Digital Strategy & Transformation

Hauke Ahrend

Business landscapes shift constantly — companies must adapt just to hold their ground. But every shift also creates opportunities for those willing to move beyond the minimum. I help businesses seize those opportunities.

Over the past 12 years, I've worked with companies on five continents — from market leaders navigating transformation to startups that hadn't formally launched. My experience includes time at McKinsey & Company and building e-commerce operations from the ground up. Whether it's long-term strategy or hands-on implementation, I focus on building solutions from the customer's point of view and scaling what works.

Services

Digital & Corporate Strategy

Digital strategy and corporate strategy are no longer separate conversations. I help leadership teams develop strategies grounded in long-term value creation rather than chasing trends.

My approach starts with an honest assessment of market position and capabilities, then builds an option portfolio of strategic moves. Strategy development is driven internally to ensure stakeholder buy-in — I guide the process, not dictate the outcome.

Digital Transformation & Implementation

The quality of execution separates winners from the rest. I provide hands-on support to move from strategy to reality — working with cross-functional teams to deliver measurable results.

This includes outside-in analysis, gap identification, initiative prioritization, and long-term collaboration with HR, IT, and operations to embed change into the organization's DNA.

E-Commerce & Digital Business Building

E-commerce continues to reshape industries, yet many established companies struggle to unlock its full potential. I help businesses leverage their existing strengths to build or scale digital channels — drawing on experience from fashion e-commerce operations, marketplace strategy, and fulfillment at scale.

From MVP development to warehouse automation and same-day delivery infrastructure, I've supported digital commerce across its full lifecycle.

Past Projects

Digital Strategy & MVP for an ASX 200 Company

Developed a digital strategy and implemented an MVP for a major Australian listed company, working directly with the Chief Strategy & Transformation Officer.

E-Commerce Strategy for an International Business Holding

Developed a comprehensive e-commerce strategy for a holding operating multiple B2B companies across several countries. The work integrated commercial, operations, loyalty, data, finance, and IT perspectives to guide future digital development and acquisition decisions.

Long-Term Digital Strategy for Multinational Retail & Real-Estate Holding

Provided 6+ months of digital strategy and implementation support for the holding company of multinational retail and real-estate businesses, advising C-suite leadership on transformation priorities.

Operational Due Diligence of a Fashion Company

Conducted operational due diligence of a potential acquisition target for an ecosystem business. Evaluated front-of-store, back-of-store, logistics infrastructure, and customer service quality to determine suitability as the fashion anchor of a broader ecosystem play.

Strategic Leadership Event & Initiative Development for a Precision Manufacturing Company

Designed and facilitated a strategic leadership event for 50 top managers of a Swiss-headquartered precision manufacturer during a major CEO transition. The work included a structured listening phase with senior leaders, event design and facilitation, engagement of external start-up founders on AI and innovation topics, and the development of a comprehensive post-read. Identified and evaluated 20+ strategic initiatives that fed directly into the company's forward planning process.

E-Commerce Supply Chain Strategy for a Major Retail Group

Developed a comprehensive supply chain strategy for the e-commerce launch of a large retail group in the Middle East. Evaluated the full range of fulfillment configurations and delivery partners across operational, regulatory, cost, and integration dimensions. The resulting supply chain framework became the operational foundation of the e-commerce business, which was successfully acquired by a larger competitor within two years of launch.

About

Hauke Ahrend has over 12 years of experience working with digital businesses and companies looking to strengthen their digital presence or enter new markets. He has worked with organizations across Europe, the United States, Australia, and Africa on topics ranging from corporate strategy and e-commerce implementation to operational due diligence.

During his career, Hauke has worked with startups from launch to exit, built e-commerce supply chains from the ground up, and advised international industry leaders during transformational phases. He spent time at McKinsey & Company before founding his own advisory practice.

Hauke is a runner, triathlete, and founder of Goes Faster — a side project making run coaching widely available through technology.

Education

MA Business Management
University of St. Gallen
MicroMasters Supply Chain Management
MIT

Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)
Professional Scrum Master I
Professional Scrum Product Owner I
AWS Solutions Architect

Focus

Retail, E-Commerce, Digital Transformation