CO-IMPROVE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Creative Head
Andreas has worked in the automotive industry for 16 years in various positions, most of them in R&D. In addition to his professional expertise, he is a committed leader who believes in empowerment and the power of a working diverse team. His passion is e-mobility. He used to be project manager at a German premium manufacturer.
Customers benefit most from Andreas interdisciplinary thinking and his joy in working with people. As a graduate businessman with extensive experience in R&D, but also in production, strategy and organizational development, he applies various perspectives and knows how to create a big picture. Above all, he is motivated by collaboration on an equal footing. He can adjust well to his counterpart and hits the right tone, whether talking to blue collar workers or board members. He knows that good ideas will only become valuable once they have been implemented.
Andreas is the spontaneous creative head who finds the right way even in turbulent situations and he is always good for a surprise. As a passionate road and mountain biker he fits well into the CO Improve Team. As a happy family man he likes to spend his leisure time with his beloved ones.
After his active career as a helicopter pilot in the German Armed Forces, André has now gained over 12 years of professional experience as a project manager. The focus of the qualified engineer (mechanical engineering) is on the product development process and the process-related improvement of project management, embedded in organisational development and using agile methods.
His main focus is on the defence and aerospace sectors. Here André has led international projects for renowned corporations. In his daily work, he is characterised by his analytical skills and his hands-on mentality in the subsequent implementation. In doing so, he acts in a solution-oriented manner and is always focused on improvement.
In his private life, his profession is also his passion: flying aeroplanes. But he also feels comfortable below sea level. On holiday, he likes to go on exciting dives far below the waterline with an oxygen tank. He likes to experience all this together with his family and finds self-realisation in his own home.
Job Titles:
- Master Student Development Welding Design
Deborah is our technical Swiss Army knife. She completed her Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering with distinction and, as a Product Owner for IoT, gained a lot of experience with the specifics of component development at the interface between hardware, electronics and software. Deborah has laid the foundations for and helped build an IoT ecosystem for intralogistics. She also brings valuable agile experience to the table.
Deborah's clients benefit from her agile mindset, with which she approaches projects with energy and goal orientation. As an empathetic personality with strong communication skills, she quickly understands her clients' needs and is experienced in dealing with complex political situations. Her creativity as a generalist enables her to develop versatile solutions and find tailor-made answers to challenges.
Deborah is known for being very dedicated to her tasks. She always strives to do her best and achieve optimal results. In addition to her technical affinity in the theoretical field, she has a keen interest in the restoration and repair of vehicles, be it the repair of cylinder heads, the renewal of axles or the replacement of clutches. In her spare time, Deborah enjoys concerts and festivals as a true "metalhead" and shares her enthusiasm with the characteristic sign of the horns. She also tries her hand at the odd guitar riff herself.
Job Titles:
- Scientist / Journalism / Expert in Internal Communication ( IHK )
Dirk founded CO Improve in 2012 with the clear vision of combining specialist and consulting expertise with sustainable change management in order to achieve substantially better consulting results. From the very beginning, the consulting professional has focused on a corporate culture in which shared values such as appreciation, trust, fairness and performance orientation are extremely important - this is what the CO Improve team unites and what customers experience in consulting projects. The emergence of agile methods and leadership was an ideal match with the positive attitude to people at CO Improve. Today, CO Improve consulting is considered an agile organization.
In line with his own professional experience and personal interests, he has positioned CO Improve as a consulting boutique for holistic R&D management in manufacturing industries. As a customer, you will benefit from this clear focus and professional change management resulting in - "irreversibly good" results.
Dirk puts structure into complex situations, keeps an eye on the customers objectives and reliably delivers on time. He is an passionate road and mountain bike rider, for whom a 6-day ride across the Alps is not torture but a welcome relaxation. With his first business novel "Reifegrad 3" published in 2017 he proved that innovative R&D management can also be entertaining.
Silvester is an expert in the targeted development of organisations, including the holistic transformation of companies. He specialises in new forms of organisation - such as project organisations, agile organisations and network or swarm organisations - and new forms of work - such as agile project management or new work. Together they enable companies to survive and grow in highly dynamic and complex markets.
His solutions combine economic issues with the human factor, which decisively shapes companies. Silvester is firmly convinced that opportunities - for example through digitalisation - can only be successfully exploited if the personality of the people involved is placed at the centre of economic activity.
He is not only a physicist but also a pioneer of digital innovation. Already during his studies, he founded a company for the development of simulation software in the early nineties. His second start-up used computer simulations for the development of new products and for predicting the impact of a strategy change or innovation on the market success of a company.
Job Titles:
- Manager Strategic Project Management
Frank has around 20 years of consulting experience in senior positions for large companies operating worldwide. His tasks ranged from the conception of organizational models that support both classic and agile project management, to the digital (and agile) transformation of company divisions to vision and strategy development. This included the adaptation of processes, roles and bodies.
He fulfilled these tasks for renowned customers from various industries, e.B. from the automotive, aircraft, energy and craft sectors. His focus is on organizational and strategy development, change management, digital transformation, project and process management as well as the development of human resources and managers.
Job Titles:
- Liaison Officer EJ200 Engine at Rolls - Royce / Head of Department EJ200 Engine in the Air Material Office
- Maintenance Technician Air Transport Squadron 61
Götz has 20 years of consulting experience with a focus on agile transformation, project, process and quality management in product development. He is also a highly experienced and certified Scrum Master (PSM II), Product Owner (PSPO), Certified Business Agility Coach and Certified Agile Requirements Specialist. In his consulting work, the graduate engineer has successfully completed numerous automotive and eMobility projects and accompanied companies on their way to becoming agile organisations.
Hans-Peter started with the design and testing of airbags - from the first draft to the start of series production - and was able to gain extensive experience in component development as well as in international projects such as in the USA and Japan via sales as Key Account Manager Passive Safety Components to vehicle integration of safety-relevant components such as airbags, belt systems and steering wheels.
In the operational as well as strategic area, he was able to deepen his knowledge in further consulting/project management functions in the modularisation of interior and exterior components by means of variant management, complexity/production cost reduction as well as in strategy and organisational development. HP works in a solution- and goal-oriented manner, is flexible, assertive, communicative and has the necessary resilience.
His strong communication skills and the use and formation of necessary/new networks support a quick entry into complex, interdisciplinary as well as international projects. This experience enables him to offer sustainable consulting or project management tailored to your needs.
The topic of speed has always fascinated the passionate hobby racing motorcyclist. He not only wants to know what drives engines, but also what drives people. His own crashes taught him that mindfulness is central on the highway of life. Happily at home in a patchwork family in his second marriage, HP shows ways to keep a balance while conserving resources. He is curious about life, but also shares his knowledge in an entertaining and sustainable way.
Helmut has a degree in engineering and can look back on over 30 years of professional and management experience in aviation and plant engineering. He uses his expertise in the areas of product development, product optimization and project management to support and lead various teams in their challenges with the appropriate methods.
He has always considered his professional training as an aircraft mechanic as the basis of his profound knowledge. Already during his studies he opened a design office for control cabinet construction.
In his projects Helmut realizes again and again how much every success is only created by the interaction of a multifunctional and accepted team. Building such teams, supporting them with the appropriate methodology and then working in a motivated and goal-oriented manner is what drives Helmut.
In his private life, Helmut enjoys hiking with family and friends, preferably in the Allgäu Alps.
Herbert supports companies at all levels during their agile transformation - from building competence to implementation of an agile leadership culture.
His customers benefit from his vast experience acquired during senior leadership positions at Siemens AG, Hewlett Packard and LG Electronics. In addition, the graduated engineer made extensive experience in consulting organizational transformations and change management. He creates high customer value by combining strategic entrepreneurial thinking with results-oriented operational action.
A quick understanding and analytical thinking help him to offer promising solution options in a short time even in complex projects. As a father of six children, he knows what motivates young people today and under which conditions they are willing to achieve top performance. The enthusiastic runner knows endurance from marathons and learned that focussing on the best time is less important than taking the next step.
Job Titles:
- Director of Business Development
The US-born Kathleen joined our team in autumn 2021. As Director of Business Development, she is responsible for maintaining, expanding and generating meaningful customer relationships. When placing newly developed products on the market, Kathleen helps with her deep knowledge of the market landscape, her founded knowledge of market developments and her excellent communication skills.
Her way of working is characterised by appreciative employee management, high customer orientation as well as fairness and trust towards her business partners. Her openness and goal-driven working ethic are appreciated not only by us but also by her clients.
Both in her private life and at work, the "family-oriented Kathleen" always has a positive attitude and a contagious enthusiasm. In short: In addition to her American pragmatism, she inspires with Italian temperament and Irish fighting spirit. Conclusion: You must get to know Kathleen!
Job Titles:
- HR - Management & Backoffice
Kristina is our CO Improve HR manager. She laid her foundation in HR management during her business studies at the Fresenius University of Applied Sciences and has extensive practical experience, including at a large medical technology manufacturer and a timber merchant operating throughout Germany.
Kristina attaches great importance to putting people at the centre, which she demonstrates on a daily basis in HR and back office management. Her friendly, empathetic and appreciative manner is valued by applicants, colleagues and customers alike.
In her free time, she is a passionate cook and enjoys sharing her inspirations and culinary creations with her colleagues. She also loves hiking in the mountains with her family and always sets herself ambitious goals.
Lea establishes agile ways of working for our customers among employees and executives, sets up agile pilot projects and coaches transformation teams. Her focus is on the identification of needs and the implementation of changes in the corporate culture. In addition, she analyzes and identifies potential for improvement in product development processes and focuses on process optimization, efficiency and effectiveness improvement and the implementation of standards.
She holds a master's degree in European Ethnology and aquired an exceptional background during a bachelor's program, including subjects of philosophy, communication and gender studies. During her involvement in agile transformations, she gained insights into the challenges in the event of change with regard to employees and managers.
Lea impresses with her authenticity, brings a great deal of empathy to her work and is always solution-oriented. Privatly, she has a taste for cultural and city trips. While others relax in forest runs, she can easily run a book marathon or enjoy her electric guitar to make the radio superfluous for her neighbours.
Job Titles:
- Certified SAFe 5.0 Program Consultant
Job Titles:
- Director Organizational Development Europe / Director Human Resources Europe
Marcel advises customers with his experience as a driving force in the introduction of CAx / PDM applications and methods in product development processes. He is familiar with the challenges that lurk on the path to implementation and manages to turn them into solutions together with the customer. He places a special focus on the area of digitalisation in product development.
Working partners benefit from his project experience, especially in the automotive, aerospace and plant engineering sectors. His pragmatic approach is appreciated. He always has the implementation of the project and the goal of the solution in mind.
Due to his extremely high motivation, his solution-oriented way of working and his methodical know-how in CAx / PDM tools, he is able to quickly familiarise himself with new topics and to demonstrate solutions for the customer. Marcel is not only an indispensable employee for customers, but also in his team. Marcel finds relaxation in mountain biking, skiing and in the nature of the beautiful Rhön. Here he finds peace and new impulses for his everyday work.
Marten advises customers with his experience as an agile coach on the introduction of agile methods and new product development processes. In doing so, he knows the pitfalls that lurk along the way of implementation and finds creative work arounds for them together with the customer. He places a special focus on the area of digitalization in product development.
Working partners benefit from his project experience, especially in the automotive and plant engineering sectors. His pragmatic pushing the limits approach is appreciated when it comes to achieve tangible results in projects.
Due to his extremely high performance motivation, his solution-oriented way of working and his high willingness to hang in, Marten is an indispensable employee not only for customers but also for his team. The former world class athlete seeks balance in strength and endurance sports. Here he finds peace and new ideas for everyday work.
Job Titles:
- Controlling & Backofficemanagement
Job Titles:
- Marketing Manager
- CO Improve As a Marketing Specialist
Oliver joined CO Improve as a marketing specialist since 2020 and takes care of text, design and our online presence as well as campaign planning. In addition, he works with our marketing team to research the market and supervise our social media and PR activities.
He benefits from many years of journalistic work at various daily newspapers and leading positions at national radio stations, he worked for after his studies at the German Sports University in Cologne. In addition to many projects for the automotive industry, he also has extensive experience with the world's leading IT manufacturers.
He is a creative head, a powerhouse of motivation and impresses with excellent communication skills. Our north german born enjoys experiencing his limits at the tennis court during training or competition. Otherwise, spare time is reserved for his family.
Ralf advises clients based on his many years of experience in various leadership positions in product development and staff functions at global players - whether it is the implementation of strategic topics, the creation of global or local structures or simply projects - have to be brought back on track.
Working partners benefit from his ability to build bridges between a wide range of perspectives. From the board member to the production employee or from visionary marketing specialists to hardcore developers, the focus is always on the feasibility and the optimum for the customer. He is curious, highly interested in technology and has a faible for emotional products and people making them happen. Therefore, soft factors play a vital role in his consulting work.
The father of two teenage sons is an avid skier and motorcyclist. He also likes to combine these hobbies with his third passion - travelling. Whether exploring distant countries and cultures with his family and backpacks or a taking a leisure trip with the camper over the weekend, here or during a relaxing run he recharges his batteries and gains new ideas.
Robert has initial experience in classic project management of interdisciplinary, national and international product development projects and understands the challenges that arise. But he is just as passionate about agile working methods. His recipe for success is to focus on people. It is important to him that different cultures from different countries are treated very carefully in order to bring together a high-performance team. Robert impresses with his open nature and empathy. Both help him to put himself in other people's shoes.
He has a degree in materials engineering and has developed a passion for metallurgical processes, including semiconductor processes. He always looks forward to new things, because he has never stopped learning, even after completing his Master's degree. Other great strengths are quickly familiarising himself with complex topics and putting the results he has worked out into operational practice.
Cooking shows do not motivate Robert to turn on the TV. Nevertheless, the Westphalian is an enthusiastic wizard at the cooker: his favourite meals range from roasts to Hungarian goulash to fancy curry dishes. Robert is close to nature and even if you wouldn't guess it, even hours of hiking don't cause sore muscles. After a busy day, he can relax with a good book.
At CO Improve, Torsten focuses on product creation and quality management. Customers from mechanical and plant engineering, agricultural technology, electronics and information technology benefit from his wealth of experience as well as automotive suppliers.
The graduate engineer for technical physics, who also holds an MBA, has developed his knowledge on various fronts: on one hand, he worked as a mechanic, quality and project manager for several medium-sized companies. On the other hand, he is a certified auditor/accessor and a management consultant. In doing so, he has successfully completed more than 50 consulting projects in more than 20 companies.