Dr. Florian Schmidt Portrait

Dr. Florian Schmidt

International Tech Executive
Scaling R&D • Strategic P&L Leadership • Global Tech Transformation

I combine deep technological expertise (Dr.-Ing. Software Engineering) with operational P&L leadership and strong intercultural competence. I specialize in the digital and business transformation of global R&D portfolios, turning complex organizations into profitable 'Delivery Machines'.

Executive Core

Bridging the gap between Tech Vision and Commercial Growth by establishing high-performance delivery cultures.

Corporate Turnaround

Managing high double-digit million P&Ls. Focused on post-merger integration and restructuring R&D-driven business units for long-term scalability.

Tech-Industrialization

Transforming complex R&D silos into automated "Delivery Machines". Implementing operational excellence through standardization and radical overhead reduction.

Global Scaling

Hands-on P&L experience building global tech hubs from scratch. Leveraging deep intercultural experience from 3+ years in China and US-DE corporate matrix environments.

Experience Track Record

2024 – 2026 UL Solutions

P&L Turnaround & Post-Merger Integration

General Manager Software Intensive Systems (Erlangen / US)

Orchestrated the integration of acquired R&D entities into a cohesive global division (approx. 400 HC). Executed a strategic shift from legacy consulting to high-margin tech services, navigating a complex US-DE corporate matrix while increasing operational efficiency.

2014 – 2024 Elektrobit

Agile Transformation & Market Expansion

Chief of Staff / Head of Connectivity / CC Director China

Drove strategic transformation and go-to-market initiatives. Scaled the Asian business unit from near-zero to double-digit million revenue over 3 years in Shanghai. Transformed stagnant R&D units into flagship agile organizations delivering to global Tier-1 OEMs.

2022 – 2022 Webasto SE

Global R&D Consolidation

Vice President Global R&D EE (Stockdorf)

Consolidation of decentralized electronics & software engineers (approx. 600 HC) to mitigate the global supply chain crisis. Massive complexity reduction through hardware harmonization and establishment of a scalable Global Tech Center in Pune, India.

Leadership Philosophy

Enablement & Structure

I establish clear technical guardrails (Automation, CI/CD) to break micromanagement cycles. Structure is not bureaucracy; it is the backbone of speed and end-to-end responsibility.

Radical Candor

I discuss architectures at eye-level with engineers while defending hard business cases at board level. Pragmatic, transparent communication is the key to sustainable transformation.

Intercultural Synergy

Scaling global teams requires more than tools. I proactively resolve cultural friction (US-DE, CN-DE) to turn diversity into a tangible commercial advantage and faster time-to-market.

Ready to discuss your next transformation?

I am available for leadership mandates and business transformation roles in the international tech domain (GM / VP).

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