Managing Directors in Frankfurt
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Meet FRATCH Managing Directors in Frankfurt
Tobias Pitz
Last position:
Interim Product Manager – Digital Office Organization at eurodata AG / ETL
Goal:
- Stabilize and realign a central software platform for digital office processes and restore solid product and delivery management.
Tasks & responsibility:
- Took over product and project management during a critical development phase
- Sharpened product vision, target picture, roadmap, and prioritized product capabilities
- Analyzed user needs, processes, system dependencies, and operational pain points
- Reorganized and prioritized backlog, releases, and work packages based on customer value and delivery risk
- Cross-functional leadership of engineering, product owners, scrum masters, architecture, business units, and operations
- Introduced reliable planning, decision-making, reporting, and escalation structures
- Moderated discovery, refinement, planning, and decision workshops
- Managed scope, risks, dependencies, and stakeholder expectations in a complex product environment
Result:
- Sharpened product vision and roadmap, stabilized delivery structures, and sustainably improved management and decision-making capabilities.
Saqib Javed
Last position:
AI Developer / AI Engineer (Lead) at KOM4TEC GmbH
- Conceptual design and implementation of modular AI assistants for sales and business processes in the Microsoft ecosystem (Agentic AI, Copilot extensions)
- Frontend architecture and development with React + TypeScript for embedded chat and assistant surfaces (streaming UI, hooks, React Query, OpenAPI clients)
- Enterprise-level agent development: reusable skill/agent library, MCP server, review and compliance gates
- LLM integration into the user experience: Anthropic (Claude), OpenAI, tool use, RAG pipelines, prompt engineering, guardrails
- Architecture and code review consulting as well as mentoring in the AI development team
- Integration with Microsoft Graph, Power Platform, and Azure services
- Technologies: React, TypeScript, Anthropic Claude, OpenAI, MCP, RAG, Microsoft Graph, Power Platform, Azure
Thomas Hühne
Last position:
Project Manager & Senior Business Analyst at HSBC INKA
KVG Carve-Out – Project Manager for Workstream Compliance, Legal, Front Office & Audit
- Responsible for project management of the workstream incl. planning, tracking, dependency management, and decision preparation
- Structured the target process landscape after the carve-out; facilitated workshops to define roles and interfaces with Compliance, Legal, Front Office, and Audit
- Created policies & guidelines for investment processes; ensured audit-ready documentation and coordinated cross-functional stakeholders
- Coordinated dependencies and deliveries between workstreams; reported to project lead and SteerCo
Steffen Eschinger
Last position:
Domain Lead FI, CO, HR, Investor Relations at Douglas Group
- Process Owner SAP ERP 8 FI, CO & Investor Relations
- Process Owner SAP Success Factors
- Responsible for 4 teams, 39 FTE
- Full responsibility for end-to-end processes in SAP for Finance, Controlling, HR, Investor Relations
- Interface to certified public accountants for Finance IT (KPMG)
- ITIL-4 implementation for service request change request and project management with Service Now (Project Manager)
Marcus Niebudek
Last position:
Founder and Managing Director at DR. NIEBUDEK CONSULTING GmbH
- Business consulting, interim management, and coaching
- Independent acquisition and delivery of consulting projects in the areas of strategy & innovation, processes, organization, and business transformation
Christian Gasche
Last position:
Freelance Journalist at Adel & Link GmbH & Co. KG
- Wrote specialist articles on management consulting, digitalization and IT topics
Markus Kollers
Last position:
Founder & Managing Director at Qrafto UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
- Founding and overall responsibility: Built a B2B SaaS platform for craft and construction businesses from the first line of code to the live launch with the first paying customer; solo founding including full establishment of the company and all business processes.
- Product and technology responsibility: Designed and developed the entire product.
- Infrastructure & DevOps: Managed a Kubernetes/Helm environment including CI/CD, monitoring, and security architecture; GDPR-compliant platform decisions and evaluation of EU-hosted LLM providers.
- Agentic coding as a productivity multiplier: Set up a productive multi-agent environment with Claude Code: up to eight parallel agents in isolated Git worktrees, Telegram-based remote control and monitoring, MCP integrations (e.g., Context7, Playwright for E2E tests), and a builder-critic pattern with custom slash commands (/research, /plan) and compressed project contexts. Result: development throughput on par with a small team while working solo.
- Go-to-market: Independently developed positioning, SEO and direct mail playbook, as well as target group analysis.
- Regulation & finance: Implemented e-invoicing requirements (ZUGFeRD/XRechnung), set up accounting and payment infrastructure, and managed funding and financing options.
Ulf Schiebener
Last position:
Innovation Manager at Claas
- Steer innovation projects for AI-based systems, focusing on plant detection technology for agricultural applications.
- Champion digital transformation initiatives within software departments, advocating for Agile methodologies and Scrum-based workflows.
- Analyze and optimize team infrastructure, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and strategic development.
- Pioneered integration of AI technology in agricultural equipment, significantly advancing precision farming techniques.
- Designed a cloud-based dashboard platform, facilitating real-time data access and decision-making for field management.
- Developed camera-based GPS systems for tractors, enhancing field analysis capabilities.
- Created and implemented AI interfaces for pre-processing image data, ensuring seamless statistics delivery to the cloud via LTE.
- Innovated cloud-based dashboard platforms, introducing cutting-edge technology concepts and coordinating cross-functional teams to execute project visions.
Fabrizio Di Carlo
Last position:
Managing Director at ContrailRisks Germany
- Founded and lead a cybersecurity advisory firm focused on virtual CISO services for financial, SaaS, and critical infrastructure clients.
- Advise executive teams on cyber risk, regulatory compliance (DORA, NIS2, ISO 27001), and incident preparedness.
- Built and executed security programs from scratch, driving measurable maturity improvements.
- Delivered tailored risk assessments, policies, and cloud security guidance (AWS, Azure).
- Scaled the business through client acquisition, partnerships (Vanta, AWS, etc), and a network of senior consultants.
Arne Hook
Last position:
Managing Director at HebRech GmbH & Co.KG
Restructuring the company in a challenging market environment while facing a decline in customers
Introducing clear processes, optimizing workflows, implementing financial guidelines and compliance from the corporate group
Setting up marketing automation for existing customers to curb customer loss
Building an active sales channel for additional services such as the telematics infrastructure
Establishing and launching an agile development process
Merging the Munich site (MUC Vorhammer GmbH) into HebRech GmbH & Co. KG to improve efficiencies
Developing and launching a cloud-based documentation software for midwives
Gabriel Kruppa
Last position:
Studio Management, Production Management, Directing, Project Management at Financial Services
- Concept and technical planning of an internal corporate studio
- Negotiations with necessary internal departments
- Purchasing of technical equipment and licenses
- Set-up and implementation of an operating concept
- Regular production management and directing in cooperation with external event technicians
Knut Michelberger
Last position:
Managing Director & CFO (ad interim) at 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
Olga Laukart
Last position:
CEO at AssuranceLab UG
- Design, implementation, and testing of internal control systems / US SOX
- Consulting and compliance
Oliver Gerrits
Last position:
Lecturer (Master's Programs) at Macromedia University of Applied Sciences
- Design and delivery of courses in master's programs
- Teaching practical content at the intersection of strategy, brand, and management
- Supervising project work and practice-oriented case studies
- Teaching focus: Customer Experience Management; Strategic Marketing & Brand Management; Project Management; Presentation and decision preparation
- Strong practical relevance with real company examples
Dirk Lohberg
Last position:
Owner, Managing Partner at rao – Way to Excellence
- Build up my own company from scratch (Brand, CI, Sales Funnel)
- Acquisition of new customers
- Concluding framework agreements
- Establishment of new service offerings like Outplacement consulting, filling vacancies with lawyers, tax consultants and auditors, consulting in mental health / wellbeing, strategic consulting
- Market and competition analyses
- Presentations & workshops (Employer Branding)
Discover over 15,000 top freelancers
Managing Directors statistics
Aggregated from the professional profiles of matched freelancers.
Experience
23 years (Germany: 24 years)
Position duration
4.5 years (Germany: 4.1 years)
Positions per freelancer
12 (Germany: 11)
Top business areas
Information Technology, Operations, Project Management
Top industries
Information Technology, Professional Services, Banking and Finance
Certification focus areas
Project Management, Information Technology, Quality Assurance
Bachelor's degree or higher
93% (Germany: 87%)
Master's degree or higher
48% (Germany: 54%)
Doctorate
7% (Germany: 12%)
Certifications per freelancer
2 (Germany: 3)
Most common languages
English, German, French
Speak two or more languages
100% (Germany: 95%)
Based on our profile pool as of 27 Aug 2026.
Daily rate distribution
The chart shows how the daily rates of freelancers in this role in Frankfurt are distributed, based on recent contracts on our platform. Each bar covers a rate range — its height shows how many freelancers charge within that range.
Average rates for Managing Directors in Frankfurt
Rates are based on recent contracts and do not include FRATCH margin.
The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.
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 27 Aug 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
About the role
What they do
A managing director takes full ownership of a business unit, country operation, or company setup. In freelance work, they are often brought in to steady leadership, bridge a vacancy, or move a critical agenda forward.
- Set direction, priorities, and operating cadence
- Lead finance, sales, operations, and key functions
- Align management, board, owners, and external partners
- Drive change, restructuring, or growth programs
- Keep performance visible and decisions moving
When to bring one in
Companies hire a freelance managing director when leadership cannot wait for a long permanent search. This is common during transitions, rapid growth, integration after an acquisition, or when a local market needs stronger control.
In Frankfurt, demand often comes from finance, professional services, logistics, industrial groups, and international subsidiaries that need a senior leader who can work across German and English. Some clients want a hands-on interim managing director; others look for a general manager or country manager with the same level of accountability.
Core skills
A strong candidate combines strategic thinking with day-to-day execution. They need credibility with executives and teams, but also enough structure to run the business cleanly.
- P&L ownership and budget control
- Change management and organizational leadership
- Commercial focus across sales and customer relations
- Experience with restructuring, scaling, or market entry
- Strong communication with boards, investors, and works councils where relevant
Typical deliverables
The right managing director does not just advise. They make decisions, create alignment, and leave the organization in a clearer state than they found it.
Common deliverables include leadership assessment, an action plan for the first phase, revised reporting lines, turnaround measures, partner negotiations, and a stable management rhythm. In many cases, they also prepare the handover to a permanent leader or support the search for one.
Tools and context
Managing directors work with the tools that keep the business measurable and steerable. That often means financial reports, KPI dashboards, CRM and ERP systems, project plans, and board materials.
Their scope varies by industry and situation. One assignment may focus on a subsidiary in Germany, another on a product launch, a factory footprint, or an office in Frankfurt that needs closer cross-border coordination. The best freelancers adapt quickly and keep the focus on outcomes, not titles.
What good looks like
A strong managing director is decisive, visible, and practical. They understand when to step in deeply and when to delegate.
They are good at:
- building trust fast
- making tough calls without losing the team
- translating strategy into clear actions
- handling sensitive stakeholders with care
- keeping momentum during periods of uncertainty
For hiring companies, the key is not just seniority. It is proven judgment, calm leadership, and the ability to deliver in a real business setting.
Frequently asked questions
Key details about Managing Directors, drawn from the questions we get asked most.
A Managing Director takes responsibility for the business as a whole or for a major part of it. That can include P&L ownership, team leadership, stakeholder management, and delivery of a turnaround, growth plan, or restructuring. In freelance form, the role is usually focused on a clear business situation rather than long-term hierarchy.
A freelance managing director makes sense when leadership is needed now and the company cannot wait for a full search. This is common during a vacancy, a founder transition, a crisis, or a market change that needs immediate control. It also helps when the company wants an experienced leader without committing to a permanent structure too early.
Look for strong commercial judgment, financial control, and the ability to lead managers through change. A solid Managing Director also needs board-level communication, clear decision-making, and enough operational depth to understand what is happening day to day. Industry knowledge helps, but execution skills matter more.
Not always, but the roles can overlap. A managing director usually carries the broadest accountability and often has formal legal or executive responsibility, while a general manager or country manager may focus on a specific market or unit. The right title depends on the company structure and the scope of authority.
In Frankfurt, the role often sits between local teams, German-speaking stakeholders, and international leadership. A freelance managing director may work on-site for key meetings and then handle planning, reporting, and follow-up remotely. That mix is useful when speed matters and the company needs both presence and flexibility.
Expect a fast review of the situation, a clear action plan, and visible priorities for the management team. A Managing Director may also refine reporting, set up weekly leadership routines, and address urgent issues in sales, operations, or finance. The output should be practical and easy to act on.
Check for evidence of similar situations, not just senior titles. A strong candidate can explain how they handled change, built alignment, and improved performance without hiding behind theory. References should confirm that the Managing Director was trusted by leadership and effective with teams.
Freelance managing director work is usually intense, visible, and politically sensitive. A good assignment gives clear authority, access to data, and direct contact with decision-makers. It also requires discipline, because the role is judged by business impact, not by long onboarding or internal comfort.
The average hourly rate for Managing Directors in Frankfurt is 121 €, which corresponds to a daily rate of about 965 € based on an 8-hour working day.
Of the freelancers working as Managing Directors in Frankfurt, 93% hold at least a Bachelor's degree, 48% hold at least a Master's degree, and 7% hold a doctorate.
On average, freelancers working as Managing Directors in Frankfurt have 23 years of professional experience, with a single engagement typically lasting around 4.5 years.
The most common languages among freelancers working as Managing Directors in Frankfurt are English (100%), German (97%), and French (36%).
The most common industries among freelancers working as Managing Directors in Frankfurt are Information Technology (78%), Professional Services (67%), and Banking and Finance (50%).
The most common business areas among freelancers working as Managing Directors in Frankfurt are Information Technology (67%), Operations (61%), and Project Management (61%).
FRATCH Managing Directors main locations
Our freelancers and interim experts are at home across the DACH region — available on-site in the major business hubs or fully remote. Choose a location to discover matched specialists, local market insights and up-to-date availability.
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Get in touch with the FRATCH team and we will get back to you within 4 hours.
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We always have the time for a call or email!
Philipp Thomaschewski
FRATCH CEO
