DATAGROUP SE has announced the expansion of its Executive Board with the appointment of Niels Ackermann as Chief Financial Officer, effective June 1, 2026. This move establishes an independent CFO position within the company's leadership structure, separating financial responsibilities that were previously handled by CEO Andreas Baresel. The appointment represents a strategic enhancement of DATAGROUP's finance function as part of its continued growth strategy in the competitive IT services sector.
Ackermann brings more than 25 years of international leadership experience in both CFO and CEO positions across private and publicly listed companies. His background includes significant expertise in building and developing private-equity-backed organizations, along with implementing buy-and-build strategies that align with DATAGROUP's own acquisition approach. The company has emphasized its commitment to both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, with particular attention to optimal integration of acquired companies through its buy-and-turnaround and buy-and-build strategies detailed on their corporate website at https://www.datagroup.de.
Throughout his career, Ackermann has held executive roles at European healthcare providers and pharmaceutical companies, along with leadership positions in medium-sized industrial organizations. His responsibilities have spanned finance and accounting, controlling, treasury, mergers and acquisitions, information technology, human resources, and legal and compliance functions. This comprehensive experience positions him to oversee multiple aspects of DATAGROUP's operations beyond traditional financial management.
Max H.-H. Schaber, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DATAGROUP SE, highlighted the significance of this appointment, stating that Ackermann's international CFO experience, deep understanding of financing and M&A topics, and proven track record in building high-growth organizations will play a crucial role in DATAGROUP's further development. The company's growth strategy focuses on both the German and European markets, where Ackermann will work with the management team to drive organic expansion while shaping long-term acquisition plans.
Ackermann's background also includes investment banking experience from prominent institutions such as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, providing him with extensive knowledge in capital market transactions, leveraged buyout structures, and M&A processes. This expertise is particularly relevant for DATAGROUP, which has established itself as one of Germany's leading IT service providers with approximately 4,000 employees across multiple locations. The company's CORBOX product serves as a full-service solution supporting global IT workplaces for medium and large enterprises as well as public authorities.
The appointment comes at a time when DATAGROUP is actively participating in the consolidation process within the IT services industry. By strengthening its executive leadership with specialized financial expertise, the company positions itself to more effectively execute its growth strategies while maintaining financial discipline. This move signals DATAGROUP's commitment to professionalizing its financial operations as it continues to expand its market presence through both internal development and strategic acquisitions. The separation of CEO and CFO responsibilities allows for more focused leadership in both operational and financial domains, potentially enhancing corporate governance and strategic decision-making processes as the company navigates an increasingly competitive European IT landscape.
