Who I Am
After 30+ years in enterprise software and technology leadership—spanning Oracle, Siebel, Qlik, and Productsup—I now want to focus on board work, advisory, and interim leadership roles where something important is underway. Starting with language studies at Heidelberg and early tech training at Nixdorf Computer, my background combines cross-cultural communication skills with deep technology expertise—a foundation that has served me well across international markets and complex B2B environments.
I'm drawn to situations where direction is still forming or structure needs to be built—that's often when change becomes most effective and impactful. Recently, as COO and Managing Director working alongside the CEO, I held joint P&L responsibility for 250 people globally, scaling the business from 15 to 30 M Euro ARR. Having built presales organizations from the ground up to 220+ professionals across 3 continents, led global operations for 900+ enterprise customers, and navigated multiple acquisitions, I bring both strategic perspective and practical insights from the trenches.
I enjoy working with sharp, committed people in environments that call for thoughtfulness, clarity, and forward momentum. I do my best work when there's movement. Based in Munich with experience across Europe, North America and APAC, I partner with companies from seed stage through growth and transition phases.
Professional Experience
B2B SaaS & Technology Companies
Strategic advisory and coaching for founders and leadership teams, focusing on go-to-market optimization, operational scaling, and organizational transformation.
Productsup
Led global operations and customer success for the leading product-to-consumer platform, driving operational excellence and scaling initiatives across multiple markets. Scaled global operations supporting 900+ enterprise customers. Led cross-functional initiatives driving 40% efficiency improvements. Implemented data-driven operational frameworks and KPI systems. Built high-performance teams across EMEA and North America.
Productsup
Built and scaled go-to-market operations and presales function, implementing data-driven sales processes and revenue optimization strategies. Established global presales organization from ground up. Implemented Salesforce and marketing automation infrastructure. Designed predictable revenue processes and forecasting models. Reduced sales cycle by 25% through process optimization.
Qlik
Led global presales organization for the data analytics platform, building and scaling presales teams across EMEA and driving significant revenue growth. Built global presales organization from 15 to 220+ professionals in the field and telecenters. Supported revenue growth from $200M to $750M+ annually. Established presales methodology and enablement programs. Transitioned from on-premise and perpetual licenses to subscription-based cloud solutions. Led technical sales initiatives for enterprise and public sector.
Oracle (including Siebel acquisition)
Progressive leadership roles spanning 18 years, from Sales Consultant to VP Presales Western Continental Europe. Led sales strategy, channel programs, marketing, and presales operations across multiple regions. Led Western Continental Europe presales organization (2007-2010). Managed EMEA SMB channel strategy and partner programs. Built and scaled marketing and sales consulting functions. Built and scaled support.oracle.com. Extensive experience in CRM, enterprise software, and global sales operations.
Oracle & James Martin Associates
Started career as Sales Consultant at Oracle, with consulting experience at James Martin Associates. Built foundation in enterprise software sales and consulting. Developed expertise in database and enterprise software solutions. Built relationships with enterprise customers across DACH region. Gained consulting experience in systems analysis and design. Established track record in complex B2B software sales.
Education & Background
Nixdorf Computer AG
Comprehensive technology and business training program at leading German computer company, providing foundation in enterprise computing and business operations.
Universität Heidelberg
Specialized degree in Spanish translation and linguistics, developing strong cross-cultural communication skills and linguistic expertise.
© 2025 Stefan Sonntag - Executive Advisor
linkedin.com/in/ssonntag