GFT strengthens leadership team and intensifies transition into an AI technology company

Stuttgart, 20 December 2024 – GFT Technologies SE is reorganising its leadership structure to drive the strategic transformation of the company into a global AI technology provider. Effective 1 January 2025, a newly restructured leadership team will assume responsibility for continuing the company’s success story in a rapidly evolving market environment.

Ulrich Dietz, Chairman of the Administrative Board, emphasised: “By strengthening our leadership team, we are sending a clear signal to consistently evolve GFT into a global AI technology company.”

Marco Santos: Decisive and visionary leadership for GFT Technologies SE

Marco Santos, previously Co-CEO, will assume sole responsibility for managing GFT Technologies SE as planned at the start of the new year. With his extensive experience and strategic vision, he is ideally positioned to lead the company through its next growth phases.

Since joining GFT in 2011, Marco Santos has held various leadership positions. In 2023, he was appointed CEO of GFT Americas and has since been responsible for the company’s operations in North and South America.

“I am taking on this new responsibility with the goal of continuing GFT’s growth trajectory by making the best AI-driven solutions, software developments, and technologies accessible to businesses all over the globe. We are at the dawn of an exciting and transformative era of artificial intelligence, which will redefine industries and business models while creating countless opportunities. GFT will help its clients fully realise this potential, achieve groundbreaking advancements, and secure long-term success,” said Marco Santos.

Jochen Ruetz: Strategic impetus as Deputy CEO

CFO Jochen Ruetz will assume the additional role of Deputy CEO starting in 2025. With over 21 years of experience at GFT, Ruetz combines a deep understanding of the company’s DNA with strategic excellence.

Ulrich Dietz remarked: “Jochen Ruetz plays a central role in our strategy. His extensive experience provides a valuable foundation for GFT’s ongoing development.”

Jens-Thorsten Rauer leaves GFT to become Executive Advisor

Jens-Thorsten Rauer has requested that his contract, which runs until the end of 2026, be terminated prematurely. He will resign from his position as Managing Director as of 31 December 2024. The Administrative Board has agreed to his request. In January, Rauer will hand over his responsibilities to Manuel Lavín and will continue to support the company as an Executive Advisor, contributing his exceptional sales expertise.

Ulrich Dietz acknowledged his contributions: “Both personally and as Chairman of the Administrative Board, I regret this decision. Jens-Thorsten Rauer has significantly contributed to GFT’s success in recent years with his tireless commitment and expertise. Through the successful establishment of the industrial products business and his leadership of the Western and Central Europe region during challenging times, he has made a positive and lasting impact on the company.

On behalf of the entire Administrative Board, I would like to thank him for his dedicated work and his willingness to support the restructuring of GFT’s leadership team. I am delighted that Mr. Rauer will continue to accompany GFT in his new role as Executive Advisor, sharing his experience and vision.”

Targeted strengthening for operational responsibility and global synergies

“At the same time, I am pleased that we are positioning experienced leaders such as Manuel Lavín, Christopher Ortiz, and Joan-Carles Fonoll in key roles. Their expertise and clear focus on operational excellence and innovation will play a critical role in achieving our strategic goals and further strengthening GFT’s global market position,” said Ulrich Dietz.

With clearly defined responsibilities and a focused approach, these new leadership roles will contribute significantly to advancing the company’s objectives. Manuel Lavín, previously Managing Director of GFT Spain, will take on the leadership of Western and Central Europe, leveraging his extensive expertise in digital transformation. Christopher Ortiz will expand his responsibilities to include the USA and Canada, in addition to the UK and the Asia-Pacific region, while continuing to oversee GFT’s largest global clients. COO Joan-Carles Fonoll will focus on further developing the Global Delivery Platform to maximise synergies across regions and drive global business growth.

These leadership changes ideally combine strategic foresight, experience, and customer focus. They establish the foundation for advancing GFT’s development and actively shaping the opportunities and challenges of the AI era.

With this new leadership structure, GFT is determined to shape its next phases of growth and consolidate its position as a leading global partner for technological innovation.