Hi, I am Eric Wenzel.

A digital holistic business professional

09/2023 – today | Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Business Developer @GranValora

In this dynamic role, I spearhead product strategy and development, driving innovation across digital platforms. My focus is on identifying and capitalizing on new business opportunities, fostering partnerships, and steering the product lifecycle from ideation to market launch while maintaining the company´s scalibility. Leveraging my extensive background in digital transformation, process modeling and leadership, I build and empower a cross-functional team to ensure the products meet evolving market needs, enhancing user experience and achieving business growth objectives.

11/2020 – 08/2023 | TPM/IT-Security Consultant @ProSec

Engaging in the field of information security entails a profound level of responsibility. My role revolves around meticulously addressing the underlying rationale behind our actions, consistently surpassing customer expectations, delivering accurate and comprehensive information to all stakeholders, and ensuring seamless execution of audits. Throughout 2021, I successfully oversaw more than 120 distinct projects spanning diverse organisational scales. Notably, among these endeavors, I managed a comprehensive audit of the federal government, meticulously identifying vulnerabilities across various audit domains, including technical, physical, social, and organizational aspects.

12/2019 – 08/2020 | Head of Product @Sdui

Navigating the intricate process of gathering requirements, devising solutions, and rigorously assessing them against use cases, data privacy, and security standards posed the most formidable challenge within the context of this SaaS company operating in the education sector. Nevertheless, I played an instrumental role in guiding the organisation through the turbulent period of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring its resilience and facilitating an extraordinary 1000% expansion of its client base.

03/2020 – 08/2020 | Project Manager/Product Owner via Sdui @Factory Berlin

As part of my involvement with Factory Berlin’s internal community platform, I embraced the task of requirements engineering, encompassing the identification, definition, and estimation of all user stories in collaboration with the development team. Additionally, I navigated a dynamic Extreme Programming environment, overseeing the iterative development process. Remarkably, within a mere four-month timeframe, we successfully crafted a fully functional minimum viable product (MVP) for the member platform, laying the foundation for the „community as a service“ business model. This endeavor exemplified the ability to rapidly translate concepts into tangible solutions while maintaining a focus on delivering value to our users.

02/2018 – 11/2019 | Head of Product @dirico.io

Throughout the entire product lifecycle, I played a central role in guiding and overseeing the process, starting from ideation and extending through implementation, quality assurance, release notes, and customer onboarding. This encompassed working within a three-week sprint framework, ensuring that each stage was efficiently executed and delivered according to schedule. In addition to my responsibilities as a product manager, I provided coaching and guidance to the team, fostering the adoption of agile workflows and methodologies. As part of this endeavor, I introduced the role of the Scrum Master, enhancing collaboration, efficiency, and overall project success. By assuming a comprehensive leadership role, I contributed to the seamless and successful execution of projects while empowering the team to excel within an agile development environment.

As Head of Product at dirico.io, I diligently monitored and addressed the diverse needs the market and clients such as BMW Group, Vodafone, Thyssen Krupp, Lanxess, Deutsche Börse, and other prominent DAX companies. This entailed proficiently conducting requirement engineering and management, ensuring that their specific demands were comprehensively understood and met. As one of the carrier of our vision, I lead a talented team consisting of product managers, UI/UX designers, and concept designers. I provided guidance and support, leveraging self- developed processes and standards to streamline our operations and enhance efficiency. By implementing these robust frameworks, we consistently delivered exceptional outcomes while maintaining a strong focus on client satisfaction.

I also undertook the task of customising the standard SaaS platform, dirico.io, to align with the unique requirements of out clients including BMW Group, Deutsche Telekom, Sixt, Vodafone, and several others. This involved implementing corporate design elements, designing and implementing special workflows, setting up custom environments, integrating custom features and developing interfaces to internal tools. Additionally, I played a pivotal role in the global rollout of dirico.io within BMW Group, ensuring seamless adoption and usage across various departments and locations. By tailoring the platform to meet the specific needs of each client and actively contributing to its successful implementation, I facilitated efficient and effective content management processes for these prominent organizations.

08/2017 – 01/2018 | Technical Project Manager @Herren der Schöpfung

As a single point of contact (SPoC), I assumed the responsibility of overseeing technical complex projects for esteemed clients such as Kia Motors, Hyundai, and DB Systel. In this role, I effectively bridged the gap between the development team and the clients, ensuring clear communication and coordination throughout the project lifecycle. I diligently managed the intricate technical aspects of these projects, leveraging my expertise to address challenges and facilitate successful outcomes. By serving as a reliable liaison, I fostered strong relationships with both the development team and the clients, fostering collaboration and enabling efficient project execution.

08/2017 – 11/2017 | Technical Project Manager & UX-Designer via Herren der Schöpfung @ Kia Motors Europe

I had the opportunity to lead the entire project lifecycle for the Facebook chat bot launch campaign of the new Kia Stinger. From project kick-off to evaluation, concept development, and implementation across European markets, I successfully navigated every stage. Throughout the project, my role involved aligning the various stakeholders, including KIA Motors, the leading agency, and Facebook Business Account Management. By effectively managing communication and collaboration between these parties, I ensured a cohesive and integrated campaign execution. Additionally, I took on the responsibility of providing technical support as the first and second level of support to stakeholders throughout the campaign, ensuring smooth operations and addressing any technical issues promptly.

08/2015 – 07/2017 | Project Manager and Executive Assistant of the CEO @acrontum

Serving as the associate to the CEO was a highly diverse and multifaceted management role that I had the privilege to undertake. In this capacity, I assumed a range of responsibilities, including managing appointments, preparing presentations, setting reminders, consolidating information, and facilitating knowledge transfer within the team. As the single point of contact (SPOC) for the team, I played a crucial role in ensuring efficient communication and coordination, thereby supporting the CEO in their day-to-day activities. By effectively organizing and streamlining tasks and information, I contributed to the overall effectiveness and productivity of the executive office, enabling the CEO to focus on strategic decision-making and leadership.

03/2017 – 07/2017 | UX-Consultant @ BMW Group

I had the opportunity to extend the entire BMW Connected Drive App experience, providing a seamless journey for users from their initial interaction with a BMW dealer to the delivery of their newly purchased vehicle. This involved creating an end-to-end solution that empowered users with comprehensive information regarding each step of the production process within the factory, as well as real-time updates on the status of their order. By integrating these features into the app, I ensured that customers remained informed and engaged throughout the entire purchasing and delivery process, enhancing their overall experience and satisfaction.

10/2016 – 02/2017 | Project Manager & Product Owner @bcomplete.eu

I had the privilege of leading a project for a European furniture retailer, focused on their B2C e-commerce platform. Throughout the project lifecycle, I fulfilled various roles including product owner, solution engineer, client support, and project manager. I successfully navigated the project from requirements elicitation and quoting, to project setup and overall management, ensuring it was delivered within the allocated budget and timeframe. Employing a LEAN approach, we implemented the Scrum concept, prioritizing efficiency and continuous improvement from the developers‘ perspective. Additionally, we incorporated elements of waterfall methodology from the project management standpoint. By adopting this hybrid approach, we effectively balanced the need for agility and adaptability with the necessity for comprehensive planning and execution. The result was a successful project completion that met the client’s expectations and delivered a high- quality B2C e-commerce platform for the furniture retailer.

08/2016 – 02/2017 | Project Manager & UX-Designer @BMW Group

I lead the development of the User Interface for the „Connected Catalog,“ the primary PIM and offer administration tool for BMW ConnectedDrive across all markets worldwide. In this role, I initiated the project by defining use cases, creating user stories, and developing the overall concept. To visualize and iterate on the design, I utilized a design workflow utilizing Sketch and Invision, enabling efficient collaboration and feedback loops. As the project was developed nearshore, I took on the responsibility of managing it as an international Technical Project Manager (TPM), ensuring effective coordination and communication across distributed teams. Additionally, I oversaw test management and defect resolution, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality product. By guiding the project from its inception to successful completion, I facilitated the creation of a robust and user-friendly GUI for the BMW Connected Catalog.

11/2015 – 07/2017 | Project Manager & Product Owner @BMW Group

As the product owner, I played a pivotal role in the development of the leading BMW ConnectedDrive Case Management Tool. This involved coordinating and prioritizing requirements from internal and external stakeholders across the BMW Group and relevant suppliers. I diligently created use cases, user stories, and estimates in collaboration with the team, integrating them into the development process. The global rollout of the Case Management Tool was successfully executed under my guidance. Furthermore, I assumed responsibility for writing all interface contracts and conducting security assessments for this pioneering application, which utilized bleeding-edge PHP, Angular, and Mongo technologies in an environment dominated by legacy Java software. By spearheading this project and managing its diverse aspects, I contributed to the successful implementation of a cutting-edge tool within the BMW Group’s technology ecosystem.

08/2015 – 09/2015 | Testcase Manager @BMW Group

As part of my involvement in the BMW financial service portal project, I undertook the crucial task of conducting thorough testing. Recognizing the significance of this endeavor, I meticulously developed approximately 600 end-to-end (E2E) test cases. These test cases were specifically written for HP ALM (Application Lifecycle Management), a comprehensive tool for managing the application development lifecycle. By carefully designing and executing these test cases, I ensured that the financial service portal underwent rigorous testing, validating its functionality, performance, and user experience. Through this diligent testing process, I contributed to the overall quality and reliability of the BMW financial service portal, instilling confidence in its performance and meeting the expectations of the end users.

07/2015 – 08/2015 | IT-Consultant @BMW Group

In this project I undertook the task of creating and integrating the user manual and help documentation for a BMW Group B2B shop system. I meticulously created comprehensive documentation and a non-technical, step-by-step user manual specifically tailored to the internal B2B shop system. To ensure compliance with International Technical Publications Management (ITPM) standards, I delivered the complete manual in both document format and HTML. This approach allowed users to access the information in a user-friendly and easily navigable manner. By providing clear and concise documentation, I enabled users to effectively utilize the B2B shop system, empowering them to navigate its features and functionalities with ease.

2011 – today | Freelance UI/UX-Design, Development, IT-Consulting

I began my professional journey as a freelancer, specializing in website development and creating various media assets for small to midsize companies. This involved crafting visually appealing and functional websites tailored to the unique needs of each client. Additionally, I adeptly worked with different media formats, such as graphics, images, and multimedia elements, to enhance the overall visual appeal and engagement of the digital content. Collaborating closely with clients, I ensured that their specific requirements were met, delivering high-quality solutions that aligned with their brand identity and objectives. Throughout this freelance experience, I honed my skills in web development and multimedia design, establishing a solid foundation for my career in the digital realm.

I love code.

Between 2015 and 2017, I successfully designed and developed over 20 websites, ranging from bespoke sites for small businesses to complex e-commerce platforms for large online retailers, each with its own unique set of requirements. My expertise spans a variety of Content Management Systems (CMS) and e-commerce solutions, including custom theme development for WordPress, Kirby CMS, Magento, and Shopware. I am proficient in Bootstrap, JavaScript, several JavaScript libraries, and PHP, equipping me with a robust foundation in web development technologies.

My personal projects are predominantly centered on the creation of full-stack, real-time web applications. This endeavor not only showcases my passion for web development but also demonstrates my commitment to staying at the forefront of technological advancements and best practices in the field. My ability to manage and deliver complex projects from concept to completion is a testament to my technical proficiency, creative problem-solving skills, and dedication to excellence and accessability.

Currently, I am developing an application using Flutter. This experience is enhancing my skills in creating cross-platform mobile applications with a focus on high performance and a dynamic user interface. Flutter’s unique framework allows me to craft visually attractive apps that are both responsive and intuitive for users. My involvement in this project demonstrates my adaptability to new technologies and my commitment to leveraging the latest advancements in app development to produce superior digital solutions.

I love design.

In addition to developing comprehensive user stories, I have also created UX designs and wireframes, reflecting my deep commitment to crafting user-centered interfaces. I possess a strong passion for beautiful UI and compellingly narrated user journeys. For me, good design transcends aesthetics, embodying functionality and intuitiveness that exceed user expectations. This philosophy drives my approach to product development, ensuring that each project not only looks appealing but also delivers an exceptional and seamless user experience. My dedication to the principles of effective design is evident in my work, demonstrating a blend of creativity, technical skill, and a user-centered mindset.

I love strategy and leadership.

In my professional career, I have developed extensive strategy and leadership skills that enable me to successfully navigate dynamic and challenging business environments. My strategic mindset enables me to develop long-term visions and turn them into tangible results through effective planning and implementation. My expertise in strategic analysis enables me to cut through complex problems, identify opportunities and minimize risks, which helps to increase the company’s competitiveness and sustainable growth.

As a leader, I have demonstrated a strong aptitude for building and nurturing high performing teams. I foster a culture of openness and mutual respect in which innovation and creativity can flourish. My leadership philosophy is based on the principle of servant leadership, focusing on developing and empowering my team members to reach their full potential. Through effective communication and motivational leadership techniques, I inspire others to excel and achieve strategic goals together.

My approach to leadership and strategy development is characterized by a proactive, goal-oriented attitude, supported by my ability to respond quickly to change and implement flexible solutions. This combination of strategic vision and effective leadership has enabled me to achieve significant success in my career and make a measurable contribution to the success of the companies I have worked for.

I am a human.

As an individual living with both high functioning autism and ADHD, I’ve learned to transform my unique abilities into strengths. With two lively toddlers keeping me constantly on my toes, I have developed remarkable organizational and time management skills. In my free time, I passionately engage in making music and enjoy spending time with friends and family. My early side projects ranged from producing music videos to starting my own clothing line, highlighting my creative flair and entrepreneurial spirit.

Discovering lean and agile methodologies marked a turning point in my life. I’ve adapted these concepts not just professionally, but also personally, to act more efficiently and purposefully. My passion for continuous learning drives me to constantly evolve and acquire new knowledge.

My technological journey from a Windows user to a dedicated Mac enthusiast reflects my adaptability and eagerness for personal growth. Among my personal interests are a love for coffee, pizza, and pasta, as well as a strong commitment to health and fitness through running, which helps me stay focused and balanced.