Robin Prothmann
- Alignment of IT and business side
- Optimization of profit added value and sourcing strategy
- Alignment of IT to a customer's value added chain
- Reorganising structures and operations
- Benchmarking and cost reduction programmes
Intermediary between business and IT
Robin Prothmann focuses on optimising IT organizations and realising potential efficiency increases and cost savings. He founded and established the "Bensberger Kreis", the largest cross-industry benchmarking network for the Group's IT organizations in the whole of Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
Robin Prothmann has more than ten years experience in management consulting. Before joining SMP in 2003, he worked at Lufthansa and PriceWaterhouseCoopers. During that time he was managing various international projects concerning business intelligence solutions within the areas of order management and sales reporting. Moreover he developed new partnership models for marketing consultancies.
He studied economics at Essen and Oxford and has an MBA from ESC Nice. Before his studies he served an apprenticeship as an industrial manager at BASF.
Robin Prothmann is married, has three daughters and into all kinds of sports.
"At SMP every employee is an entrepreneur within the company." This promise was given to me in 2003 when I was interviewed for the post of senior consultant. After stints at two DAX companies (one of the "Big Six" as well as a SME consultancy), I started at SMP. I had a hands-on role from the start and, as well as developing customer solutions, I am given enough space to develop ideas into successful projects, for example, building Europe's largest benchmarking panel for the Group's IT organisations, the "Bensberger Kreis."
I appreciate the ability to work hands-on as a consultant – i.e. with my sleeves rolled up with the team, on-site with the customer – and actually using opportunities, instead of just thinking about them.
What qualities do friends admire in you?
It's best to ask my friends - I'm happy to provide their contact details.
What challenges do you enjoy taking on?
"Surf & turf" on the barbecue at home.
What's your favourite thing to do after finishing a successful project?
Bringing the work-life relationship back into balance together with my girls.
What dream do you still have to realise?
Crossing the Atlantic on a historic tall ship.
How do you recharge your batteries?
Preferably on holiday by or on the sea, with a fresh breeze blowing through my head and clearing my thoughts.
What adventures lie ahead?
Puberty - I have three daughters.
What mistakes can you put up with?
Any that were made with good intentions.
What was your biggest achievement at SMP?
Establishment and development of a benchmarking network for in-house IT service providers - the "Bensberger Kreis."
Which personal item would you least like to be separated from?
My wedding ring.
What's the motto you live your life by?
"Idealism is just a direction, everything else has to be pragmatic."
Yehudi Menuhin (1916-99)
