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I held various management positions at the aircraft group Airbus, at the tool manufacturer Hilti and most recently as CEO of Siematic, creating high-class kitchens. I studied business in Hamburg, London, Harvard and ETH Zurich.

As the CEO of HanseYachts AG, the world’s second largest manufacturer of series-produced sailing yachts and also one of the largest manufacturers of motor yachts, my objective is to transform the company.

What is the #1 reason why you joined AURELIUS?

To manage a challenging task in an utterly favourable environment: Unlike what one would expect from private equity, alongside its impressive professionalism, AURELIUS has a people-focused approach which can be felt in a portfolio company as well.

Describe your job

In my role, I take the overall responsibility for Hanse Yachts. I’m passionate about being in charge for the company’s fortunes in order to have a real impact.

Best thing about AURELIUS

Operational excellence is the core driver. It’s really about numbers, data, facts and the best ideas. You have a lot of freedom whilst also getting the support you need.

Personal statement

It is a real pleasure to have such an impact with my own work and to lead a company with like-minded people based on a values-based management model and an appreciative corporate culture.

It is a real pleasure to create so much impact in my job.

I am the founder and Managing Partner of Better Taste Holding GmbH which joined the AURELIUS portfolio in 2018.

As Managing Partner of Better Taste Holding, I am responsible for the operational business, but also for strategic development together with the AURELIUS team. This means I am close to our business area and constantly on the road at events, while also being involved in all other developments. This is exactly the right mix and is only possible with the support of a strong team around me.

What is the #1 reason why you joined AURELIUS?

Together with AURELIUS, I have been able to develop the company not only organically but also inorganically – something which would have not been possible on our own.

Describe your job

My everyday tasks vary quite a lot, starting from managing daily business, constantly communicating with the team, collaborating very closely with AURELIUS as an investor, through to implementing new business ideas.

Best thing about AURELIUS

In our partnership with AURELIUS, everyone respects and appreciates each other, even if we occasionally have different ideas. This is how we move the company forward.

Personal statement

I enjoy my work so much that I have never set limits here.

AURELIUS means full responsibility from day one.

Since 2019 I have been the CEO of BMC-Benelux and am passionate about the construction industry and the builders merchants business. Prior to this, I was CEO at the Grafton Group, an international building materials merchants group. Before that, I was a Commercial Director at Lecot-Raedschelders. I hold a BA in Marketing and Sales from the HOWEST Hogeschool West-Vlaanderen.

As CEO of BMC–Benelux, I spend most of my time improving the current organisation whilst growing the business through a mixture of organic growth initiatives and acquisitions.

What is the #1 reason why you joined AURELIUS?

Although I initially lacked experience with the private equity industry, I soon realised that the no-nonsense approach taken by AURELIUS fitted well with my own way of working and was an excellent professional fit.

Describe your job

As a CEO, my responsibility lies in defining the strategy, setting goals for the team, and making sure we achieve value for all our stakeholders. The really exciting part of the job is when you succeed in outperforming the sector and staying one step ahead of the competition, even more so when faced with difficult market conditions.

Best thing about AURELIUS

As an investor, AURELIUS works closely with the portfolio companies, to define and execute a strategy for success. Whether financial or close operational support, if the plan is right, you get what you need to transform the business.

Personal statement

Running a business in construction merchanting can often be very challenging. Nonetheless, thanks to a great team of colleagues, we managed to overcome these challenges successfully within the past years.

When I do have some time off, I love spending it with my family and friends, practicing sports or taking long hikes with my dog.

Hard work, often tough, but always fulfilling and fun.

Since 2020 I have been the CEO of VAG, steering the company through its acquisition by AURELIUS. Prior to this, I held a number of executive positions at Linde Engineering, serving as Chairman of the Board, Vice President of Air Separation Plants, and Managing Director/CEO for East Asia. Before that, I had a career in consulting, working as a Project Leader at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). I hold a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the Technical University of Munich.

VAG is a supplier of valves for water supply, waste water treatment, and dam & hydro plants with a history of more than 150 years. As CEO and President of VAG, my key tasks are strategy, innovation, sales, and corporate development.

What is the #1 reason why you joined AURELIUS?

When considering the next step in my career, I was looking for three things: A truly entrepreneurial task, a challenge with the opportunity to move the needle, and working with inspiring, intelligent, and supportive colleagues. When getting in touch with AURELIUS, it was clear that I had found it all.

Describe your job

The essence of my task is to bring VAG up to where it belongs– transforming it to a successful, stable, mid-size company. This is an extremely exciting mission. The most beautiful thing is to lean back from time to time and see where the team has taken the company. One of the most fun parts of my job is the breadth of the topics we work on.

Best thing about AURELIUS

The best thing about AURELIUS is the team – a perfect blend of professionalism, team spirit, encouragement, challenge, support, and fun.

Personal statement

In my spare time, I love spending time with family, friends, and above all, my kids. I also like mountain sports – hiking, climbing, skiing, and paragliding.

With great power comes great responsibility.

I have been the CEO of LSG Group since 2014, steering the company through its acquisition by AURELIUS in 2023. During this period, I also served as Chairman of the Strategic Committee of the Airline Catering Association. Prior to joining LSG in 2006, I was a Managing Director at GKN Automotive, overseeing the services and distribution division. I hold a Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Applied Sciences Düsseldorf.

Alongside my leadership team, I drive the LSG Group’s positioning. In collaboration with the team at AURELIUS, we now want to gain added speed in executing our strategy, growing our business and taking the lead within our industry.

What is the #1 reason why you joined AURELIUS?

Above all, we were drawn to the AURELIUS team owing to their operational approach and willingness to support the group-wide execution of our strategy with their expertise and tailored investment.

Describe your job

I believe that the LSG Group is one of the most international and multicultural companies anyone could aspire to work for, which is a bonus in itself. We are a people business and it is clearly ingrained within our DNA to work together to overcome even the most challenging of tasks.

Best thing about AURELIUS

The best thing about AURELIUS is their entrepreneurial spirit. For the first time, the focus is clearly on our company’s growth and value-creation. With their support, we are confident that we will drive decisive change within our industry.

Personal statement

I have a passion for Spain: its language, food and wine. That is why Andalusia has become my second home, a place where I can recharge my batteries. My second passion is soccer and, of course, I am a big fan of Real Madrid.

Getting things done is the true meaning of satisfaction.