
AI is analyzing your overall score…
Identifying your key strengths…
Evaluating your skill match against the job requirements…
Assessing your cultural and operational fit
Head of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology at Südzucker Group
Michael is a Tech Lead in Data & AI, creating innovative projects from the ground up and linking strategy to delivery. He was responsible for hiring and building new international teams and managing various AI implementation projects, from innovative PoC up to customer-facing products. Holding a MSc in Industrial Engineering and a PhD in Computer Science, he combine strategic thinking with the ambition to deliver Data and AI projects in ambiguous and changing environments. Currently, Michael serves as Head of Artificial Intelligence at Südzucker, growing AI across the company by defining and executing an AI strategy across Südzucker Group.
Albstadt-Sigmaringen University
Lecturer, Data Science
January 1, 2018 – March 1, 2022
University of Mannheim
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.), Computer Science
January 1, 2012 – January 1, 2016
RMIT University
Computer Science
January 1, 2008 – January 1, 2008
Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)
Master's Degree, Business Engineering
January 1, 2005 – January 1, 2011
Südzucker Group
Head of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology
November 1, 2024 – Present
Mannheim · On-site
BASF
Project Lead Generative AI Factory Engineering
May 1, 2023 – October 1, 2024
BASF
Team Lead AI-powered Knowledge System
July 1, 2019 – April 1, 2023
BASF
Technical Product Owner
August 1, 2018 – June 1, 2019
BASF
Knowledge Architect for Digitalization in R&D
November 1, 2017 – July 1, 2018
Springer Nature
Data Engineer
August 1, 2016 – October 1, 2017
Heidelberg und Umgebung, Deutschland
Yahoo
Research Intern, Semantic Search
November 1, 2015 – January 1, 2016
London, Großbritannien
Roland Berger Strategy Consultants
Graduate Intern, Civil Economics
November 1, 2011 – January 1, 2012
Berlin und Umgebung, Deutschland
McKinsey & Company
Fellow Intern, Business Technology Office
November 1, 2010 – January 1, 2011
Hamburg und Umgebung, Deutschland
Mercedes-Benz Canada
Intern, Financial Accounting
October 1, 2009 – February 1, 2010
Toronto und Umgebung, Kanada
Deloitte
Intern, CFO Services
August 1, 2007 – October 1, 2007
Stuttgart und Umgebung, Deutschland
Bundeswehr Wir. Dienen. Deutschland.
Enlisted Navy Sailor
July 1, 2004 – March 1, 2005
Deutsche Marine
Generative AI Leader Certification
June 24, 2026 – Present
Professional Scrum Master™ I (PSM I)
Scrum.org
June 24, 2026 – Present
Professional Scrum Product Owner I (PSPO I)
Scrum.org
June 24, 2026 – Present
Cultural Fit Analysis
The candidate's diverse experience across large corporations (BASF, Südzucker), research institutions (University of Mannheim, Yahoo Labs), and consulting firms indicates adaptability and a broad perspective. The focus on establishing new AI technologies, building teams, and fostering employee enablement aligns with a proactive, growth-oriented culture. The academic background and continuous learning (certifications) suggest a commitment to innovation and knowledge sharing. The candidate's experience in driving AI transformation and defining compliance frameworks shows a holistic approach to technology adoption.
Soft Skills & Operational Fit
The candidate demonstrates strong leadership, team building, and strategic planning skills through roles like 'Head of AI Technology' and 'Project Lead Generative AI Factory Engineering'. Experience as a Technical Product Owner and Agile Leader indicates a solid understanding of agile methodologies and product development lifecycle. The candidate's background in consulting (McKinsey, Roland Berger) suggests strong problem-solving and communication abilities. The 'Lecturer' role implies strong communication and mentorship skills.