DATAGROUP SE is expanding its Executive Board with the appointment of Niels Ackermann as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective June 1, 2026. The move introduces an independent CFO role, separating finance leadership from the CEO, Andreas Baresel, who previously handled these responsibilities. This strategic expansion aims to strengthen the company's finance function as part of its continued growth trajectory.
Niels Ackermann brings more than 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. Ackermann has held executive roles in European healthcare providers, the pharmaceutical industry, and medium-sized industrial companies, overseeing finance and accounting, controlling, treasury, M&A, IT, HR, and legal and compliance. Additionally, he has investment banking experience from Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley, with extensive knowledge in capital market transactions, leveraged buyout structures, and M&A processes.
“With Niels Ackermann, DATAGROUP wins a very experienced finance expert,” said Max H.-H. Schaber, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of DATAGROUP SE. “His international CFO experience, his deeper understanding of financing and M&A topics, as well as his track record in building high-growth organizations will play a crucial role in the further development of DATAGROUP.”
In his new role, Ackermann will work with the management team to drive organic growth and help shape the long-term buy-and-build strategy in the German and European market. DATAGROUP is one of the leading German IT service providers, with approximately 4,000 employees across Germany. The company designs, implements, and operates IT infrastructures and business applications, and offers the CORBOX product as a full-service provider for global IT workplaces. DATAGROUP grows both organically and through acquisitions, actively participating in market consolidation with its buy-and-turnaround and buy-and-build strategies. The announcement underscores DATAGROUP's commitment to strengthening its financial leadership to support its ambitious growth plans.
