30%
Reduction in operating costs
Peek & Cloppenburg KG, Düsseldorf
2023–2026
As Managing Director, realigned the group’s strategy and restructured its operating model.
Thomas Freude
A career in leadership.
A focus on your next move.
Entrepreneur · CEO · Board member
Strategic judgement.
Hands-on leadership.
I bring more than 20 years of international leadership experience as an entrepreneur, CEO and board member across retail and telecommunications, in both listed and privately held companies. Today, I draw on that experience to advise on M&A and restructuring. I work with owners, investors and management teams at international listed companies and mid-market businesses, connecting strategic decisions with the realities of running a business.
20+Years in leadership
Retail & TelcoSector experience
Leadership across international businesses.
Retail and telecommunications.
Selected companies from Thomas Freude’s career · Not a client list
Selected results from executive roles
Executive responsibility.
Measurable results.
Selected outcomes from Thomas’s leadership roles in business restructuring, operational improvement and transactions.
>35%
Reduction in operating costs and working capital
Adler Modemärkte AG
2017–2021
As CEO and chairman of the executive board, led restructuring following the COVID-19 closures and improved working capital management.
4months
Business sale completed via a share deal
Adler Modemärkte AG
2017–2021
Led the sale process in four months, from appointing M&A advisers and negotiating with buyers to signing and closing.
24,000 → 16,000FTE
Save for Service: branch network reduced from 250 to 25
Telekom Deutschland GmbH
2012–2017
As CEO Technical Service, implemented the “Save for Service” programme through extensive automation, reducing the workforce from 24,000 to 16,000 full-time equivalents and the branch network from 250 to 25.
Working with strategy consultancies
Strategic insight. Executive experience.
At your request, we work alongside McKinsey, BCG and other leading strategy consultancies. Thomas Freude brings executive experience and an operational perspective to complement the consulting teams’ strategic work.
Through Business Solution Partners, Thomas worked with BCG to develop the concept, business plan and go-to-market strategy for a new international business unit at a major German retailer.
Selected leadership roles
A track record
of business leadership.
Selected roles and responsibilities across international retail and telecommunications businesses.
- 2023–2026
Peek & Cloppenburg KG, Düsseldorf
Managing Director
Realigned group strategy, restructured the operating model and expanded digital customer loyalty programmes.
- Founded 2021
Business Solution Partners
Founder
Established an advisory business focused on restructuring and interim management, developing new business models alongside consulting teams.
- 2017–2021
Adler Modemärkte AG
CEO · Chairman of the executive board
Led turnaround, crisis management and restructuring, including the sale of the business through a share deal to signing and closing.
- 2007–2017
Telekom Deutschland
Executive Board Member // CEO in multiple roles
CEO of Telekom Shops (2007–2012) and Technical Service (2012–2017), with responsibility for operational realignment, automation and improving customer experience.
- 2005–2007
OTTO Group
Managing Director, Global Retail
Led Zara’s expansion in Germany and strategic work for Crate & Barrel in the US and Canada; held supervisory board roles at Inditex and Crate & Barrel.
- 2001–2005
Karstadt Group
Executive Board Member
Positioned KaDeWe, Alsterhaus and Oberpollinger as premium luxury department stores.
- 1994–2001
Kaufhof Warenhaus AG
Managing Director, Sales
Developed the traditional department store format into the Galeria concept.
My approach
Finding the best
way forward.
Good decisions start with an open exchange of views and a willingness to take responsibility. I combine strategic clarity with disciplined execution, working towards shared objectives and respecting the people who make change happen.
Start a conversation
A pivotal decision.
A clear next step.
Discuss your priorities directly with Thomas Freude.