Gerlach
InterimConsult
Interim Executive for Transformation, Operations and
Performance Improvement.
I support manufacturing SMEs facing management vacancies, transformation phases, restructuring, and operational special situations – as Managing Director, COO, Plant Manager, Program Lead, or in comparable leadership roles.
About
As an Interim Executive for Transformation, Operations and Performance Improvement, I support companies with more than 30 years of international leadership and hands-on execution experience within industrial organizations.
My focus areas include steering complex change and restructuring programs, plant setup, production relocations, and the sustainable improvement of profitability, performance, and organizational efficiency.
I stand for integrity, loyalty, and execution strength, combined with strong intercultural competence, analytical clarity, and a pronounced practical orientation.
My leadership approach is clear, reliable, and situational: giving people direction, demanding accountability, addressing conflict openly, and keeping organizations capable of action even under pressure.
My independent perspective as an outsider also allows me to break up entrenched structures, sharpen priorities, and translate change effectively into implementation.
For international projects, I am naturally available to my clients as well.
Areas of Expertise
International transformation and operations expertise for efficient production structures, successful change, and sustainable process improvement
Transformation, Operations and
Performance Improvement
-
Leadership of international industrial organizations and production sites in Germany, Mexico, the USA, and Czech Republic
-
Steering and implementation of performance improvement, restructuring, and efficiency programs
-
Optimization of personnel, equipment, and resource deployment
-
Building and establishing transparent KPI and management structures
-
Development and implementation of sustainable process improvements across functions and sites
Setup, Scaling and Transformation
-
Responsible leadership of plant setup and greenfield projects in an international environment
-
Experienced in building viable organizational structures, even with limited management depth
-
Development and implementation of best-practice processes at group level
-
Planning and execution of production relocations and operational realignments
-
Initiation and setup of new business approaches and structures
Restructuring, Taskforce and Special Situations
-
Taking responsibility in critical corporate and turnaround situations
-
Experience in ramp-down, site consolidation, and plant closures
-
Confident communication with clients, employees, works councils, and unions
-
High execution reliability, even under time pressure and complex stakeholder constellations
Leading People, Strengthening Accountability
-
Respectful and fair treatment, even in difficult situations
-
Presence on the shop floor and communication at eye level across all levels
-
Clarity before harmony — open, direct, and solution-oriented
-
Confident handling of conflict, resistance, and performance issues
Applied Artificial Intelligence (AI)
-
Certified Manager for Applied AI Transformation (TÜV certified)
-
Identifying AI potential in processes and organizations
-
Developing AI roadmaps, governance, and accountability structures
-
Effectively engaging employees and leaders
-
Integrating AI sustainably, securely, and in compliance with regulations
Industry and Metal Processing Expertise
-
More than 30 years of experience in industrial environments, a substantial part within the automotive sector
-
Comprehensive process knowledge in metal processing: forging and forming technology, casting (die, gravity, continuous, sand, injection), CNC machining, surface treatment, assembly, and testing
-
„First, the boy will learn something proper!“ Grounded in technical training and academic qualification, this continues to shape my strong hands-on orientation today.
Career Path
My career reflects international leadership responsibility, operational excellence, and reliable execution in transformation, restructuring, and growth situations.
Since 08/25
Owner, Gerlach InterimConsult
11/17 – 07/25
Managing Director, group (DE, CZ, MEX)
6 sites globally;
Approx. €120M revenue, 600 employees
07/13 – 01/17
Managing Director, Mexico
Greenfield setup
Approx. €200M revenue,
0–600 employees
04/10 – 06/13
Plant Manager, Germany
Production, logistics, maintenance
Approx. €150M revenue, 450 employees
01/03 – 03/10
Project Lead, Industrial Engineering, Germany/USA
01/99 – 12/02
Head of Project Management
01/96 – 12/98
Divisional Operations Manager