Thomas Giehl Email & Phone Number

North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Köln, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Deutschland

Karlsruhe, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Head of Project Management, dm-drogerie markt GmbH + Co. KGIn my role as the Head of Project Management at dm-drogerie markt GmbH + Co. KG, I held a pivotal position in the logistics branch of the company. I was entrusted with the responsibility for our Project Management Office (PMO) and leading a team of project managers across various distribution centers and headquarters.My responsibilities spanned a wide range of projects, from establishing new distribution centers and defining operational strategies to business process reengineering and enhancements. Each project is approached with a strategic mindset and a focus on efficiency and effectiveness. The solutions implemented range from robotics and AI tools to streamlined, re-engineered business processes.Under my leadership, the PMO office became a hub for innovation, change management and strategic thinking, driving significant improvements in our logistics operations and contributing to the overall growth and success of dm-drogerie markt GmbH + Co. KG.

Zeughausstr. 24, 50667 Köln

Company Overview: TONGER - Haus der Musik, founded in 1822, is one of the oldest music stores worldwide and one of Europe’s leading sheet music resellers. With a rich history and a broad reach, TONGER has served almost every renowned European Orchestra and classical music customers globally.Role and Accomplishments: As the Managing Director, you played a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing the company’s reputation in the music industry. Your leadership ensured the smooth operation of several stores across Germany, catering to a diverse range of customers from individual music enthusiasts to prestigious orchestras. Your strategic vision and management skills have been instrumental in upholding TONGER’s legacy as a trusted source of sheet music for nearly two centuries.

Global

Leveraging my entrepreneurial spirit, I established TGI Consulting, a freelance consultancy specializing in: Information Technology: Guided businesses in leveraging technology to streamline operations and drive growth. Business Processes: Assisted organizations in optimizing their business processes for efficiency and effectiveness. Retail Solutions: Provided innovative solutions tailored to the unique needs of the retail industry.In each of these areas, I applied my strategic vision to deliver solutions that met client needs and drove their success. My role involved not just consulting, but also leading and making key decisions that had a significant impact on the businesses I worked with.

Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Pole Leader for Information Management (EMEA & India) & Director of Global Enterprise ApplicationsThis role is a follow up from my EMEA CIO role in the renamed company, which expanded to Global Support & Development Responsibility.In this role, I held P&L responsibility for all IT activities across Europe, Middle East, Africa, and India, encompassing 5 plants and 10 major offices. My responsibilities extended to the full spectrum of operations, management, support, and development of all Global Enterprise Applications.Key areas of focus included: Business Process Management: Leveraged Lean Six Sigma methodologies to streamline processes and drive efficiency. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Solutions: Oversaw the operation and management of internal business process tools and ERP solutions such as SAP ERP6, BI, Vignette, etc. Software Contracts & Strategy: Managed global software contracts and strategized for PC applications including Windows, Office, Exchange, etc. Customer/Vendor Facing Applications: Responsible for customer/vendor facing applications like Web Order Center, Supplier portals and the operation of the marketing web presence.Major Achievements: Successfully integrated diverse company cultures into a unified global organization. Established global operations and execution teams. Set up an offshore development center in India. Standardized support & development processes while reducing costs and improving service levels. Led the consolidation and rollout of various SAP instances in China, India, and globally.

Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

As the CIO for GE Advanced Materials in EMEA, I was responsible for IT Operations, Applications, and Support across Europe, Eastern Europe, Africa, Middle East, and India. This role encompassed oversight of 6 major plants and research facilities, along with various tollers and distribution sites.My approach to IT management was built on three pillars to ensure optimal delivery for the business: Center of Excellence (CoE): A team of process and IT experts, with a strong emphasis on business process expertise. Project Management Office (PMO): Responsible for coordinated project management across various business projects. Infrastructure Team: Managed network, servers, and data centers to ensure proper service delivery.All processes were aligned with ITIL standards.Technologies Managed: SAP 4.6b, 3.1c MS BackOffice infrastructure (Exchange, MS file and print and desktop OS including office applications) VMware consolidated server landscape MPLS Network Telecommunication Services (PBX, VoIP, mobile and mobile connect) Linux Server and IBM Server EnvironmentsThis role allowed me to leverage my expertise in Lean Six Sigma methodologies for Business Process Management and my technical skills to drive significant improvements in IT operations and business processes across the organization.

Hannover-Braunschweig-Göttingen-Wolfsburg Region

In the role of Sales Integration Leader at GE Money Bank, I was responsible for integrating the sales unit of Allbank AG Germany, which was acquired in 2003, into GE Money’s concept and infrastructure. This comprehensive integration process included sales personnel, all branches, and systems.Major Achievement: Successfully established the most modern branch infrastructure within Germany’s Banking Industry.This role required a strategic approach to integration and a deep understanding of both organizations’ structures and systems. The successful integration of Allbank AG into GE Money’s infrastructure is a testament to my leadership skills and ability to navigate complex business transformations.

Hannover-Braunschweig-Göttingen-Wolfsburg Region

Responsibilities: Managed the sourcing department of GE Money Bank Germany, leading the indirect sourcing team and overseeing the introduction of eSourcing tools in the organization, such as Oracle OSS and eAuction.Major Achievement: Transformed a traditional sourcing department into a modern organization that effectively utilizes eTools and new information sources, combined with classic negotiation skills. This change has significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the department.

Paris, Île-De-France, France And Sunbury, London, Uk

In my role at GE GXS, I spearheaded the eBusiness initiative for Global Exchange Services EMEA, implementing various external supply chain networks to establish electronic trade between B2B customers. This involved integrating new services into regular marketing functions, demonstrating my ability to lead strategic initiatives and drive innovation.As the leader of the internal IT team and the Six Sigma quality team in EMEA, I successfully merged these two key functions into one efficient department. This required strategic decision-making and effective leadership to ensure a smooth transition and improved operational efficiency.I am also a certified Master Black Belt, further demonstrating my commitment to quality and continuous improvement.One of my major achievements in this role was adapting our products and services to better meet market needs. This strategic shift, coupled with the successful merger of the Quality and IT Department, significantly enhanced our business operations.In addition to my primary role, I undertook side assignments at GE Compunet Germany as NPI Director, where I built a GXS-like product development model. I also conducted due diligence for a potential acquisition, showcasing my versatility and ability to contribute to diverse business areas.

Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

As an eBusiness Consultant at GE GXS, I utilized my expertise in internet technologies to provide strategic guidance and solutions. My role involved understanding the unique needs of our clients and leveraging cutting-edge technology to drive their business success.In addition to my consulting role, I also held a Black Belt certification, which allowed me to lead quality improvement initiatives within the organization. This dual role showcased my ability to balance strategic business consulting with a commitment to operational excellence.

In my role as Sales and Project Manager at CHG Systemhaus GmbH, I was responsible for managing the sales of hardware and software solutions for a system integrator. This role required a deep understanding of our product offerings and the ability to effectively communicate their value to potential clients.In addition to sales, I also managed projects, ensuring that our solutions were effectively integrated into our clients’ systems. This required strong leadership skills, meticulous planning, and the ability to work closely with both our team and our clients.

I began my journey with ESCOM AG as a technician while still pursuing my university studies. My dedication and technical acumen quickly led to my promotion to the role of Technical Manager, where I was entrusted with overseeing all branch operations.In this leadership role, I spearheaded the establishment of a B2B sales department within ESCOM AG. This initiative not only diversified our service offerings but also significantly contributed to the company’s growth and market presence.My tenure at ESCOM AG has been marked by a continuous pursuit of technical excellence, strategic sales initiatives, and effective team management, all of which have been instrumental in driving the company’s success.

Master Black Belt, Six Sigma

Six Sigma Green and Black Belt Programme, incl. Certification in the area for Buisness Process Improvement and Reorganisation

Vordiplom, Quantum Electro Dynamics

Dipl. Physiker university path (Diploma II)

University Qualification, College For Information Technology

Automation Technitian