Bengt Schmidt Market Entry. Transformation. Results.
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INTERNATIONAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT
International industrial companies increasingly face the challenge of successfully entering new markets and scaling their organizations globally. Building sustainable structures in new markets requires experience, market understanding and a clear strategic direction.
I support international companies in successfully establishing and developing their activities in Germany and Europe over the long term. This is not only about market entry but also about building strong organizations, clear structures and sustainable business models.
Successful international expansion occurs where strategy, market understanding and operational execution come together. Clear responsibilities, transparent processes and an organization capable of implementing change effectively are essential.
My focus is on translating international strategies into strong local organizations and supporting companies in achieving sustainable growth in new markets.
Ideas & Visions
IDEAS ARE THE STARTING POINT FOR NEW MARKETS AND ENTREPRENEURIAL GROWTH.
International expansion begins with a clear vision and a deep understanding of markets and customers. Entering new markets requires strategic clarity and the ability to transform ideas, together with strong teams, into successful business models.
ORGANIZATION
HIGH PERFORMING ORGANIZATIONS ARE THE FOUNDATION FOR SUCCESSFUL MARKET DEVELOPMENT.
Building or transforming an organization requires clear structures, efficient processes and transparent responsibilities. Only when strategy, organization and operational execution work together can companies successfully enter new markets and achieve long term growth.
Service
LONG TERM SUCCESS IS BUILT ON RELIABLE STRUCTURES AND STRONG PARTNERSHIPS.
Companies entering new markets must build trust with customers, partners and employees. Reliable processes, clear communication and solution oriented collaboration form the foundation for sustainable business relationships.
Development
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT EMERGES FROM CLEAR STRATEGIES AND CONSISTENT EXECUTION.
When international companies enter new markets, strategies must be adapted to local conditions. Successful development means combining global strengths with local market requirements and building organizations that enable sustainable growth.
Sales
SUCCESSFUL SALES BEGIN WITH A DEEP UNDERSTANDING OF MARKETS AND CUSTOMERS.
International companies must adapt their sales organizations to local market conditions and build sustainable customer relationships. Digital systems such as CRM and CPQ help structure offers and implement global go to market strategies in a transparent way.
Management
LEADERSHIP MEANS TRANSLATING INTERNATIONAL STRATEGIES INTO SUCCESSFUL LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS.
International expansion requires leadership that connects different corporate cultures, markets and expectations. A key capability is acting as a bridge between international headquarters and local organizations and implementing strategies in a transparent, structured and results oriented way.
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TRANSFORMATION
International industrial companies increasingly face the challenge of successfully entering new markets and scaling their organizations globally. Successful transformation occurs where strategy, market understanding and consistent execution come together.
My focus is on supporting international companies in building high performing organizations in Germany and Europe and translating international strategies successfully into strong local organizations.
INTERNATIONAL MARKET DEVELOPMENT
MARKET ENTRY AND BUILDING NEW ORGANIZATIONS
International industrial companies often have strong technologies and successful business models in their home markets. However, entering the German and European markets presents specific challenges.
Different market structures, cultural differences and new competitive conditions require experience and a deep understanding of organizations, sales and customers.
I particularly support international industrial groups in successfully establishing their activities in Germany and Europe, building local organizations and creating sustainable market structures.
ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURES
TRANSPARENCY AND SCALABILITY
Building international organizations requires clear governance, transparent processes and a consistent data foundation. Modern digital systems help manage business processes efficiently and connect international organizations with each other.
CRM systems, structured reporting processes and CPQ based quotation tools create transparency across markets, customers, projects and margins.
This creates a shared foundation for sales, management and international headquarters. At the same time, global go to market strategies can be structured clearly and implemented with a strong focus on margins.
TRANSFORMATION AND GROWTH
IMPLEMENTING STRATEGY SUCCESSFULLY
Companies today face significant pressure to change. New technologies, new competitors and evolving markets require continuous adaptation of organizations and business models.
Transformation does not only mean developing new strategies, but also structuring organizations in a way that enables successful implementation of change.
Clear leadership, transparent communication and consistent execution are essential for success.
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PEOPLE WHO HAVE SHAPED MY JOURNEY
Success is rarely achieved alone. Throughout my professional career, I have had the opportunity to work with many inspiring individuals who have shaped, supported and challenged me.
Over the years, these encounters have developed into valuable relationships based on trust, mutual respect and shared experiences.
The following voices represent people with whom I have had particularly meaningful professional collaborations.
Markus Bohl
“To build a modern digital company, it takes a clear vision and the willingness to embrace new technologies and new ways of thinking. Execution requires initiative, confidence and perseverance. Bengt Schmidt brings all of these qualities. I have always experienced him as a leader with a strong entrepreneurial mindset.”
Dr. Dietmar Straub
“To succeed in industry, one must inspire and convince people. Especially in dealing with customers, a trusted personal relationship is essential to achieve the best possible results.”
Veronika Vitzthum
"To be successful in sports, determination, discipline and a clear goal are essential. I have experienced these qualities in Bengt Schmidt not only while skiing, but also as a passionate sailor. These values also shape his professional path and leadership style."
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WHAT MATTERS TO ME
What I value and what is important to me.
I keep my promises. Employees, customers and business partners should be able to rely on commitments being honored and decisions standing firm. For me, reliability means taking responsibility and developing solutions that work sustainably.
Trust is the foundation of every successful collaboration. In working with employees, customers and partners, I rely on respect, commitment and openness. A trust based partnership creates clarity and reduces complexity.
I express my views openly, directly and transparently. Clear communication creates orientation and trust. For me, authenticity and integrity are the basis for long term collaboration.
I know my strengths and take responsibility for decisions and results. More than three decades of international leadership experience have shown me that successful transformation requires courage, persistence and the willingness to take responsibility.
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Personal
I enjoy what I do and work with great passion. The strength and balance I need comes from my family, which is the most important part of my life.
Alongside my enthusiasm for innovation and digitalization, I also value tradition. Born and raised in Munich, I appreciate Bavarian culture and its values. At the same time, my international experiences, particularly in the United States and China, have shaped me and broadened my perspective on different cultures and viewpoints.
This combination of regional roots and international experience also shapes my professional mindset.
In my private life, I have a strong interest in new technologies and digitalization. Since 2017, for example, I have been driving exclusively electric vehicles and continuously develop my digital work and living environment.
PROFESSIONAL CAREER STATIONS
Kiefel GmbH
Vice President Packaging
since 2025
Responsible for global sales of the Packaging business unit. Leadership of an international sales team and further development of the global sales structure. Focus on organizational transformation, implementation of digital sales processes and sustainable improvement of scalability and profitability.
Quantum Partners GmbH
Senior Advisor
since 2021
Advising investors and industrial companies on transformation, internationalization and carve out projects. Supporting strategic management decisions as well as accompanying M and A and due diligence processes in an industrial environment.
Plastivation Machinery GmbH
Founder and Managing Director
2021 to 2024
Founding and development of a mechanical engineering company in the field of plastics processing. Development of an international business model, establishment of sales, service and application functions as well as building strategic partnerships with Asian industrial partners.
KraussMaffei Extrusion GmbH
Vice President Global Sales Extrusion
2018 to 2021
Global sales responsibility for the extrusion business. Leadership of an international sales team and restructuring of the global sales organization. Implementation of a new global organizational structure and support of the company’s industrial transformation.
Shanghai KraussMaffei Machinery Co Ltd
Vice President Plastic Extrusion
2017 to 2018
Responsible for the extrusion business in the Chinese market. Development and further expansion of the local organization as well as implementation of the localization strategy in alignment with the global corporate strategy.
KraussMaffei Group
Executive Director Process Technologies Equipment
2016 to 2017
Establishment of a new international business segment within the group. Coordination of strategic initiatives for internationalization and support of post merger integration following the acquisition by ChemChina.
KraussMaffei Technologies GmbH
Executive Director Injection Moulding
1999 to 2016
Long standing international leadership role in sales for injection moulding machines. Development of global sales structures, expansion of international markets and sustainable growth of market share in Europe, China and the United States.
3/1998 - 5/1999
Deckel Maho Geretsried GmbH (Geretsried near Munich) -Head of assembly of horizontal and vertical milling centers
7/1996 - 12/1997
IBL Löttechnik GmbH (Königsbrunn near Augsburg) - production manager and sales coordinator
5/1993 - 6/1996
CeWe Color AG & Co. (Germering near Munich) - Production Manager
1988 - 1993
Mechanical engineering studies, Coburg University of Applied Sciences
Focus: Production engineering; Degree: Diplom-Ingenieur (FH) (Engineer)
Graduate thesis:
"Development of a hydraulic shaker, design, commissioning, applications", University of Applied Sciences Coburg
1983 - 1987
Apprenticeship as toolmaker in Munich Franz Xaver Meiller vehicle and machine factory - GmbH & Co KG AG
Contact
I look forward to your feedback. If you would like to discuss market entry, organizational development or transformation in Germany and Europe, I would be pleased to connect.
+49 173 594 84 06
bengt.schmidt@bengtschmidt.de