Freelance Consultant & Interim Manager

Thomas Ripakewitz

t.ripakewitz@tr-services.net
+49 172 21 06 236

Executive Summary

t.ripakewitz@tr-services.net
+49 172 21 06 236

Thomas Ripakewitz is an analytically strong, tech-savvy generalist with an entrepreneurial mindset and a clear focus on performance and results. He believes in implementing what is feasible in a pragmatic and consistent manner. He has many years of management experience in international corporations and medium-sized companies.

He has been working as an independent interim manager and consultant for over 15 years, focusing on restructuring, improving results and optimizing processes. His profile is complemented by in-depth expertise in purchasing optimization.

Key points

Corporate management & restructuring

  • Holistic corporate management / Division management
  • Turnaround Management
  • Transformation, Restructuring
  • Strategic realignments
  • M & A

Growth & Sales

  • Business expansion
  • Sales optimization
  • New customer acquisition

Processes & Efficiency

  • Process and workflow optimization
  • Productivity gains and
  • Production optimization
  • Tools (including Lean, Kaizen, TPM)
  • Profit improvement and cost reduction programs
  • Risk management

Purchasing & Negotiation

  • Optimization of purchasing conditions
  • Contract negotiations

Industry experience

Aluminium and steel industry

Automotive supply industry

Steel & metal recycling and disposal services

Plastics industry and chemicals

Small and medium-sized enterprises and intl. corporates

work experience

2022 - today

ST Extruded Products Germany GmbH (STEP-G)

Vogt, Germany

Industries:

Aluminium Manufacturing
Aluminium Processing
Automotive Supply Industry

Context:

Restructuring
SCM / Supply Chain Management
Turnaround Management

Job Title:

Interim Manager / Freelance Consultant
2022 - 2023

tesa SE

Norderstedt, Germany

Industries:

Self-Adhesive Products and Integrated Solutions

Context:

Procurement
Purchase Price Calculation / Price Strategy
Organisation and Processes

Job Title:

Freelance Consultant
2021 - 2022

ST Deutschland GmbH (STEP G)

Bonn, Germany

Industries:

Aluminium Manufacturing
Aluminium Processing
Automotive Supply Industry

Context:

M & A
Transaction Execution

Job Title:

Freelance Consultant / Interim Manager
2021

C & A Group

Düsseldorf, Germany

Industries:

Clothing / Fashion Industry

Context:

Procurement

Job Title:

Freelance Consultant
2021

BE I Aluschmiede GmbH

Geisingen, Germany

Industries:

Precision Forging of Aluminium

Context:

Customer Acquisition

Job Title:

Freelance Consultant
2020 - 2021

ST Deutschland GmbH (STEP-G)

Bonn, Germany

Industries:

Aluminium Manufacturing
Aluminium Processing
Aluminium Trading

Context:

M & A
Due Diligence
Transaction Execution

Job Title:

Freelance Consultant
2020

Goldgas GmbH

Eschborn, Germany

Industries:

Energy Distribution
Energy Trading

Context:

Optimization of Commercial Terms
Procurement

Job Title:

Freelance Consultant
2019 - 2020

Hirschvogel Aluminium GmbH / Hirschvogel Group

Marksuhl, Germany

Industries:

Automotive Supply Industry
Precision Forging of Aluminium

Context:

Foundry
Production

Job Title:

Freelance Consultant
2017 - 2019

Aluwerk Hettstedt GmbH

Hettstedt, Germany

Industries:

Aluminium Extrusion Plant
Aluminium Foundry

Context:

Turnaround Management
Production
M & A
Due Diligence
Transaction Execution

Job Title:

Interim Manager / Managing Director
2017 - 2019

RMG Metallfachhandel GmbH

Ladenburg, Germany

Industries:

Aluminium Trading
Value-Added Distribution

Context:

Customer Acquisition
Transformation & Restructuring
M & A
Due Diligence
Transaction Execution

Job Title:

Interim Manager / Managing Director
2016

AST Acciali Speciali Terni | thyssenkrupp AG

Terni, Italia

Industries:

Alloyed Steel Production

Context:

Increase in Productivity
Production
SCM / Supply Chain Management

Job Title:

Freelance Consultant
2015 - 2016

AMG Advanced Metallurgical Group N. V.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Industries:

Aluminium Production
Metal & Mining
Silicon Production

Context:

Business Expansion
Greenfield Operation
M & A

Job Title:

Freelance Consultant & Project Manager
2014

Zumtobel AG

Bregenz, Austria

Industries:

Lighting Solutions

Context:

Optimization of Commercial Terms

Job Title:

Freelance Consultant
2011 - 2013

Aleris Recycling Europe / Aleris Recycling (German Works)

Grevenbroich, Germany

Industries:

Aluminium Foundry
Aluminium Manufacturing
Automotive Supply Industry

Context:

Greenfield Operation
Growth
Increase in Productivity
Production

Job Title:

Interim Manager
Plant Manager | Werk Töging (2012 - 2013)
Director Projects (2012)
Director Production & Technology (2011 - 2012)

2024 – Present

Director of Design

Elegant Themes Inc. – CA

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Areas of application

Managing Director, COO, CRO, Division Manager, Plant Manager

Project manager and consultant

Small or medium-sized businesses or international corporations

Fee basis or permanent position

Education

Studied economics and chemistry at the University of Hamburg
Degree: Diploma in Business Administration

International experience

Projects in the USA, China, England, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Czech Republic, Bosnia, Serbia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Norway, Sweden, Italy, and the Netherlands