Sebastian Klare Headshot

Sebastian Klare

Growth, Transformation & Leadership Executive

A results-driven executive with over 25 years of experience architecting growth and leading transformations across Private Equity, Tech, e-Commerce, and Retail. My career is defined by a consistent track record of scaling operations, driving digital innovation, and delivering substantial enterprise value in complex, international environments.

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About Me

With over two decades of executive leadership, my passion lies in driving significant growth and orchestrating successful transformations for businesses across diverse sectors. My journey has taken me through the dynamic landscapes of Private Equity, cutting-edge Technology, fast-paced e-Commerce, and traditional Retail, always with a focus on delivering tangible results.

I specialize in scaling operations, leveraging digital innovation to create competitive advantages, and executing post-merger integrations that unlock new value. My approach is hands-on and strategic, ensuring that every initiative aligns with overarching business objectives and contributes directly to enterprise value.

My Philosophy

I believe in fostering a culture of continuous improvement and empowering teams to achieve ambitious goals. My leadership style emphasizes clear communication, strategic foresight, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, enabling organizations to navigate complex challenges and seize new opportunities in an ever-evolving market.

Selected Professional Experience

Managing Director Commercial Practice

AURELIUS WaterRise AG, Frankfurt

2021-Present

  • Focus on value creation and commercial excellence within private equity portfolio assets.

Founder & Managing Director

Klare Ventures GmbH, Frankfurt

2018-Present

  • Established a boutique consulting firm advising private equity clients on digital strategy, growth, transformation, and post-merger integration.

CMO/VP of Global Marketing

Astound Commerce, San Bruno / Frankfurt

2016-2018

  • Led global marketing for a major digital commerce agency and Salesforce partner, driving brand growth and market penetration in preparation of private equity exit.

Senior Director, Retail & Digital

Alvarez & Marsal, Munich

2014-2017

  • Advised retail and CPG clients on performance improvement and digital strategy for a top-tier global professional services firm.

COO/Director of Operations

avandeo | Designwelt Ltd., Shanghai

2011-2013

  • Managed and scaled operations for a VC-backed e-commerce start-up.

COO / Director of Operations

brands4friends | Private Sale GmbH, Berlin

2010-2011

  • Scaled operations for Germany's leading private sales club, optimizing logistics and fulfillment to support a successful exit to eBay.

Head of e-Commerce

s.Oliver Online Shop GmbH, Rottendorf

2009-2011

  • Led the e-commerce division for a major vertically integrated fashion brand, driving significant online revenue growth and operational redesign.

Foundational Corporate & Leadership Experience

  • Arcandor AG (KarstadtQuelle): Progressed through management roles in e-Commerce.
  • IBM Deutschland GmbH: Held Engagement Manager and B2B Sales positions.
  • Deutsche Bank AG: Progressed from working student to Assistant Vice President in Technology and Corporate & Transaction Banking.

Education

Diploma in Management

Henley Management College, UK

Business and Computer Science

Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg

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