machinery
Packaging: Rigid And Flexible, Pharma, Food, Industrial, Etc.
Fmcg & Services: Coffee Vending, Distribution, Leasing/factoring
Private Equity: Buyouts, Carve-outs, Turnarounds, M&a, Exit Management

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

French

Intermediate

Education

Doctor of Administrative Sciences (Dr. sc. admin) · Administrative Sciences

Dipl.-Ing., Mechanical Engineering · Mechanical Engineering

Dipl.-Ök., Business Administration · Business Administration

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 11

Experience in Manufacturing 39 y

Avg length 4 y 1 m

Longest experience 13 y 11 m

Global Experience

Countries worked in 5 (Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, United States, United Kingdom)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Managing Director & CFO (ad interim), Managing Director & CFO, Global CFO

Main industries Manufacturing, Transportation, Food and Beverage

Main business areas Finance, Operations, Strategy

Qualifications

Highest degree Doctorate

Profile

Created

December 2025

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 Knut based?

Knut is based in Kronberg im Taunus, Germany.

What languages does Knut speak?

Knut speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced), French (Intermediate).

How many years of experience does Knut have?

Knut has at least 43 years of experience. During this time, Knut has worked in at least 9 different roles and for 9 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 4 years and 11 months. Note that Knut may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

What roles would Knut be best suited for?

Based on recent experience, Knut would be well-suited for roles such as: Managing Director & CFO (ad interim), Managing Director & CFO, Global CFO.

What is Knut's latest experience?

Knut's most recent position is Managing Director & CFO (ad interim) at Formel D Group.

What companies has Knut worked for in recent years?

In recent years, Knut has worked for Formel D Group.

Which industries is Knut most experienced in?

Knut is most experienced in industries like Manufacturing, Transportation, and Food and Beverage. Knut also has some experience in Pharmaceutical, Information Technology, and Energy.

Which business areas is Knut most experienced in?

Knut is most experienced in business areas like Finance, Operations, and Strategy. Knut also has some experience in Logistics, Investments and M&A, and Sales.

Which industries has Knut worked in recently?

Knut has recently worked in industries like Automotive.

Which business areas has Knut worked in recently?

Knut has recently worked in business areas like Accounting, Audit, and Finance.

What is Knut's education?

Knut holds a Doctorate in Administrative Sciences, a Master in Mechanical Engineering and a Master in Business Administration.

What is the availability of Knut?

Knut is immediately available for suitable projects.

What is the rate of Knut?

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