Overview
Wolfgang Sauerzapf is an experienced entrepreneur, board member, and former c-suite executive with over thirty years of experience. Sauerzapf has extensive international experience in finance, human resources, restructuring, M&A, and IT in various industries including automotive, European fashion retail, and real estate. Having closed over 15 M&A deals throughout his career, Sauerzapf is a systematic, conceptual, and networked negotiator with the skills to develop strategic partnerships and achieve profitable contracts.
Career History
At present, Sauerzapf serves as a board member, industry advisor, and angel investor on several boards and startup companies, including AVL List GmbH, where he is the Head of Audit Committee, Deutsche Handelskammer, Österreich, Hydrogrid GmbH, and Atreus GmbH. Previously, he was the Vice-Chairman and Head of Audit and Remuneration Committee at Saubermacher AG and a board member of Roth Family Trust.
Sauerzapf spent nearly fifteen years in the automotive industry at Magna International, where he began as an assistant to the President and CEO, M&A, and later, led as an Executive Vice President & CFO for over twelve years in both Europe and Canada the Vehicle and Powertrain group. During his time at Magna International, Sauerzapf handled extensive M&A and restructuring activities, primarily in Germany and Austria. Notably, Sauerzapf led a 7-fold volume increase in 5 years in core activity (automotive contract manufacturing and development) and successfully integrated a Central European blue-chip organization into a North American (NYSE listed) company. Prior to his time at Magna International, Sauerzapf got his start in finance in the electronics industry at ELIN AG. Following his time there, he moved to the rubber industry, where he became the division controller at SEMPERIT AG. The last ten years he worked as a Managing Director in the Fashion Retail Industry for the leading European multi-brand fashion retailer, Peek & Cloppenburg. During this time, he restructured a significant real estate portfolio for the family office and boosted expansion in new markets (CEE).
Personal
Sauerzapf graduated from Vienna University of Economics, where he earned his Master of Business Administration. He is a native German speaker, has advanced proficiency in English, and some knowledge in French. In his free time, Sauerzapf enjoys jogging, hiking, skiing, traveling, literature, and theatre. He currently resides in Austria.