About
Josef Richard Schneider
"Not elegant — decisive."
Builder-Operator. M&A Advisor. Author. YPO Vice Chair DACH.
"Not elegant — decisive. Act fast, tell the truth, keep people paid."
Professional Profile
DACH-based CEO and transformation partner with over 20 years of experience leading SMEs through growth, restructuring, and M&A processes.
Specialised in the Fit-for-Transaction Method: 24 months of operational preparation (Commercial Engine, Clean Numbers, AI-driven Efficiency) followed by 12 months of M&A process on your own terms.
Author of "AI Meets EQ" and "Fit for Transaction", active YPO member (Vice Chair DACH Chapter).
Career Timeline
Kirchberg Capital & Services | Senior Advisor Steinbeis M&A
Fit-for-Transaction Advisory, M&A Consulting, Executive Coaching
CEO Conen Group
Led €40M refinancing in 12 months. Navigator in an external storm — single investor withdrew last minute after debt restructuring was secured. Company entered insolvency February 2025.
SPAC Exit — Pyramid Computer
Led SME to public listing via SPAC. Equity value €37.7–44M. Stepped away voluntarily in 2022.
PE & Family Office — Portfolio Advisory
Supported private equity and a Swiss family office through portfolio restructuring and exits. Raised >€60M across transactions.
Schneider Leichtbau — Asset Deal through Insolvency
Entered a family business in crisis. Established daily cash discipline. When structural constraints persisted, executed an asset deal through insolvency to protect jobs and reset capital.
Credentials & Education
Education
- → Industrial Engineering, TU Karlsruhe
- → International Welding Engineer
- → Certified AI Trainer
- → TÜV Quality Management Auditor
Network & Speaking
- → YPO (Young Presidents' Organization) — Vice Chair DACH
- → TEDxFreiburg Speaker
- → AI Workshops for C-Suite Executives
- → 5 Languages: DE · EN · FR · ES · ZH