Rolf Schumann

Rolf Schumann is a visionary digital strategist with a strong track record in execution. As Co-CEO of the IT and digital division Schwarz Digits, he leverages his extensive expertise in IT, business disruption, and sales to decisively drive forward digital transformation and sovereignty across all divisions of the Schwarz Group.

Before joining the Schwarz Group in 2019, Mr. Schumann held global leadership positions at SAP, most recently as General Manager for Platform & Innovation. From 2008 to 2012, he focused on clean tech and founded the startup Better Place. Prior to that, he served as Chief Technology Officer for Europe at SAP. He began his career at Siemens Business Services from 1996 to 2000, where he led data center operations in Europe and the planning of internet architecture. Schumann holds a degree in Business Informatics from the University of Mannheim, a Master of IT Management from ZfU International Business School in Switzerland, and numerous IT certifications.

His deep enthusiasm for technological innovation is reflected in his work as the author of the professional books “Simplify Your IT” and “Update – Why the Data Revolution Affects Us All.” In addition to his roles on the supervisory board of Kärcher and advisory boards of Aleph Alpha, Wire, and appliedAI, he contributes his expertise to federal policymaking in Germany. As Co-Chair of the Expert Commission on Competition and AI, he advises the German government strategically on digital sovereignty. In doing so, he particularly promotes the principle of “AI leapfrogging” to decisively accelerate the nation’s technological catch-up process.