Why I’d rather lead than administer — and why your critical IT initiatives need exactly that.
My principle is simple: understand the people and the situation first, then steer with clear governance.
What I stand for
For me, people are the core of every IT initiative, not the systems. Technology can be mastered. Whether an initiative succeeds comes down to whether the people involved are brought along and someone steers with a steady hand. In the end, what counts is that IT and the business pursue the same success as partners — and that the solutions built along the way last.
“A server has never said thank you. Colleagues have.”
My story
Between 2000 and 2009 I worked at Habasit in various roles. In a data-center project I learned something that shapes my work to this day: a server either runs or it doesn’t, but it never says thank you. The thank-you came from the colleagues whose work suddenly got easier — and I realized how much that means to me.
An HR project turned the view to the other side. When the people’s concerns went unaddressed, first the processes stalled and then the whole initiative — even though the technology was flawless. Ever since, supporting people through change is a fixed part of every project of mine, not an add-on line item in the quote.
From these experiences came my working principle: understand first, then steer. I involve the people before the strategy is set, then lead with clear governance. Technical depth is the foundation, leadership the lever.
It has proven itself over 25 years — 15 of them in the regulated pharma world — across rollouts covering tens of thousands of workstations and in projects I’ve pulled back from crisis. I’m telling you this because exactly this principle is in every engagement I take on.
Experience that’s on the record
Over 25 years I’ve steered more than 20 larger IT projects and programmes, 15 years of them in the regulated pharma and life-sciences world. Three of my successful engagements:
The original assignment of 400 account migrations was completed successfully — leading to follow-on work for around 1,500 more.
Roughly 20% lower service costs across three service units.
Switzerland-wide migration of 2,500 clients during live operations with a 12-person on-site and offshore team, including a clean handover.
What I bring
Degree in computer science, plus leadership practice: My studies (Diplom-Informatiker, the German university degree in computer science) provide the technical foundation; what counts since then is practice in project, program and leadership roles.
Certified breadth of methods: I steer as the situation demands using PMP, PRINCE2, HERMES and SAFe, and safeguard operations with ITIL Expert and CISSP. For AI initiatives I’m a certified AI Manager and AI consultant (TÜV Rheinland, EU AI Act).
Industry experience across many fields: IT & infrastructure (25+ years), consulting (20+), life sciences/pharma (15+, GxP/GMP-regulated), manufacturing & engineering, telecommunications, public sector and SMEs — from corporates to family-run businesses.
Proven with demanding clients: I’ve worked for Roche, Novartis, Bachem, Sunrise and Clariant.
At home across borders: I work in Germany and Switzerland with a cross-border commuter permit (G), fluent for negotiations in German and English.
Voices from projects and leadership roles
He pursues his work with absolute persistence … he got the project back on track. His clients and colleagues have always enjoyed working with him because he is reliable and professional.
I benefited greatly from his wealth of experience, his supportive leadership style and his clear, unambiguous direction … Stefan is outstanding at building and developing high-performing teams.
Stefan’s assured leadership and his care during a time of change and uncertainty … an asset to any organization that wants to steer change successfully.
Stefan was instrumental in making my “mini-tour” of Switzerland for the PMI happen … He supported me fully at every stage and handled the organization behind the scenes.
Let’s talk about your initiative
Facing a critical initiative, or want to get one back on track? In a no-obligation discovery call, you get my honest read — in 30 minutes — on where your biggest risks lie and how I’d proceed.
30 minutes, no obligation. You leave with a clear assessment.
Arrange a callNot ready yet? Connect on LinkedIn and stay in touch without obligation.