--- title: "Accelerating Innovation: How DRÄXLMAIER’s CIO Drives the Future of Automotive IT" description: Discover how DRÄXLMAIER's CIO is revolutionizing automotive IT by embracing digital transformation, fostering collaboration, and accelerating innovation in the fast-evolving industry. image: https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Article%20Preview%20Kr%C3%BCger%20Navigating%20Software%20Production.png --- [![Seerene](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Logo-Seerene-colour.svg "Seerene")](https://www.seerene.com/home2020?hsLang=en) [![Platform Login](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4856350/9c6b0b6e-2bcb-40dd-aa8f-78210e3a0b80.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4856350/9c6b0b6e-2bcb-40dd-aa8f-78210e3a0b80) [![Book a Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4856350/dc92cb11-7387-494f-90a4-be6cd41d7efd.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4856350/dc92cb11-7387-494f-90a4-be6cd41d7efd) ** ** [![Seerene](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Logo-Seerene-colour.svg "Seerene")](https://www.seerene.com/home2020?hsLang=en) [![Platform Login](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4856350/9c6b0b6e-2bcb-40dd-aa8f-78210e3a0b80.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4856350/9c6b0b6e-2bcb-40dd-aa8f-78210e3a0b80) [![Book a Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4856350/dc92cb11-7387-494f-90a4-be6cd41d7efd.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4856350/dc92cb11-7387-494f-90a4-be6cd41d7efd) ** ** [![Logo-Seerene-White](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Seerene_April2019/Logos/Seerene%20logo/Logo-Seerene-White.svg "Logo-Seerene-White")](https://www.seerene.com/?hsLang=en) ** ** [![Platform Login](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4856350/9c6b0b6e-2bcb-40dd-aa8f-78210e3a0b80.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4856350/9c6b0b6e-2bcb-40dd-aa8f-78210e3a0b80) [![Book a Demo](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4856350/dc92cb11-7387-494f-90a4-be6cd41d7efd.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4856350/dc92cb11-7387-494f-90a4-be6cd41d7efd) Search ![](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/hubfs/Article%20Preview%20Kr%C3%BCger%20Navigating%20Software%20Production.png) [Events/Webinars](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/news-research/tag/events-webinars) | [Knowledge](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/news-research/tag/knowledge) | 4 min read # Accelerating Innovation: How DRÄXLMAIER’s CIO Drives the Future of Automotive IT [![Oliver Viel](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/hubfs/website%202020/Media%20Blog/handelsblatt%20event%20290920/viel.jpg)](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/news-research/author/oliver-viel) Written by [Oliver Viel](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/news-research/author/oliver-viel) Mar 3, 2025 7:45:00 AM In a world where automotive manufacturing is increasingly driven by software, Maik Krüger, CIO of DRÄXLMAIER, offers a compelling vision of how IT can enable efficiency, innovation, and strategic alignment in a global enterprise. Speaking at the [*Navigating Software Production executive exchange*](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/news-research/executive-exchange-navigating-software-production?hsLang=en), Krüger provided a deep dive into his leadership philosophy, operational strategies, and the transformation underway at DRÄXLMAIER, a global leader in premium automotive components. ![Maik Krüger, CIO of DRÄXLMAIER speaking at the Hasso Plattner Institute](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Maik%20Kr%C3%BCger%2c%20CIO%20of%20DR%C3%84XLMAIER%20speaking%20at%20the%20Hasso%20Plattner%20Institute.jpg?width=500&height=333&name=Maik%20Kr%C3%BCger%2c%20CIO%20of%20DR%C3%84XLMAIER%20speaking%20at%20the%20Hasso%20Plattner%20Institute.jpg) #### **Understanding DRÄXLMAIER’s Role in the Industry** Founded over six decades ago, DRÄXLMAIER is a family-owned company that has grown into a powerhouse in the automotive supply chain. With 72,000 employees across 65 sites in 20 countries, the company specializes in developing premium electrical systems, battery technologies, and interior components for leading automakers like BMW, Daimler, Porsche, and Maserati. Each product segment, from customized wiring harnesses to cutting-edge batteries, demands a high level of technical sophistication. According to Krüger, this complexity underscores the importance of a robust and adaptable IT backbone. #### **A Vision for IT: Marrying Performance and Agility** Krüger’s vision for IT at DRÄXLMAIER revolves around two central pillars: performance and flexibility. His approach is rooted in a deep understanding of both the technical and business aspects of IT, cultivated during his tenure at BMW and as a hands-on programmer in the early stages of his career. - **Performance-Driven IT** Krüger introduced a “performance IT” model where every IT project must be approved by business stakeholders. This ensures that IT initiatives align with organizational priorities and deliver tangible value. The adoption of a chargeability system—modeled after consulting firms—creates accountability and transparency, with measurable targets for each team member. - **Cultural Transformation** Trust and responsibility are at the heart of Krüger’s leadership philosophy. By empowering employees with autonomy and fostering open, transparent communication, he aims to create an environment where innovation can thrive. This cultural shift extends across roles and geographies, emphasizing respect and appreciation for every team member's contribution. #### **Global IT Centers: A “Follow-the-Sun” Model** A key component of DRÄXLMAIER’s IT strategy is its globally distributed network of IT centers. These centers, located in regions like Romania, Mexico, China, and Tunisia, are not mere extensions of the headquarters but integral parts of the organization. Each center is assigned specific technical responsibilities—such as network management or database operations—and operates autonomously within the overarching IT framework. This decentralized approach leverages regional expertise and time zone advantages to ensure 24/7 operational efficiency, following a “follow-the-sun” model. For example, database management responsibilities lie with the team in Romania, while network-related tasks are handled by the Tunisia center. #### **Standardization Through the “North Star” Framework** To manage the complexity of a global IT ecosystem, DRÄXLMAIER has adopted the “North Star” framework, a strategic architecture that defines the company’s IT landscape. This framework standardizes tools and processes across core business functions such as sales, engineering, operations, and finance. By aligning IT investments with this roadmap, DRÄXLMAIER avoids the pitfalls of fragmented systems and redundant costs. The framework also enables strategic decision-making by highlighting the trade-offs of adopting non-standard solutions, such as increased operational and cybersecurity expenses. #### **Balancing Business and Technical IT Expertise** Krüger emphasized the need to balance business-oriented and technically-oriented IT roles within the organization. While business-oriented teams focus on solutions tailored to specific functions like HR or logistics, technically-oriented teams operate with greater flexibility, applying their expertise across multiple domains. To support this model, DRÄXLMAIER has established “Technical Competence Centers,” which consolidate specialized skills such as SAP development, RPA, and IoT. These centers act as flexible resources that can be deployed across projects, enhancing agility and efficiency. #### **Transformative Takeaways for the Automotive Industry** Krüger’s presentation offers several key lessons for CIOs and IT leaders navigating the shift toward software-defined vehicles (SDVs): - **IT as a Strategic Partner:** By aligning IT with business priorities, organizations can ensure that technology investments drive real value. - **Decentralized Yet Unified:** A global IT structure with clear responsibilities fosters innovation and operational excellence. - **Cultural Evolution:** Trust, transparency, and empowerment are essential for unlocking the full potential of IT teams. - **Standardization with Flexibility:** A strategic framework like the North Star provides a foundation for innovation while maintaining control over costs and complexity. #### **The Road Ahead** As the automotive industry continues to evolve, DRÄXLMAIER’s IT transformation positions it as a leader in delivering premium, software-driven solutions. Krüger’s emphasis on performance, cultural alignment, and strategic standardization provides a blueprint for other organizations aiming to stay competitive in an increasingly digital landscape. By bridging the gap between technical expertise and business needs, DRÄXLMAIER demonstrates how IT can be a catalyst for innovation and growth, ensuring that the company remains a trusted partner to the world’s most prestigious automakers. [![Krüger](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Kr%C3%BCger.jpg?width=500&height=281&name=Kr%C3%BCger.jpg)](https://youtu.be/Jzc8Xnxt6mQ?si=M76jqpiq6up94pE1) ### The Software Excellence Network The Software Excellence Network is a premier community of leaders and innovators dedicated to advancing software development practices. Focused on fostering collaboration, sharing insights, and driving strategic value, the network empowers organizations to achieve excellence in software production, innovation, and efficiency. This executive exchange, Navigating Software Production, was hosted by Seerene, the Hasso Plattner Institute, MaibornWolff, and Roland Berger in conjunction with the [Software Excellence Network](https://seerene-4856350.hs-sites.com/software-excellence?hsLang=en). A Note to Our Readers This article offers an overview of the key ideas presented by Maik Krüger during his talk. While we’ve captured the main concepts and innovations he shared, the full scope of his insights and examples is best experienced by watching the entire session. To dive deeper and hear directly from the speaker, we [invite you to view the complete presentation](https://youtu.be/Jzc8Xnxt6mQ?si=M76jqpiq6up94pE1). For any questions or further information, feel free to reach out to us. 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