Richard (Dr.) Hagl - Interim Manager AI Strategy and Business Development
Experience
Interim Manager AI Strategy and Business Development
Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH
Supported the AI startup MachOptima during its spin-off phase in industrial process optimization
Strategically built business development and acquired first pilot customers
Evaluated and sharpened the service offering for industrial clients
Developed and implemented an acquisition strategy for pilot projects
Managed key accounts and supported client discussions
Shaped the strategic roadmap
Established sales processes and CRM structures
Successfully onboarded the first pilot customers
Built a structured sales architecture and supported multiple client projects
Achieved clearer market positioning through a refined value proposition
Strengthened the founding team's internal strategy and sales understanding for the long term
ProductOwner Industrial Metaverse and Digital Twins
Mercedes-Benz AG
Advanced the IT ecosystem for the Industrial Metaverse
Provided strategic advice to Research & Development, IT, and Market Operations on metaverse technologies
Facilitated and aligned multiple teams to improve cross-functional collaboration
Evaluated metaverse technologies and digital twins
Developed strategic recommendations and pragmatic solutions for the corporate environment
Supported complex contract negotiations from technical, economic, and legal perspectives
Conducted workshops to realign strategy and prioritize goals
Negotiations led to double-digit million savings
Laid the foundation for the company's current Industrial Metaverse roadmap
Identified synergies and optimization opportunities by analyzing over 20 global stakeholders
Significantly improved cross-functional collaboration
Drove lasting changes in strategy and execution through expertise and persuasion
Interim CTO
Felix Forward GmbH
Took over technical leadership to restore project progress in software development
Ensured completion and launch of the platform
Restructured IT infrastructure and development processes
Overhauled IT governance and realigned development strategy
Optimized software development processes and replaced the development team
Stabilized the IT infrastructure for sustainable operation
Delivered the platform on time and achieved a successful rollout
Increased efficiency and improved quality through IT governance restructuring
Established a technically stable, future-proof platform meeting industry standards
Industrial Metaverse Strategy Inhouse Consultant
Bruker Switzerland AG
Evaluated and implemented AR technologies (e.g., Microsoft HoloLens) to optimize internal processes
Advised top management on technology adoption, IT integration, and investment decisions
Conducted in-depth technology evaluations and selected suitable hardware and software
Performed cost analysis and risk assessment
Developed an IT integration concept and provided strategic recommendations
Identified new business models and established a continuous innovation process
Reduced investment risks and accelerated technology adoption
Opened new revenue streams through digital business models
Successfully embedded the strategic innovation process in the company
Head of Product & Business Model Innovation
ImmoPresenter 3D GmbH
Developed an innovative PropTech product using virtual reality and artificial intelligence to automate real estate sales
Designed a novel business model
Led product development and software strategy
Conducted research on business model innovation using theoretical approaches
Managed product innovation and assessed market opportunities
Validated and academically documented the results
Published findings to demonstrate the potential of VR and AI in the real estate market
Managing Director
BMI Expert GmbH
- Management of innovative digital projects as (Interim) Manager
- Evaluation, implementation and introduction of new digital technologies
- Development of innovative business models for companies and startups
- Support for founders (Startup Coaching)
- Execution of software development projects from concept to delivery, including fixed-price projects
- Prototype development and feasibility studies
- Strategic technology consulting, IT integration, cost and risk analysis
- Recommendations for top management
- Establishment of continuous innovation processes
Detailed references, project examples and specific results are available on request.
Team Leader, Project Manager, Engineer
AGFA-Gevaert AG / AgfaPhoto GmbH
Development and quality assurance of digital imaging systems and server-based order processing solutions
Project management for hardware-based payment solutions
Leading a team of test engineers to ensure server cluster quality
Management of innovative software initiatives
Successful implementation and quality assurance of high-availability solutions in digital imaging
Increased efficiency through optimized testing processes and improved project management
Successful delivery of innovation projects under tight deadlines
Industry Experience
See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.
Experienced in Information Technology, Professional Services, Manufacturing, Automotive, and Real Estate.
Business Area Experience
See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.
Experienced in Project Management, Strategy, Information Technology, Product Development, Quality Assurance, and Research and Development.
Summary
- Innovation expert and technology strategist. Over 20 years of experience evaluating, implementing, and introducing new digital technologies.
- Focus on future digital technologies. Capture, analyze, and assess new innovations technology-agnostically. Offer deep expertise in AI, AR, VR, Industrial Metaverse, 3D printing, and business model innovation.
- Mediator between technology and business. Translate digital innovations into strategic goals and actionable business models. Promote overcoming organizational and structural barriers and develop flexible strategies.
- Leadership and management of innovation projects. Experience leading in-house teams as well as guiding external partners. Lead through motivation, clear visions, and decisiveness.
- Responsible for investment decisions. Avoid bad 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 roles – with clear decision-making and execution skills.
I measurably increase the success rate of digital innovation initiatives, reduce investment risks, and speed up the adoption of new technologies. I combine technological depth with strategic foresight and strong execution. I lead teams through change, secure decisions under uncertainty, and translate complex technologies into tangible business results. My goal: achieve lasting impact – technologically, economically, and organizationally.
Successful innovation requires bold, yet methodical experimentation.
Languages
Education
Waterford Institute of Technology
Doctor of Business Administration · Business Administration · Waterford, Ireland
Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften München
Master of Science in Systems Engineering · Systems Engineering · Munich, Germany
University of Wisconsin - Madison
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with a focus on Computer Engineering; second degree: Computer Science · Electrical Engineering, with a focus on Computer Engineering and Computer Science · Madison, United States
Statistics
Experience
Global Experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Profile
Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions? Here you can find further information.
Where is Richard based?
What languages does Richard speak?
How many years of experience does Richard have?
What roles would Richard be best suited for?
What is Richard's latest experience?
What companies has Richard worked for in recent years?
Which industries is Richard most experienced in?
Which business areas is Richard most experienced in?
Which industries has Richard worked in recently?
Which business areas has Richard worked in recently?
What is Richard's education?
What is the availability of Richard?
What is the rate of Richard?
How to hire Richard?
Average rates for similar positions
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
Similar Freelancers
Discover other experts with similar qualifications and experience
Experts recently working on similar projects
Freelancers with hands-on experience in comparable project as a Interim Manager AI Strategy and Business Development
Nearby freelancers
Professionals working in or nearby Tübingen, Germany
