The builder.
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 slides, not in pilots.
Currently Vice President Product at Rapid Data GmbH (PSG-backed) in Walldorf, leading portfolio strategy, product vision, and AI integration across a software group serving 15,000+ funeral homes across Europe. Driving the transition from standalone ERP and CRM products to an integrated, AI-enabled platform — with P&L ownership and budget responsibility up to €30M.
Range: founder; strategy consultant; PE value creation operator under KKR and PSG; SaaS, recruiting tech, martech, servicetech. Germany, UK, US, Nordics, Benelux.
Currently focused on.
AI in PE portfolio operations.
Building the commercial case and operational playbook for deploying AI 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 across a multi-company software group. Identifying synergies, rationalizing overlapping offerings, 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 every decision 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. Builds with the tools the team uses — daily. Takes calculated product bets, doubles down on winners, kills losers fast.
What I'm building.
Inside Rapid Data: the portfolio strategy and AI integration roadmap above. Outside: an open set of thinking on how operators and organizations actually go AI-native in PE environments.
Why Executives Should Build.
The case for picking up the tools your teams use. AI Chief of Staff, calendar delegation, disposable software, and how to drive org-wide AI adoption.
The Builder Factory.
The new lifecycle of a feature in the agentic era — Two Pioneers, One Pizza Eng, One Owner plus Agents. What the org chart actually looks like now.
AI Use Case Scoring & PE AI Readiness.
Frameworks for deploying AI where it moves EBITDA, not just where it looks impressive in a board deck.
Career.
Vice President Product
Jul 2026 – Present
Rapid Data GmbH
Leading Rapid Data's Product organization — Product Management, Product Design, and AI Product Strategy — including product vision, portfolio strategy, and the innovation roadmap across the group's software solutions. Working directly with the executive team and investors to drive AI transformation and scalable product operations, from pricing and monetization to post-merger integration across the portfolio.
Director Product Portfolio Management & Post Merger Integration
Feb 2025 – Jul 2026
Rapid Data GmbH
Owned the product portfolio strategy across Rapid Data's ERP, CRM, and e-commerce solutions — identifying new market opportunities, holding P&L ownership over pricing and monetization, and leading a cross-functional team to scale the portfolio. Built the long-term product vision and innovation strategy directly with C-level executives and PE investors.
Director Transformation
Jan 2024 – Dec 2024
The Stepstone Group
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
Feb 2022 – Jan 2024
The Stepstone Group
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.
Head of Global Monetization
Mar 2021 – Mar 2022
The Stepstone Group
Developed and implemented new monetization models, including a Flatrate Model unlocking an €80M market opportunity. Drove a 50% price increase with minimal churn. Built and led a global team of 12 focused on monetization and implementation.
Manager, Strategy & Implementation
Jul 2019 – Apr 2021
The Stepstone Group (KKR)
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, integrating 2 acquisitions.
Senior Consultant
Jul 2017 – Jun 2019
SMP AG Strategy Consulting
Achieved the fastest promotion to Senior Consultant in the firm's 20-year history. Generated €500K+ in new project sales. Worked closely with PE stakeholders on value creation and business process optimization across portfolio companies.
Consultant
Nov 2015 – Jun 2017
SMP AG Strategy Consulting
Led IT reorganization initiatives that improved operational efficiency by 20% and enabled seamless transitions across complex IT environments. Drove end-to-end process optimization in telecommunications, reducing bottlenecks by 30%. Established new business processes in banking that lifted operational efficiency by 25% through closer alignment between IT and business goals.
Founder
Oct 2007 – Dec 2009
InTime IT-Services
Early entrepreneurial venture in IT services. Frankfurt.
FAQ.
Who is Yannic Desch?
Vice President Product at Rapid Data GmbH (PSG-backed) in Walldorf. Builder first, operator second. 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 across 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.
Does Yannic speak publicly?
Yes. Keynotes, workshops, panels, and podcasts on AI in the P&L, scaling under PE pressure, transformation at scale, and international expansion. Available in German and English.
How can I contact Yannic?
Available for speaking engagements, advisory conversations, and podcasts. Reach out via LinkedIn or email.