Who is Who
Dr. Marcell Vollmer is a global executive, futurist, and CEO known for leading digital transformation across major organizations. A former SAP and BCG leader, he now advises startups and enterprises while shaping conversations on AI, innovation, procurement, and sustainable growth. His work continues to influence leaders worldwide.
“True leadership is not defined by titles but by the relentless pursuit of excellence and the vision to inspire others on the path to success.”
Great leaders are often shaped long before the world recognizes their achievements. For Dr. Marcell Vollmer, that shaping began with a deep curiosity about how people, systems, and ideas work together to create meaningful change. The journey that followed became a testament to resilience, discipline, and a constant drive to push boundaries.
From the early days of working part-time at DHL while pursuing his doctorate, Marcell learned the value of precision, grit, and ownership. Those formative moments built the foundation for a leader who understands complexity yet communicates with clarity. They also fueled a belief he often champions today: “Real growth happens in the shadows. Discipline builds excellence.”
A Mindset Built on Curiosity and Commitment
Marcell earned his Doctorate in Economics from the University of Hamburg, studying the dynamics of post-merger integrations. This academic experience was not just theoretical. While completing his studies, he also managed a small export business and worked hands-on in logistics. These experiences created a rare blend of analytical depth and operational understanding.
People who worked with him during these early years still recall the qualities that set him apart. Dr. Ralph N., a managing partner who supervised Marcell early on, described him as “ambitious, fast, and customer oriented, with an exceptional ability to understand complex information quickly while keeping a pragmatic, decision-focused mindset.”
This combination of empathy, speed, and accuracy would become one of Marcell’s defining strengths as he stepped into global leadership roles.
Ascent: Leading Transformations Across Some of the World’s Largest Organizations
Marcell’s rise in the corporate world reflects both expertise and the courage to navigate uncharted territory. Today, as CEO, Business Angel, Startup Investor, and Senior Advisor at MV Procu GmbH, he guides founders, investors, and organizations through innovation, sustainability, and strategic transformation.
Before stepping into this entrepreneurial chapter, he served as CEO of Prospitalia Group (now Vivecti Group). His leadership there strengthened operational performance in the healthcare procurement space, reinforcing his reputation for delivering measurable impact.
His tenure as Partner and Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) marked one of the most defining periods of his corporate career. At BCG, he advised global C-suite executives on procurement, supply chain, finance, shared services, and digital transformation. It was here that he helped organizations rethink their operating models in an era marked by rapid digital acceleration.
Yet one of his most influential roles came at Celonis. As Chief Innovation Officer, he ignited the idea of the “superfluid enterprise,” helping companies use process mining to eliminate friction and reveal opportunities hidden in their data. His approach inspired teams and clients worldwide. One MBA project participant, Diego M., remarked that Marcell’s leadership brought “energy and quality that kept demanding projects on track and elevated the entire team.”
His journey at SAP further shaped his global impact. As Chief Digital Officer, he became a trusted ambassador of digital transformation across industries. As Chief Procurement Officer, he led a global team managing billions in spend, implementing category management, shared services, and integrated procurement systems across Ariba, Fieldglass, and Concur.
Later, as Chief Operating Officer of SAP Ariba, he focused on simplifying procurement through intelligent, user-centered software. During this period, a former colleague, Chiu Yen Irina Tan, described him as “a highly intelligent and accomplished professional who leads with kindness, respects his team, and invests in their growth.”
Impact: A Leader Who Builds Confidence, Capability, and Courage in Others
What defines Marcell’s leadership is not just strategy. It is his ability to inspire confidence and push people to discover their potential.
This purpose-driven leadership style is also reflected in his digital presence. With more than 241,000 followers on LinkedIn, he shares insights that resonate deeply with audiences around the world. His posts often blend practicality with inspiration. For example:
- “Motivation visits. Discipline lives.”
- “Failure is part of success, not the opposite of it.”
- “Prompting is the new literacy, but thinking with AI is the real advantage.”
- “Innovation is often smart simplicity rather than complexity.”
He uses his platform to challenge assumptions, spark meaningful conversations, and encourage leaders to see technology as both a tool and a mirror.
Whether discussing the future of finance, the rise of deepfakes, clean energy, or the shifting global supply chain, Marcell consistently brings attention to what truly matters: clarity, resilience, and responsible innovation.
Vision Ahead: Creating the Future with Purpose and Precision
As Marcell continues in his roles as CEO, advisor, investor, keynote speaker, and futurist, one theme remains constant. He believes that the future belongs to leaders who combine strategic thinking with humanity and discipline.
He often reminds founders and executives that success is rarely immediate. It is built through patient refinement and intentional action. As he puts it, “Those who learn to think with AI, not just use it, will outperform those chasing shortcuts.”
Through MV Procu GmbH, he supports startups shaping new paths in artificial intelligence, sustainability, robotics, process automation, and next-generation supply chain models. He empowers innovation that is not only impactful but responsible.
His leadership journey shows that excellence is not a destination. It is a continuous pursuit to make systems better, people stronger, and the future more thoughtful.
Editorial Note
Dr. Marcell Vollmer’s story reflects the strength of a leader who stands firmly at the intersection of strategy, innovation, and humanity. His journey continues to inspire professionals across industries to lead with clarity, embrace change with courage, and pursue progress with purpose. His voice reminds us that true leadership elevates others, turns ideas into action, and leaves the world better than it was found.
