Case Studies
People & Culture as a Success Factor
At some point, every organization faces the question of how people and culture contribute to business success. This is exactly where I come in: I help companies create clarity, organize responsibilities, and develop HR into an enabler.
Collaborations with
Case Study
Successful interim HR and project assignment at New Work SE
From July to December 2024, I had the exciting opportunity to take on two challenging assignments as HR Interim Manager and Project Freelancer at New Work SE.
In phase 1, the focus was on interim management of the People Core division and supporting HR transformation: the key issue here was clarifying roles and responsibilities, alongside many interesting operational questions (e.g., regarding the introduction of time tracking).
Phase 2 involved project activities as part of a new go-to-market strategy in sales and a company-wide restructuring measure. Despite tight deadlines and complex requirements, I was impressed by the team spirit of the People Team. Together, we succeeded in synchronizing solutions for all countries within the same time frame and, at the same time, setting the course for new roles and a bonus system in sales.
FEEDBACK
"Mareike Gerdes stands for an exceptionally hands-on mentality and engaging communication. Her trusting cooperation was crucial to the successful implementation of the restructuring."
Tamara Holding, Director People Core
"Despite her intensive project work, Mareike managed to take on tasks such as moderating our global People All Hands and implementing them with a great deal of energy and confident leadership."
Daniela Menzel,Team Lead People &
Organizational Development
My personal conclusion: With clear goal orientation, a strong people team, a hands-on mentality, and a focus on transparent communication, even major challenges can be successfully overcome. For further information, please feel free to contact me personally.
Strategic partnerships with
Case Study
tecRacer – from administrative unit to business enabler
In 2025, I had the opportunity to shape the realignment of the HR department as Interim People & Culture Lead at tecRacer.
The focus was on introducing structured performance and compensation processes, establishing a transparent salary logic, and developing a scalable HR structure.
The result: greater transparency, clear responsibilities, and a strong People & Culture function as a strategic partner to the business.
I look forward to discussing possible starting points in your organization with you in person.
Feedback
"Mareike has transformed the People & Culture department from an administrative function into a real enabler in a very short time. She creates clarity where there was previously no structure and combines strategic thinking with operational implementation strength."
Torsten Höpfner (COO)
“With her structured and data-driven approach, Mareike has brought transparency to our compensation processes. The new system ensures traceability and planning reliability—a real asset for our budget management.”
Marcel Niemann (CFO)
"The transformation of People & Culture at tecRacer was a decisive step for the company. The new alignment creates scalability and contributes directly to the growth strategy – an example of professional HR leadership in a dynamic tech environment."
Jörn Petereit
(Managing Partner IT Capital Partners)
My conclusion: My goal is to develop People & Culture in such a way that structures provide orientation, decisions become transparent, and organizations can grow sustainably—even beyond individual projects.
Memberships
I look forward to discussing possible starting points in your organization with you in person.
