DATAGROUP SE announced the expansion of its Executive Board with the appointment of Niels Ackermann as Chief Financial Officer effective 1 June 2026. This move establishes an independent CFO position, separating financial leadership from the CEO role previously held by Andreas Baresel, who managed finance department responsibilities. The appointment strengthens DATAGROUP's finance function as part of its continued growth strategy, signaling a strategic enhancement to its corporate governance and operational focus.
Niels Ackermann brings over 25 years of international leadership experience in CFO and CEO positions across private and publicly listed companies. His expertise includes building and developing private-equity-backed organizations and implementing buy-and-build strategies, which align with DATAGROUP's acquisition-focused growth model. Ackermann's background spans executive roles at European healthcare providers, the pharmaceutical industry, and medium-sized industrial companies, where he oversaw finance, accounting, controlling, treasury, M&A, IT, HR, and legal and compliance functions.
Prior to his corporate leadership roles, Ackermann gained investment banking experience at Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, providing him with substantial knowledge in capital market transactions, leveraged buyout structures, and M&A processes. This financial markets background is particularly relevant for DATAGROUP's active participation in industry consolidation through its buy-and-turnaround and buy-and-build strategies.
Max H.-H. Schaber, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DATAGROUP SE, emphasized the strategic importance of this appointment, stating that Ackermann's international CFO experience, deep understanding of financing and M&A topics, and track record in building high-growth organizations will be crucial for DATAGROUP's further development. The company views this leadership addition as essential for driving both organic growth and strategic acquisitions in the German and European IT services markets.
This executive board expansion occurs as DATAGROUP, one of Germany's leading IT service providers with approximately 4,000 employees, continues to grow through its CORBOX full-service product offering for medium and large enterprises and public authorities. The appointment reflects the increasing complexity of managing financial operations amid ongoing acquisition activities and market expansion, positioning the company for more sophisticated capital management and strategic financial planning as it navigates the competitive European IT services landscape.
