Nina Seiler (Since 2006)

Nina joined cbs in 2006. What started as a trainee role in logistics became a journey through international rollouts, transformation projects, product ownership, and leadership. Today, she is Consulting Director in our System Landscape Transformation Practice. “It’s important to me to always support my colleagues with advice and action. I’m always happy when we grow together,” says Nina.

From large transformation programs to pre-study strategy work, Nina knows what it means to take responsibility. Even when it wasn’t exactly planned – for example, when a small project support role turned into a two-and-a-half-year leadership position. But that’s a story she tells with a smile.

For Nina, cbs is defined by its team spirit and the fulfilling nature of the work. She also emphasizes: “What matters most is that we are open to new ideas: If you want to change something, you should stand up and speak out. At cbs, there will always be someone who listens and supports you.”

Outside of work, Nina rarely stands still: CrossFit sessions, skiing, surfing – movement keeps her balanced. And just like in her projects, she brings energy, agility, and focus wherever she goes.

Dr. Karsten Kötter (Since 2007)

Dr. Karsten Kötter never intended to go into consulting. In 2025, he leads our cloud platform business, heads the AI initiative AI:mpact, and manages a team of over 40 people.

What happened? A good conversation with Stefan Risse. Openness to the unexpected. And the freedom to grow. Karsten quickly realized that consulting can be more than PowerPoint and project plans. It is a space to shape ideas, take responsibility, and help others grow.

Karsten brings a physicist’s mindset to leadership: structured, curious, and calm under pressure. But he also had to learn to let go – to coach others, build trust, and shape a team culture based on openness and shared responsibility. What defines his team? Trust, support, and the space to fail forward. Twice a year, they come together for in-depth “pit stops,” not only to reflect on projects but also to connect as people.

Outside of work, Karsten recharges in the mountains, paragliding and hiking. For him, it’s not about speed or strength, but about timing, sensitivity, and making confident decisions when it matters – much like leadership. Sometimes the best paths are not planned. Growth often begins with a simple “Why not?”

Stefan Risse (Since 2001)

“I always knew I would leave cbs if I no longer enjoyed my work. In more than 20 years, that has not happened a single time,” says Stefan. As Managing Director, he shapes cbs with the same energy and passion as on his first day.

Stefan believes that leading a successful international company is based on a few core principles: customer orientation, taking calculated risks, and always interacting with people as equals. Hard work is also part of it. In his words, it’s not just about luck, but about the luck of the diligent.

He emphasizes something that sets cbs apart from the competition: “We recognize emerging opportunities early, before others do. We plant these seeds early and give them time to grow. This enables us to act in a market- and customer-oriented way with up-to-date consulting products and services.”

A cause close to Stefan’s heart is trees2breathe, a cbs initiative committed to fighting deforestation and climate change. This year, cbs reached the milestone of 30,000 trees planted – planted by employees and organized by Stefan. In his free time, he is a forester, managing his own piece of woodland, cutting trees, planting new ones, and experimenting with natural regeneration. His passion for nature reflects the same philosophy he brings to work: patience, hard work, and deep respect for long-term growth.

Holger Bock (Since 2006)

In 2012, a client needed consultants on-site in Singapore. Holger stepped in and laid the foundation for cbs’ expansion into the APAC region. Today, in cbs’ 30th anniversary year, he leads our APAC operations in Singapore, Malaysia, China, Japan, and Australia – with nearly 300 colleagues.

At cbs APAC, Holger and his team embrace cultural diversity with ease and respect. Different cultures and communication styles are part of the rhythm. What matters are trust, openness, and a shared spirit.

Holger emphasizes: “cbs is no longer a German company with international branches. It is a global company.”

In his free time, Holger enjoys traveling across Asia, discovering new places, and spending time with his family. He loves Asian cuisine – especially his favorite dish, Hainanese chicken rice.

Hans Krieger (Since 2000)

Over the years, Hans’ path led him from consultant for large migration projects to software developer. He is responsible for our cbs ET Enterprise Transformer, a tool that emerged from our clients’ needs and was shaped by years of hands-on experience. The ET became a key driving force behind many successful transformations.

For Hans, the transition from consulting to development was natural – he had already developed the predecessor of the ET in the field. He describes his job as “the best computer game” and has clearly found his professional passion.

What makes cbs special to him? “We maintain a culture of learning from mistakes that I truly value: It’s not so much about who is to blame for an error, but rather about finding a solution.” Hans also appreciates the family-like atmosphere among colleagues and the strong mutual support.

In his free time, Hans explores the forests and hills around Heidelberg with his handbike, sometimes leading guided tours to share the best routes and views. He paints, takes photographs, carves wood, and experiments with new materials – creativity in all forms plays a major role in his life.

Markus Geib (Since 2005)

When Markus Geib joined cbs in 2005, he already had experience in consulting. He quickly took on increasing responsibility. In 2006, he built up the collaboration with our client Roche. Over the years, this project grew from a small group into a large international team. Today, Markus is a member of the executive management.

“I don’t know any other company in the consulting industry that operates like cbs. Preserving the corporate culture despite this growth is what makes cbs unique,” says Markus. He explains cbs’ cultural strength as cell division: living our values every day, passing them on, and multiplying them in new teams, new regions, and new generations. This approach has helped cbs stay true to its roots while expanding worldwide.

An annual highlight for Markus is the closing event of the trainee program, which he often organizes. Rowing together on the Neckar clearly shows him what working at cbs is all about: true teamwork. You can only really make progress when everyone works at the same pace and can rely on one another.

His wish for cbs’ 30th anniversary is clear: He hopes that the strong corporate culture will remain unchanged in the years to come – and that cbs will continue to be just as successful.

Simone Doktor (Since 1999)

When Simone Doktor joined cbs in 1999, the company had only 45 employees and she was responsible for many different tasks. Reception, invoices, travel expenses, fleet management – Simone was the person who kept everything running! As cbs grew, Simone also grew professionally, from team assistant to team lead, eventually taking over responsibility for national billing and project assistance.

It was always especially important to her to pass on cbs’ values and foster team spirit. Her leadership style is based on a simple principle: “Stay human.” For her, that means recognizing the individual strengths and weaknesses of her team members and supporting them accordingly. “We are not just numbers, we are people,” she emphasizes.

Simone played a key role in shaping the development of cbs, particularly during the acquisition by the Materna Group in 2005 and the subsequent international expansion. Her experience and trust in the company’s leadership helped her navigate the challenges of these changes.

“I am grateful that I have enjoyed going to work every single day for the past 25 years,” says Simone. She is one of those very special people who have profoundly shaped cbs – and she will continue to do so in the future.

Carolin Geiß (Since 2012)

Carolin Geiß joined cbs as a trainee in 2012. Today, she is Consulting Director and leads our GTS Germany unit, a 30-person team working on complex foreign trade projects. As a leader, she values a team culture based on trust, openness, and mutual support. “With the workload we manage, you can only succeed as a team. It doesn’t work without real collaboration,” says Carolin.

This mindset has strongly shaped her leadership style. She sees leadership not as hierarchy, but as coaching – helping people find their direction, supporting their growth, and giving them the space to define their own path. The GTS team consists of a diverse mix of backgrounds and personalities, united by shared values and mutual respect. Structured or free-spirited, experienced or new to the field – everyone brings something valuable.

Carolin’s path began with a passion for geography and geoinformatics. She found her way into IT consulting because she wanted to solve real problems and deliver tangible results. Our GTS practice became the perfect fit. Twelve years later, she is still here. Because, as she says: “There is always room to grow. And that’s not something you should take for granted in this industry.”

With two young children and a demanding role, every day is a balancing act. But whether she is guiding clients through complex transformations or exploring the forests around Heidelberg with her family – there is always purpose and often a little adventure.

Thomas Marx (Since 2005)

When Thomas Marx took a student job at cbs 20 years ago, it was not originally his plan to become a consultant. But cbs sparked his interest, and Thomas decided to stay. Not long after, two events changed his path: a change in EU customs law requiring electronic submissions, and the acquisition of cbs by Materna, which had built the German federal customs system. Recognizing a strategic fit, Thomas teamed up with a Materna colleague to create what would become the Global Trade Services (GTS) practice. With the freedom to experiment, they laid the foundation for something unique.

Today, Thomas leads a 40-person team focused on global trade consulting. What began as a technical implementation offering has evolved into a comprehensive service, and the #GTS unit is expanding its international footprint. Thomas emphasizes: “Our strength lies in the creativity of each individual. What we have built together does not exist anywhere else on the market.”

For him, the role of an SAP consultant is more about translation than technology. “Often, it’s not primarily about what the SAP system can do, but rather about helping users navigate what you might call the most complex video game in the world.”
Outside of work, Thomas keeps bees and follows his passion for languages, a curiosity that once led him to study Japanese and still shapes the way he learns and builds connections today.