Richard H.-Interim Manager AI Strategy and Business Development
Check rate
Experience
Interim Manager AI Strategy and Business Development
Max-Planck-Innovation GmbH
Supported the AI startup MachOptima during its spin-off phase in the field of industrial process optimization
Strategically built up business development and acquired the first pilot customers
Evaluated and refined the service offering for industrial clients
Developed and executed an acquisition strategy for pilot projects
Managed key accounts and supported customer meetings
Shaped the strategic roadmap
Built sales processes and CRM structures
Successfully secured first pilot customers
Built a structured sales setup and supported several customer projects
Sharpened market positioning through a refined value proposition
Long-term strengthening of the founding team's internal understanding of strategy and sales
ProductOwner Industrial Metaverse and Digital Twins
Mercedes-Benz AG
Further developed the IT ecosystem for the Industrial Metaverse
Provided strategic advice to R&D, IT, and Market Operations on Metaverse technologies
Facilitated and coordinated 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, commercial, and legal perspectives
Conducted workshops for strategic realignment and goal prioritization
Negotiations resulted in double-digit million savings
Laid the groundwork for the group's current Industrial Metaverse roadmap
Identified synergies and optimization opportunities by analyzing over 20 global stakeholders
Significantly improved cross-functional collaboration
Achieved lasting changes in strategy and execution through expertise and persuasion
Interim CTO
Felix Forward GmbH
Took over technical leadership to get software development progress back on track
Ensured the completion and rollout of the platform
Restructured the IT infrastructure and development processes
Rebuilt IT governance and realigned the development strategy
Optimized software development processes and replaced the development team
Stabilized the IT infrastructure for sustainable operations
On-time completion and successful rollout of the platform
Higher efficiency and improved quality through restructured IT governance
Technically stable and future-proof platform following industry standards
Industrial Metaverse Strategy Inhouse Consultant
Bruker Switzerland AG
Evaluated and introduced AR technologies (e.g. Microsoft HoloLens) to optimize internal processes
Provided strategic advice to top management on technology use, IT integration, and investment decisions
In-depth technology evaluation, selection of suitable hardware and software
Cost analysis and risk assessment
Developed an IT integration concept and strategic recommendations
Identified new business models and established an ongoing innovation process
Reduced investment risks and accelerated technology adoption
Unlocked additional revenue streams through new digital business models
Successfully embedded the strategic innovation process within 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
Researched business model innovation incorporating theoretical approaches
Managed product innovation and evaluated market opportunities
Validated and scientifically documented the results
Published results to demonstrate the potential of VR and AI in the real estate market
Managing Director
BMI Expert GmbH
- Management of innovative digital projects as an (interim) manager
- Evaluation, implementation, and rollout 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 implementation, including 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
- Establishment of continuous innovation processes
Detailed references, project examples, and specific results are available upon 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
Leadership of a team of test engineers to ensure the quality of server clusters
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 implementation 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 in evaluating, implementing, and rolling out new digital technologies.
- Focus on future digital technologies. Identify, analyze, and assess new innovations in a technology-agnostic way. Offer deep expertise in AI, AR, VR, Industrial Metaverse, 3D printing, and business model innovation.
- Bridge between technology and business. Translate digital innovations into strategic goals and viable business models. Help overcome organizational and structural barriers and develop flexible strategies.
- Leadership and management of innovation projects. Experienced in leading internal teams as well as managing external partners. Lead through motivation, clear vision, and strong decision-making.
- Responsibility for investment decisions. Prevent bad investments and create competitive advantages through evidence-based analyses and strategic foresight – especially in uncertain, dynamic environments. Bring leadership experience from consulting, corporate, and entrepreneurial roles – with a clear ability to decide and execute.
I measurably increase the success rate of digital innovation initiatives, reduce investment risks, and accelerate the adoption of new technologies. In doing so, I combine technological depth with strategic foresight and strong execution skills. I guide teams through change, ensure solid decisions under uncertainty, and translate complex technologies into tangible business results. My goal: to deliver lasting impact – technologically, economically, and organizationally.
Successful innovation requires bold, yet 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 Electrical Engineering, focus on Computer Engineering, second degree: Computer Science · Electrical Engineering, focus on Computer Engineering, Computer Science · Madison, United States
Statistics
Experience
Global experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Profile
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 7 different roles and for 7 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 3 years. 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, Mercedes-Benz AG, Felix Forward GmbH, Bruker Switzerland AG, and BMI Expert GmbH.
Richard is most experienced in industries like Information Technology, Professional Services, and Manufacturing. Richard also has some experience in Real Estate and Automotive.
Richard is most experienced in business areas like Project Management, Strategy, and Information Technology. Richard also has some experience in Product Development, Quality Assurance, and Research and Development.
Richard has recently worked in industries like Information Technology, Professional Services, and Manufacturing.
Richard has recently worked in business areas like Strategy, Information Technology, 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, a Bachelor in Electrical Engineering, focus on Computer Engineering, Computer Science from University of Wisconsin - Madison and a Bachelor in Civil Engineering from Technische Universität München.
Richard is immediately available full-time for suitable projects.
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Average rates for similar positions
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Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 11 Sep 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
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