The Group: The Team

Meet the Team.

DIRK WIELAND

Chief Executive Officer

DIRK WIELAND

Chief Executive Officer

At the start of his professional life, Dirk – who is actually a true information technologist – successfully brought together different companies in the venture capital environment. As managing director of MAC IT-Solutions, he has been a major player in the ERP market for omnichannel retailers in the DACH region for 20 years.

“Fairness in dealing with employees and customers is a key success factor for me. That’s why I see collana IT as a successful platform for mutual respect, sustainability and entrepreneurial expansion.”

As CEO of collana IT, Dirk is committed to the further development of the group with a high level of personal commitment and enthusiasm.

NICOLE WEHNER

Chief Marketing Officer

NICOLE WEHNER

Chief Marketing Officer

Nicole has been active in the ERP and CRM environment for over 20 years in various positions – from consulting to project management to sales. During this time, she helped pioneer the digital transformation process from mail order to e-commerce and omnichannel retail. With her expertise, she played a significant role in shaping the growth and positioning of the company as CMO of MAC IT-Solutions.

“The IT world is becoming more and more complex. Our bundling of experts for very specific customer needs enables us to find the best solutions. This opens up a wide range of new perspectives for our customers and employees.”

As CMO, Nicole is responsible for the external presence of the Group and, together with the teams, she plays a crucial role in building collana IT into a strong employer brand.

FABIAN GEHLHAAR

Chief Financial Officer

FABIAN GEHLHAAR

Chief Financial Officer

Fabian has worked for many years as an M&A advisor for companies and entrepreneurs in the tech and digital sector. He then spent four years as CFO of a fast-growing e-commerce company.

“Creating common values but also respecting different cultures – for me, this is emblematic of the collaborative style in the collana group.”

As CFO of collana IT, he can contribute his knowledge of M&A and operations while driving the Group’s expansion.

ANDREAS THIES

Chief Technology Officer

ANDREAS THIES

Chief Technology Officer

Andreas is a true technician. After studying computer science and gaining a doctorate in software technology, he went through various roles in the digital sector — from software development to managing large IT departments. 

“For me, finding and using synergies in the Group means first and foremost learning from each other. This includes sharing success stories as well as dealing openly with mistakes and setbacks.”

At collana IT, Andreas contributes his tech expertise as CTO by networking the subsidiaries and supporting overarching projects.

MARIA-SARA KOCK

M&A & Corporate Development Manager

MARIA-SARA KOCK

M&A & Corporate Development Manager

Even during her studies in business psychology and management, Sara was interested in the interplay between business aspects and the people within organisations. She gained M&A experience on the buy side at a listed software group.

“Bringing complex organisations together while maintaining their respective operational autonomy is something I find incredibly exciting. At collana IT, we provide a platform for exchange and collaboration at eye level.”

Sara is M&A and Corporate Development Manager, making her responsible for the post-merger integration, the development of Group functions and the inorganic growth of the group.

LEONHARD NEUSCHÄFER

M&A Manager

LEONHARD NEUSCHÄFER

M&A Manager

Leonhard worked for several years at auditing firms (e.g. Big 4) in the areas of auditing and transaction consulting before most recently working in the media industry in the financial sector, where he was responsible for investment controlling and supported M&A projects.

“Our group structure is like a team sport: you can only be successful together in the long term if you manage to turn individuals with special skills into a team that pulls together and supports each other in every situation.”

As M&A Manager, Leonhard supports the various acquisition projects within collana IT from the initial contact with the companies through to the completion of the transaction.

ADRIAN HESS

Advisory Board

ADRIAN HESS

Advisory Board

Already as a university student, Adrian gained important experience in financing medium-sized companies in various positions at the Fribourg Cantonal Bank.
As a Partner at Ufenau Capital Partners, he has been supporting the portfolio companies on an operational level and assisting with the execution of transactions since 2011.

“The IT industry is incredibly diverse: I'm thrilled to come across real corporate pearls within this market – companies that are truly special with their very own positioning and distinctive success stories.”

In his role on the collana IT Advisory Board, Adrian engages with stakeholders with authentic interest, conscientiousness and always a willingness to provide constructive assistance.

DIETER SCHEIFF

Advisory Board

DIETER SCHEIFF

Advisory Board

Dieter looks back on more than 15 years of CEO experience at renowned companies. As founder and Managing Partner of Ufenau Capital Partners AG, he supports entrepreneurs in their growth plans with a clear acquisition strategy. 

“Respect in collaboration is the foundation for long-term success. I’m convinced everyone can benefit from clear responsibilities and fair dealings.”

On the collana IT Advisory Board, Dieter contributes his valuable experience and has earned a reputation for foresight and humour.