Markus Sontheimer

Inquirer
DISC Type : dc

CIO - Member Executive Committee at Brenntag

Stuttgart Region, Germany

Overview

Markus Sontheimer is the CIO at Brenntag, driving digital and AI-based transformation. With over 25 years of experience at companies like DB Schenker, Deutsche Bank, and Mercedes Benz, he is a recognized thought leader in creating business value through technology. Colleagues describe him as a dynamic, engaging, and empathetic leader.

Originally from Friedrichshafen, Markus earned a degree in industrial engineering from Esslingen University of Applied Sciences. He currently lives with his family in Stuttgart, Germany.

Unique fact: Markus was named "CIO of the year 2020" and received the "Transformation of Work Award" for his innovative work.

Personality Overview

Hard To Convince

Upfront

Judgemental

They don’t always try to control the conversation but neither do they like yielding it fully.  They care equally about the product and its potential impact. They can be nudged to make faster decisions by offering what they value.

Topics They Care About

AI Transformation
He is focused on leveraging AI and digital value creation to prepare organizations for the future, a central theme in his current role and thought leadership posts.
AI in Decision-Making
He recently highlighted that the biggest gap for businesses in AI is not technology, but the ability to integrate AI agents into core business decisions and operating models.
IT as a Value Driver
Believes technology is the foundational core of a business, not an add-on, and focuses on developing tech strategies that provide a stable basis for growth.

Media Appearances

Markus Sontheimer - CIO - Member Executive Committee at Brenntag. Featured in The Org

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Work History

2-2026
CIO - Member Executive Committee at Brenntag
1-2026
Mitglied des Beirats at Alois Müller GmbH
11-2025 - 1-2026
Senior Advisor at Horváth
3-2025 - 2-2026
CEO and Founder at Sontheimer + Partners
3-2023 - 12-2024
Senior Executive Advisor at CVC

Education

9-2018 - 9-2018
Innovative Technology Leader from Stanford University Graduate School of Education
1-2023 - 3-2024
High Performance Board Member Program from IESE Business School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 31 Location : Stuttgart Region, Germany Job Level : Leadership Designation : CIO - Member Executive Committee at Brenntag
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Insights For Selling To Markus

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Refer to testimonials from others in similar positions
  • Ask them questions confidently while doing discovery, don’t be apologetic
  • Tell them that you are there to help them create visible impact within their organization

DONT's

  • Don't try too hard to get friendly, let it happen with time
  • Do not give up if they are not convinced, try again with a different approach
  • Avoid repeating yourself or making generalizations

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Markus is

  • Confidence in the product plays an important role, followed by powerful testimonials.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Markus

  • They might hesitate a little, but they will say no if they are not convinced.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Markus move?

  • Their decision making speed is somewhere in the middle.
  • Can Markus take some risk or not?

  • Once they have analyzed the pros and cons, they can take some risks.

You And Markus

Personality Compatibility


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