The operator.
A decade building and transforming software companies in private equity environments. The last several years spent deploying AI where it actually moves the P&L — not in pilots, not in presentations.
Currently Director Product Portfolio at Rapid Data GmbH (PSG-backed) in Berlin, leading portfolio strategy, product vision, and AI integration across a software group serving the European funeral industry. Driving the transition from standalone ERP and CRM products toward an integrated, AI-enabled platform — with P&L ownership and a budget up to €30M.
Range: strategy consultant; PE value creation programs under KKR and PSG; SaaS, recruiting tech, martech. Germany, UK, US, Nordics, Benelux.
Currently focused on.
AI in PE portfolio operations.
Building the commercial case and operational playbook for AI adoption in mid-market software companies — from use case prioritization to EBITDA impact to exit readiness. The question isn't whether to deploy AI. It's which bets move the number, and how fast.
Post-merger integration at product level.
Translating M&A activity into coherent product portfolio strategy. Identifying synergies, rationalizing overlapping offerings, and building a unified roadmap that investors and customers can both get behind.
Operating style.
Runs at the intersection of strategy and execution — builds the plan, then gets in the work. Measures decisions against the P&L, not against consensus. Comfortable with PE stakeholders, C-suite, and product teams in the same week. Keeps structure lean, process minimal, and the bar for business impact high. Takes calculated risks on products and bets, doubles down on what works, cuts what doesn't.
Previous roles.
Director Transformation — The Stepstone Group
2024
Led a comprehensive tech and business transformation program with full P&L responsibility, contributing directly to +25% annual revenue. Program spanned 3,000+ employees globally. Delivered on-time and on-budget across 3+ large-scale workstreams, with a 30% improvement in operational efficiency and 20% cost reduction.
Head of Global Commercial Products — The Stepstone Group
2022 – 2024
Responsible for over €1B in revenue across 23 markets. Built and led an international team across the UK, Germany, and the US. Launched a SaaS recruiting tool that generated €8M in revenue within 6 months and achieved 37% year-over-year growth. Consistently nominated as one of StepStone's Top 50 Global Leaders from 2021 to 2024.
Head of Global Monetization — The Stepstone Group
2021 – 2022
Developed and implemented new monetization models, including a Flatrate Model that unlocked an €80M market opportunity. Drove a 50% increase in prices with minimal churn. Built and led a global team of 12 focused on monetization and implementation.
Manager, Strategy & Implementation — The Stepstone Group (KKR)
2019 – 2021
Implemented end-to-end growth initiatives via the KKR Value Creation Program, resulting in a 20% performance increase over three years. Responsible for global M&A activities, successfully integrating 2 acquisitions.
Senior Consultant — SMP AG Strategy Consulting
2015 – 2019
Achieved the fastest promotion to Senior Consultant in the firm's 20-year history. Generated €500K+ in new project sales. Worked closely with private equity stakeholders on value creation and business process optimization across portfolio companies.
Founder — InTime IT-Services
2007 – 2009
Early entrepreneurial venture in IT services. Frankfurt.
FAQ.
Who is Yannic Desch?
Director Product Portfolio Management & Post Merger Integration at Rapid Data GmbH (PSG-backed) in Berlin. Over 10 years scaling software and technology companies in private equity environments, combining P&L responsibility, commercial growth strategy, and AI integration.
What did Yannic do before Rapid Data?
Director Transformation and Head of Global Commercial Products at The Stepstone Group — responsible for €1B+ in revenue across 23 markets and a transformation program touching 3,000+ employees globally. Before that, Manager of Strategy & Implementation at StepStone under the KKR value creation program, and Senior Consultant at SMP AG Strategy Consulting.
What is Yannic currently focused on?
AI in the P&L: deploying generative AI and large language models where they directly drive revenue and efficiency in PE portfolio companies. Specifically: AI strategy, automation of core business processes, and AI readiness as a value driver in exit processes.
What is Yannic's educational background?
M.Sc. Business Administration (Strategy & Business Informatics) from Philipps-Universität Marburg and Stellenbosch University. B.Sc. Economics & Business Informatics from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz.
How can I contact Yannic?
Available for speaking engagements, advisory conversations, and podcasts. Reach out via LinkedIn or email.