Richard H.-Strategic Technology and Innovation Leadership
Check rate
Experience
Interim Manager AI Strategy and Business Development
Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH
Assignment:
Supporting the AI startup MachOptima during its spin-off phase in the area of industrial process optimization. Strategic development of business development, acquisition of initial pilot customers, and development of market positioning.
Responsibilities:
- Evaluating and refining the service offering for industrial customers.
- Developing and implementing an acquisition strategy for pilot projects.
- Managing key accounts, supporting customer discussions, and shaping the strategic roadmap.
- Establishing sales processes and CRM structures.
Results:
- Successful placement with initial pilot customers.
- Establishment of a structured sales architecture and support for several customer projects.
- Clearer market positioning through a refined value proposition.
- Sustainable strengthening of the founding team’s internal understanding of strategy and sales.
Kerdatio GmbH
Development and testing of algorithmic trading strategies and automation of trading processes.
ProductOwner Industrial Metaverse and Digital Twins
Mercedes-Benz AG
Assignment:
Further development of the IT ecosystem for the Industrial Metaverse and strategic consulting for Research & Development, IT, and Market Operations on Metaverse technologies. Promoting cross-functional collaboration, identifying innovative business models, and supporting contract negotiations with a Metaverse provider.
Responsibilities:
- Moderating and coordinating several teams to improve cross-functional collaboration and sharpen common goals.
- Evaluating Metaverse technologies and digital twins.
- Developing strategic recommendations and pragmatic solutions for the corporate environment.
- Supporting complex contract negotiations from technical, commercial, and legal perspectives, as well as workshops for strategic realignment and goal prioritization.
Results:
- The negotiations resulted in savings in the double-digit million range and laid the foundation for the company’s current Industrial Metaverse roadmap.
- The analysis of over 20 global stakeholders identified synergies and optimization potential.
- Cross-functional collaboration improved significantly, and several teams developed into active enablers.
- Despite being in an external role, I succeeded in initiating lasting changes in strategy and implementation through expertise, clarity, and persuasiveness.
Interim CTO
Felix Forward GmbH
Assignment:
Taking over technical leadership to get stalled software development back on track. Ensuring the completion and launch of the platform, as well as restructuring the IT infrastructure and development processes.
Responsibilities:
- Remediating IT governance and realigning the development strategy.
- Optimizing software development processes, including replacing the development team to ensure quality and speed.
- Stabilizing the IT infrastructure for sustainable operations.
Results:
- The platform was completed on schedule and successfully rolled out.
- Restructuring IT governance and development led to greater efficiency and improved quality.
- The organization received a technically stable, future-proof platform that meets industry standards.
Industrial Metaverse Strategy Inhouse Consultant
Bruker Switzerland AG
Assignment:
Evaluating and introducing AR technologies (e.g., Microsoft HoloLens) to optimize internal processes and develop new business models. Providing strategic advice to top management on technology use, IT integration, and investment decisions.
Responsibilities:
- In-depth technology evaluation, selection of suitable hardware and software, cost analysis, and risk assessment.
- Developing an IT integration concept and strategic recommendations for management.
- Identifying new business models and establishing a continuous innovation process.
Results:
- Sound decision-making foundations reduced investment risks and accelerated technology adoption.
- New digital business models opened up potential for additional revenue streams.
- The strategic innovation process was successfully embedded in the company.
Head of Product & Business Model Innovation
ImmoPresenter 3D GmbH
Mission:
Development of an innovative PropTech product that uses virtual reality and artificial intelligence to automate real estate sales. Design of a novel business model.
Responsibilities:
- Leading product development and software strategy.
- Research into business model innovation incorporating theoretical approaches.
- Managing product innovation and evaluating market opportunities.
Results:
- The solution demonstrated the potential of VR and AI in the real estate market.
- The results were validated, scientifically documented, and published.
Commissioned Speaker
Siemens Management Consulting
Strelizium Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG
Management and support of privately owned properties on a smaller scale; previously also occasional residential property development and renovation.
Managing Director
BMI Expert GmbH
Responsibilities:
- Managing innovative digital projects as an (Interim) Manager.
- Evaluating, implementing, and introducing new digital technologies.
- Developing innovative business models for companies and startups.
- Supporting founders (Startup Coaching).
- Managing software development projects – from conception to implementation, also on a fixed-price basis.
- Prototype development and feasibility studies.
- Strategic technology consulting, IT integration, cost and risk analyses.
- Recommendations for action for top management.
- Establishing continuous innovation processes.
Results / References / Examples:
Detailed references, project examples, and specific results are available upon request.
Team Leader, Project Manager, Engineer
AGFA-Gevaert AG / AgfaPhoto GmbH
Mission:
Development and quality assurance of digital imaging systems and server-based order processing solutions. Leading a team to optimize testing and payment infrastructures.
Responsibilities:
- Project management for hardware-based payment solutions.
- Leading a team of test engineers to ensure the quality of server clusters.
- Managing innovative software initiatives.
Results:
- Successful implementation and quality assurance of high-availability solutions in digital imaging.
- Increased efficiency through optimized testing processes and improved project management.
- Innovation projects were successfully implemented under tight deadlines.
Industry experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.
Experienced in Information Technology, Professional Services, Real Estate, Construction, Banking and Finance, and Automotive.
Business area experience
See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.
Experienced in Information Technology, Product Development, Project Management, Quality Assurance, Strategy, and Investments and M&A.
Summary
- Innovation expert and technology strategist. Over 20 years of experience evaluating, implementing, and introducing new digital technologies.
- Focus on digital technologies of the future. Capture, analyze, and assess new innovations in a technology-agnostic way. Offer deep expertise in AI, AR, VR, the Industrial Metaverse, 3D printing, and business model innovation.
- Mediator between technology and business. Translate digital innovations into strategic goals and viable business models. Promote overcoming organizational and structural barriers and developing flexible strategies.
- Leadership and management of innovation projects. Experience leading my own teams and managing external partners. Lead through motivation, clear goals, and decisive action.
- Responsibility for investment decisions. Avoid poor investments and create competitive advantages through evidence-based analysis and strategic foresight – especially in uncertain, dynamic environments. Bring leadership experience from consulting, corporate, and entrepreneurial work – with clear decision-making and execution skills.
I measurably increase the success rate of digital innovation initiatives, reduce investment risks, and accelerate the introduction of new technologies. In doing so, I combine technological depth with strategic foresight and strong execution. I lead teams through change, ensure sound decisions under uncertainty, and translate complex technologies into tangible business results. My goal: to create lasting impact – technologically, economically, and organizationally.
Successful innovation requires bold but methodically guided experimentation.
Languages
Education
Waterford Institute of Technology
Doctor of Business Administration · Business Administration · Waterford, Ireland
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften München
Master of Science Systems Engineering · Systems Engineering · Munich, Germany
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Bachelor of Science Elektrotechnik, Schwerpunkt Computertechnik, zweiter Abschluss: Informatik · Electrical Engineering, focus on Computer Engineering, Computer Science · Madison, United States
Statistics
Experience
Global experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? Find more information here.
Richard is based in Tübingen, Germany.
Richard speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced).
Richard has at least 21 years of experience. During this time, Richard has worked in at least 8 different roles and for 10 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 1 month. Note that Richard may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.
Based on recent experience, Richard would be well-suited for roles such as: Interim Manager AI Strategy and Business Development, ProductOwner Industrial Metaverse and Digital Twins, Interim CTO.
Richard's most recent position is Interim Manager AI Strategy and Business Development at Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH.
In recent years, Richard has worked for Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH, Kerdatio GmbH, Mercedes-Benz AG, Felix Forward GmbH, and Bruker Switzerland AG.
Richard is most experienced in industries like Information Technology, Professional Services, and Real Estate. Richard also has some experience in Construction, Banking and Finance, and Automotive.
Richard is most experienced in business areas like Information Technology, Product Development, and Project Management. Richard also has some experience in Quality Assurance, Strategy, and Investments and M&A.
Richard has recently worked in industries like Information Technology, Professional Services, and Construction.
Richard has recently worked in business areas like Information Technology, Product Development, and Project Management.
Richard holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Waterford Institute of Technology, a Master in Systems Engineering from Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften München and a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering, focus on Computer Engineering, Computer Science from University of Wisconsin - Madison.
Richard is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.
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Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 22 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
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