Kristian Michael Hertel-Director Global IT
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Experience
Director Global IT
JC Newretail AG / Peek & Cloppenburg Group
- Lead 300+ tech professionals across internal and consulting teams
- Transformed IT into a strategic, product-centric consultancy
- As industry first: Initiated ERP migration SAP → Oracle Fusion
- Implemented AI strategy, built the data science competence and initiated AI pilots
- Established IT Strategy Board aligning technology with business vision and objectives
- Implemented a central and standardised IT vendor management process reducing IT costs by 10%
- Outsourced internal ERP management structure into an external service entity
- Implementation of IT security protocols, standards, trainings and systems
Vice President & CIO
VF Corporation, Asia Pacific
- Led digital strategy for brands incl. Vans, Supreme, The North Face
- Boosted digital sales from 12% to 35% via omni-channel expansion
- Virtualised operations during COVID for full remote collaboration
- Built agile tech capabilities across design, supply chain, and sales channels
- As first global company, deployment and integration of an end-to-end supply chain management platform without consultancy partners nor system integrators
- Reduction of staff turnover from 30% to less than 5%
Senior Vice President, IT
Li & Fung
- Transformed IT into proactive business consultancy, managing internal as well as external partners like Disney, Belk, Kohl’s with a total sales volume of over $5B
- Strategic focus on product lifecycle optimisation, 3D virtual product development and cross functional collaboration as well as end to end supply chain optimisation
- Significant reduction of lead time for product costing, design and supply chain processes increasing efficiency and reducing environmental footprint
Deputy IS Director, Interim IS Director, IS Director
Kering Asia
- Managed IT for 21 luxury brands including Gucci, YSL, Balenciaga across Asia
- Supported 150+ store openings/year and regional brand integrations
- Standardised services across countries and brands and improved operational efficiency, reduced cost and improved go to market speed
- Implemented a mobile first strategy increasing efficiency from stores to supply chain
Founder & CEO
Meraviglia Limited
- Designing and manufacturing fully customisable leather products and riding Boots
- Awarded by Italian Chamber of Commerce for the innovative business idea
Head of IT
HUGO BOSS Asia Pacific
- Built regional IT structure from scratch, serving over 450+ locations
- Led SAP rollouts, mobile Analytics, and regional eCommerce launch
- Opened 200+ stores and implemented supplier collaboration tools
Senior Business Consultant later Operations Manager Personalisation
adidas AG
- Implemented end to end mass customisation processes and systems
- Insourced relevant capabilities and structures
- Reduced lead time to <15 days and cut costs by 30%
Project Coordinator later IT Team leader
HUGO BOSS Shoes & Accessories
- Integrated newly aquired Shoe and Leather-accessory business
- Built multinational team and optimised product development, shoe production and supply chain → Cut lead time from 4 months to 6 weeks
- Implemented SAP end to end for the footwear and leather accessory business
IT Services Company
- IT Security, industrial automation, computer networking
Lieutenant in the German Crisis Reaction Force
German Army
- Deputy platoon leader, secured data exchange and communication via satellite and radio frequency to out of area units
Industry experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.
Experienced in Fashion, Manufacturing, Retail, Information Technology, Transportation, and Sport.
Business area experience
See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.
Experienced in Information Technology, Supply Chain Management, Product Development, Production, Operations, and Strategy.
Summary
Strategic technology leader with 20+ years of cross cultural experience on 3 continents driving digital transformation, innovation, and operational excellence across retail, fashion, and lifestyle sectors. Proven success in building agile, product-centric IT organizations, leading ERP/cloud migrations, and aligning tech strategy with business growth. Passionate about inclusive, people-first leadership and delivering measurable business impact.
Skills
Digital Transformation
Cio/Cdo/Cto Leadership
Agile & Devops Methodologies
Erp & Supply Chain Optimization
Cloud Strategy & Migration
Data & Ai Strategy
It Governance & It Security
Vendor & Cost Management
Innovation Management
Portfolio Management
Operational Excellence
Strategic Thinker
Creative Problem Solver
Cross-Cultural Leader
Resilient Under Pressure
Customer-Focused
Strong Negotiator
Purpose-Driven
Entrepreneurial Spirit
Natural Improver
Growth Mindset
Languages
Education
Quantic School of Business and Technology
EMBA · Washington, United States
University of Furtwangen & Southeastern Louisiana University
Computer science Degree · Computer Science · Furtwangen, Germany · GPA 4.0 | entry to Dean’s List
Certifications & licenses
Statistics
Experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Profile
Frequently asked questions
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Kristian Michael is based in Zug, Switzerland.
Kristian Michael speaks the following languages: German (Native), Italian (Native), English (Advanced), French (Elementary).
Kristian Michael has at least 28 years of experience. During this time, Kristian Michael has worked in at least 8 different roles and for 9 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 3 years and 1 month. Note that Kristian Michael may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.
Based on recent experience, Kristian Michael would be well-suited for roles such as: Director Global IT, Vice President & CIO, Senior Vice President, IT.
Kristian Michael's most recent position is Director Global IT at JC Newretail AG / Peek & Cloppenburg Group.
In recent years, Kristian Michael has worked for JC Newretail AG / Peek & Cloppenburg Group, VF Corporation, Asia Pacific, and Meraviglia Limited.
Kristian Michael is most experienced in industries like Fashion, Manufacturing, and Retail. Kristian Michael also has some experience in Information Technology, Transportation, and Sport.
Kristian Michael is most experienced in business areas like Information Technology, Supply Chain Management, and Product Development. Kristian Michael also has some experience in Production, Operations, and Strategy.
Kristian Michael has recently worked in industries like Fashion, Manufacturing, and Retail.
Kristian Michael has recently worked in business areas like Product Development, Production, and Information Technology.
Kristian Michael holds a Master from Quantic School of Business and Technology.
Kristian Michael has 4 certificates. Among them, these include: Cobit, ITILv3, and PMP.
The availability of Kristian Michael needs to be confirmed.
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Average rates for similar positions
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The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.
Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 6 Sep 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
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