Speaker highlight: Stefan Boehmer

AI is transforming finance at an unprecedented pace, and Stefan Boehmer , CFO of K?rber , has a front-row seat to this evolution. With over 25 years of experience across global markets, he’s seen firsthand how technology is reshaping everything from financial decision-making to sustainability strategies. As businesses face increasing pressure to balance profitability with ESG commitments, finance leaders must embrace AI not just as a tool for efficiency, but as a driver of long-term value.

Ahead of his appearance at World Finance Forum Dallas, where he’ll discuss AI’s role in ESG success, we spoke with Stefan about the biggest challenges and opportunities in finance today. In this interview, he shares his insights on the rapid rise of AI, the critical skills finance leaders need for the future, and how organizations can stay ahead in an ever-changing digital landscape.

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you’ve ended up where you are today.

I’m a results-driven Finance Executive with over 25 years of experience in Accounting, Finance, Project Management, IT, and Procurement. My career began at Siemens in Germany, where I held leadership roles across divisions like Healthcare and Mobility & Logistics. These roles gave me the opportunity to work around the world—in Germany, the U.S., Canada, Korea, Japan, China, and Australia—shaping my global perspective on business strategy and operations.

In 2014, I moved to Texas and have since focused on driving business success through process improvement, operational efficiency, digital transformation, and innovative strategies. As a certified Six Sigma Black Belt, I’ve led numerous large-scale projects that delivered measurable results, improving processes and optimizing performance across organizations. My leadership style is grounded in leading with empathy, fostering collaboration, and mentoring talent to create high-performing, engaged teams. I have been working for Korber for 2 1/2 years. I enjoy working here because there is a clear focus on both employees and customers. Decisions are made more quickly and with greater agility. Korber focuses on mega trends and has identified the digital business as one of the core trends to invest in and focus on.

Outside of work, I’m a dedicated dad to two amazing kids and enjoy traveling, exploring new foods, board games, racquetball, and coaching youth soccer.

What’s the biggest challenge finance leaders are facing today?

One of the biggest challenges finance leaders face today is navigating the rapid pace of digital transformation while balancing strategic priorities.

"Technologies like AI, machine learning, and automation offer enormous potential, but implementing them effectively—without disrupting core business functions—requires careful planning and collaboration across the organization."

Additionally, there’s increasing pressure to provide real-time insights and drive data-driven decision-making, which means finance leaders must adopt new tools and capabilities while ensuring data integrity and cybersecurity.

Talent management is another major hurdle. Attracting and retaining top talent in a competitive market, especially those with both financial expertise and digital skills, is critical for building future-ready teams. I believe employees with AI expertise will consistently outperform those without it over time, as AI is rapidly transforming how we work, make decisions, and drive efficiency. Understanding how to leverage AI tools and data-driven insights will be essential for staying competitive, improving productivity, and making more strategic contributions to the business. Those who embrace AI and integrate it into their skill set will have a significant advantage in navigating the future workplace and solving complex challenges.

Lastly, regulatory environments and ESG expectations continue to evolve. Finance leaders must ensure compliance while playing a more proactive role in driving sustainability initiatives and meeting stakeholder expectations. Balancing all of these priorities requires adaptability, innovative thinking, and strong leadership.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in finance over the past decade?

Over the past decade, the biggest change I’ve seen in finance is the dramatic shift towards digital transformation, with AI playing a central role. The explosion of AI, particularly with platforms like OpenAI, has transformed industries, but it’s become increasingly challenging to keep an overview as the landscape evolves almost daily.

"While AI itself is undoubtedly impressive, its true value for businesses lies in finding tailored solutions, not just having access to a powerful AI machine. Businesses need practical, actionable insights that drive results, rather than simply adopting technology for the sake of innovation."

The key is not only implementing AI, but aligning it with business objectives and ensuring it delivers tangible, measurable outcomes. In addition, data has become the new currency. The increased reliance on data and technology has made finance teams not only essential in driving strategic decisions but also in managing data integrity and ensuring the right technologies are integrated into the workflow. AI, machine learning, automation, and advanced analytics have reshaped how we operate, pushing finance teams to evolve into strategic partners that provide real-time, data-driven insights. The ability to manage and leverage data effectively is now a key differentiator for businesses, and those who master it will gain a significant competitive edge.

What are your predictions for finance over the next 18 months?

Over the next 18 months, I predict finance will continue to evolve rapidly, driven by technology and the need for greater agility in an ever-changing business environment. First, the adoption of AI and automation in finance will accelerate. As companies look to streamline processes and improve efficiency, finance teams will rely more on AI for everything from financial forecasting and reporting to risk management and compliance. These technologies will help finance leaders make faster, more informed decisions, reducing manual tasks and enabling a more proactive approach to managing the business.

Data will remain a crucial asset, and I expect finance teams to take on an even larger role in data governance and analytics. With data being the new currency, organizations will increasingly depend on finance to drive data-driven strategies that align with business objectives. The ability to extract valuable insights from data will become a competitive advantage, and businesses will continue to invest in tools and talent to support this shift.

"ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations will become more integrated into financial decision-making. This shift won’t just be driven by European regulations but will also be strongly influenced by legislation and increasing scrutiny in regions like California and New York."

K?rber, an ECO Vadis Gold-rated company, is a leader in sustainability. We promise that our activities will enable a better life for current and future generations. As stakeholders demand greater transparency and accountability, finance leaders will play a key role in ensuring that ESG factors are embedded in business strategies, reporting, and risk management.

Finally, talent management will remain a critical focus. The demand for finance professionals who are tech-savvy, data-literate, and adaptable will continue to grow. Companies will need to attract and retain talent that can not only manage traditional financial functions but also navigate the complexities of digital transformation and drive innovation within the organization.

In summary, the next 18 months will be marked by continued technological advancements, a deeper integration of data into decision-making, greater focus on ESG, and a shift in the skills required within finance teams. Adaptability, innovation, and strong leadership will be key for success in this evolving landscape.

Be part of the conversation! Hear Stefan Boehmer live at World Finance Forum Dallas—reserve your spot now!

Grab your ticket here ?? https://lnkd.in/eCUrZWRR