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PatrickSchmid

Interim: AI rollout and change projects

I take on program leadership for a limited time when technology, organization, and people are all in motion at once and a company has to reposition itself quickly.

More than 20 years of experience in media, automotive, consulting, and esports: vice president (8 countries, 30+ employees, P&L), reorganization of a global corporate communications function, corporate consulting on AI-supported personalization.

First clarify the situation, then implement in stages with those involved. I enable leaders and teams myself, as a trainer and coach.

Patrick Schmid in a blazer, standing in an office building

When I am brought in

  1. The AI rollout is not making progress: individuals use tools, but an overview, rules, and productive use cases are missing.

    What I take onTaking stock of the current state, selection and steering of use cases through to the productive process, training, governance.

  2. Departments work alongside one another without connecting: responsibilities and the paths for decisions and information are unclear.

    What I take onAnalysis and realignment of structure and communication paths (Viable System Model), implementation with the leaders.

  3. The change hinges on leadership: it is not backed uniformly.

    What I take onAlignment within the leadership team, coaching of individual leaders, development program, agile ways of working.

  4. The business model is coming under pressure, including from AI, or the company has to reposition itself after an acquisition.

    What I take onClarify the situation, develop options and decision papers, lead and communicate the restructuring in stages.

Interim profile

Role
Interim program lead for AI rollout and change projects
Area of operation
DACH region and international; on site as needed, more often at the start
Languages
German (first language), English (C2), Spanish (native language, business level B2)

Mandates and projects

  1. AI Transformation (mandate)

    Digitalization service provider for the furniture industry, around 50 employees

    Starting point
    No AI in use, fear of job cuts, future of the business model uncertain.
    Assignment
    Overall responsibility for the AI program, trainings, and leadership development.
    Approach
    Involved everyone concerned, three use-case teams with a clear path into the productive process, trainings and leadership coaching in parallel, architecture developed together with the CTO.
    Result
    Around 70% of employees use AI, two new service models based on existing data, processes significantly accelerated.

  2. Vice President of Communications (interim, reorganization)

    ESL (Turtle Entertainment), Cologne · 04/2018–11/2018 · esports company operating worldwide, reporting line to the Chief Marketing Officer

    Starting point
    Communications spread across individuals, crises escalated to executive management without a briefing.
    Assignment
    Reorganization of all global corporate communications functions as part of a reorganization and brand refresh.
    Approach
    Built a global HQ unit, aligned the regional companies in a matrix, led six direct reports, introduced crisis processes, guidelines, and editorial planning.
    Result
    Reorganization completed in eight months, with responsibility for budget, strategy, and operations. In its reference letter, the company expressed regret that I did not stay on in a permanent position.

  3. Principal Consultant, Data-driven Marketing

    Smart Digital for Volkswagen AG · 01/2017–03/2018

    Starting point
    Building data-driven customer communication in group marketing, with GDPR implementation by the deadline running in parallel.
    Assignment
    Strategic consulting on customer interaction, data-driven marketing, and AI-supported personalization; parts of the group-wide GDPR project.
    Approach
    In teams of several consultants, prepared use cases for management, tested their effect in A/B tests, reported status to committees.
    Result
    In A/B tests, regularly 20–35% more conversion in German vehicle campaigns.

  4. Private Lounge project and digital multi-brand strategy

    Mercedes-AMG · 12/2018–11/2023 · functional lead for the digital experience of AMG, Maybach, and G-Class

    Starting point
    Customer platform was purely a forum, no cross-brand responsibility for how the top-end brands were presented digitally.
    Assignment
    Design and implementation of the new digital customer experience platform, later initiatives for the digital multi-brand strategy.
    Approach
    Rebuilt the platform with a layered model (visitors, fans, customers, VIP), steered teams from Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Benz AG, and service providers without line authority.
    Result
    Registrations worldwide up from 30,000 to more than 110,000 in three years, around 30% longer usage time.

  5. Vice President

    Purch (Tom's Hardware) · 01/2011–12/2016 · US media company with more than $100 million in revenue, reporting line to the COO

    Starting point
    Online magazine with a pure advertising business, country editorial teams working in parallel after an acquisition.
    Assignment
    Product, marketing, and editorial teams in eight countries with more than 30 employees and P&L responsibility.
    Approach
    Shifted the business from content to content plus services, introduced agile methods, distributed subject-matter leadership across the countries by strengths.
    Result
    +30% revenue growth in 36 months through innovative business models; all four key accounts (AMD, Intel, MSI, Samsung) above target.

Career path, education, and certificates are listed under Career.References on request.

Availability and profile on request

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