Stefan Waler

CEO

Vienna, Vienna, Austria29 yrs experience

Highly Stable

Key Highlights

Over 20 years of IT executive experience.
Expert in SAP S/4HANA implementations.
Proven track record in digital transformation.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a seasoned IT executive specializing in ERP transformations and digitalization strategies.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Digital TransformationSap S/4hanaEnterprise ArchitectureIt StrategyBusiness TransformationProject ManagementBusiness Process Improvement

Other Skills

Amazon Web Services (AWS)Architecture FrameworksBusiness AnalysisBusiness IntelligenceBusiness ProcessCMMICOBITChange ManagementCloud ArchitectureCloud-ComputingCorporate FinanceDigitale TransformationDigitalization StrategyERP SystemsFinance Business Processes

About

As a seasoned IT executive with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in leading global IT and ERP transformations, with a focus on SAP S/4HANA implementations in complex environments and hybrid cloud. My career highlights include turning around failed projects, developing digitalization strategies, and establishing robust enterprise architecture frameworks. I thrive in dynamic environments, driving digital transformation, optimizing business processes, and collaborating with C-level executives to deliver substantial business benefits. Currently, as CIO & Head of Digital Transformation at Hartlauer Group, I successfully restarted an ERP project, implementing SAP S/4HANA and achieving significant operational improvements. Previously, I held various leadership roles at Compass Group PLC, where I led global enterprise architecture initiatives and large-scale system implementations. I am passionate about leveraging technology to drive business success and am always seeking new challenges that allow me to contribute my expertise to innovative and forward-thinking organizations.

Experience

Avo automation

Chief Product Officer

Sep 2025 – Present · 6 mos · Vienna · On-site

Hartlauer handelsgesellschaft m.b.h.

2 roles

CIO, Head of Digital Transformation

Apr 2023 – Aug 2025 · 2 yrs 4 mos · Steyr, Upper Austria, Austria

Developed and executed a comprehensive digitalization strategy based on hybrid cloud architecture. Spearheaded the successful implementation of SAP S/4HANA Retail (Operating Model, Enterprise Architecture, Licence Portfolio, Fit Gap, Build, Deploy). Established a Center of Excellence (COE) for SAP.

SAP S/4HANADigitalization StrategyHybrid Cloud ArchitectureEnterprise ArchitectureDigital Transformation

Head of Digital Transformation

Nov 2020 – Apr 2023 · 2 yrs 5 mos · Steyr, Upper Austria, Austria

Developed and executed a comprehensive digitalization strategy based on hybrid cloud architecture. Spearheaded the successful implementation of SAP S/4HANA Retail (Operating Model, Enterprise Architecture, Licence Portfolio, Fit Gap, Build, Deploy). Established a Center of Excellence (COE) for SAP.

SAP S/4HANADigitalization StrategyHybrid Cloud ArchitectureEnterprise ArchitectureDigital Transformation

Compass group plc

4 roles

Group Enterprise Architecture Director

Sep 2019 – Nov 2020 · 1 yr 2 mos

Leading the Group Enterprise Architecture function. Responsible for global & regional IT-Roadmaps, architecture frameworks and development of global best practice in various architecture disciplines.

Enterprise ArchitectureIT RoadmapsArchitecture FrameworksIT Strategy

Group IS&T Director Finance Business Solutions & Enterprise Architecture

Promoted

Sep 2014 – Aug 2019 · 4 yrs 11 mos

Leading the finance business processes & systems community in a global company with >500.000 employees operating in +50 countries. Establishing operating models and business process standards.
Global reorganisation of finance structures in conjunction with multi-national implementations of process standards and ERP systems.
Programme and change management in multi-cultural environments.
Group enterprise architecture responsibility with particular focus on business & systems architecture.

Finance Business ProcessesERP SystemsChange ManagementBusiness TransformationEnterprise Architecture

Head of Enterprise Architecture

Promoted

Oct 2013 – Aug 2014 · 10 mos

Supporting global business transformation in a rapidly growing company operating in 50+ countries with >500.000 employees.
Working with business management to realise maximum benefit from technology activities across the Group.
Bringing together key subject matter experts from across the company and primary suppliers to define the Group’s Enterprise Architecture.
Ensure business capabilities, people and processes are supported by the right IT solutions.

Business TransformationEnterprise ArchitectureIT Solutions