The sparring partner for industrial mid-sized companies
I work with companies — not on them.
Thomas Herndler
20 years in top management in industry, most recently 15 years with global operations responsibility at Fronius as COO/CTO. Now independent, a sparring partner as an equal for industrial mid-sized companies in Austria, with a focus on owner-led businesses.
I combine the strategic level of company leadership with deep, hands-on expertise in operations, digitalisation and AI. That makes me your bridge-builder, from leadership decisions through to concrete implementation on the shop floor.
Career
- From apprentice to member of the executive management team, within the same industrial company (1992 to 2026)
- 15 years on the executive management team at Fronius with responsibility for group results, most recently as CTO and COO
- Responsibility across the entire value chain: R&D, industrialisation, procurement, production, logistics and service
- Line management responsibility for international sites, including Canada, Australia, Japan, Mexico and the Czech Republic
- Transformation of a production site into a component plant
- Scaling organisations up and down in volatile market environments
My advisory focus from autumn 2026
I support you across the following areas:
Executive Advisory & Sparring
I am a trusted confidant and challenging sounding board for owners, CEOs and leadership teams. Including on the things that are rarely said out loud inside the organisation.
Strategy Development & Execution
Together we develop the vision, the strategy and the steps to get there. And I make sure it takes hold, anchored in your steering systems and in day-to-day operations.
Operational Excellence & Performance
I support you through organisational development, restructuring or process change to build high-performing operations. My experience spans the entire industrial value chain, from R&D and industrialisation through procurement, production and logistics to aftermarket processes.
Organisation & Leadership
Leadership exists to deliver lasting results. I help you build durable capabilities in the organisation, to create effective leadership teams with clear steering systems.
Digitalisation & AI
Together we shape your digitalisation strategy and AI initiatives so they deliver real results. I bring together strategic thinking, hands-on expertise in IT/OT systems and 15 years of experience in industrial digitalisation.
Facing exceptional or complex challenges? Then HERNDLER Advisory is your partner in:
HERNDLER Advisory launches in autumn 2026. For an initial exchange, or to pencil in a first conversation for when I start, I'd be glad to hear from you.
Are you a management consultant interested in collaborating? Let's talk.