Stefan Messerknecht
Board Services, Digital Transformation, M&A Consulting, Succession Planning, Corporate Management
My roots are in a Bremen-based entrepreneurial family with a nearly 100-year tradition in office supplies and later information technology, serving the regions of Bremen and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Following the sale of the family business in 2006, I had planned to take some time off. Instead, I joined hmmh multimediahaus AG as Managing Partner later that same year. Today, hmmh AG operates internationally as a leading Connected Commerce agencies under the roof of the Servieplan Group.
Business leadership, strategy, organization, and innovation have been my passion since the early stages of my professional career. Over the years, my work expanded to include supporting generational transitions in family-owned businesses and advising start-ups as a share holder, advisory board member and consultant.
Succession in family businesses requires all parties involved to combine structure with sensitivity. Supporting both the outgoing generation and the NextGen within entrepreneurial families is a matter close to my heart. The objective is to recognize differing interests, personalities, and potential tensions, and to develop solutions that are sustainable not only for the individuals involved but, above all, for the business itself.
My commercial training as a wholesale and foreign trade professional, combined with studies in Business Administration and Psychology at Kiel University, provided a valuable practical and academic foundation. During several years of professional experience in the United States, I gained extensive expertise in strategy, organizational development, and intercultural marketing
The commercialization of information technology and consulting on digital transformation have become core areas of expertise. In addition, experience gained through business expansion across Europe, the Middle East, and India has broadened my international perspective.
Early leadership responsibilities within the family business, later complemented by serving as CEO and spokesperson of a German „Aktiengesellschaft“ within a corporate group environment, as well as many years of experience as a supervisory and advisory board member, complete my professional profile.
All of these experiences have shaped—and continue to shape—my innovative mindset and collaborative approach. What drives me? Curiosity, the passion to shape and create, connecting people, and building bridges to sustainable solutions. Equally important to me is making a meaningful contribution to society through voluntary engagement.
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What Brings Me Joy Beyond My Profession?
Finding balance and inspiration beyond my professional life has always been important to me. Time with my family gives me strength and renewed energy. Hockey was my great passion for many years and a constant source of balance; today, that role is fulfilled by padel and fitness. History has fascinated me since my school days. It reminds me that there can be no future without an understanding of the past and that perspective is gained by seeing the bigger picture. Wine, for me, represents not only enjoyment but also an appreciation for culture, conversation, and meaningful exchange. Travelling broadens my horizons, introducing me to new people, cultures, and ways of thinking.
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Anyone who keeps doing what they already can will always remain who they already are.”
– Henry Ford, American Inventor and Entrepreneur