Johannes Lauter
CTO

summary

Tech Leader with over fifteen years of experience in engineering, architecture, and agile operations. Known for building and mentoring high-performing teams, optimizing tech stacks, and enhancing product delivery. Adept at applying lean methodologies, managing projects, and fostering collaboration among cross-functional teams. Strong background in internet technologies, DevOps, and system design, with a focus on delivering scalable and secure solutions.

experience

Vice President Software Engineering, Data and Product

Checkout Charlie GmbH, a Bertelsmann company (Jan 2017 - Present)
  • Lead and directly manage two engineering teams, as well as a data and product unit (totaling 20-35 people), integrating their workflows to foster end-to-end ownership
  • Align comprehensive product and engineering roadmaps, ensuring focus on business goals and enhancing overall delivery speed and reliability
  • Overhauled the Backend architecture, focusing on an API-first Node based techstack resulting in an increase in system scalability and velocity
  • Implemented Scrum, Kanban and Lean methodologies across teams, improving team collaboration, and release intervals
  • Put in place a monorepo pattern with Nuxt/Vue-based applications and an integrated design system, enhancing developer experience, web vitals, and sprint velocity

Head of Engineering

SPARWELT GmbH (Jan 2011 - Jan 2017)
  • Led and managed a team of 12 engineers, split into two product specific teams, implementing growth and development methods
  • Implemented agile methodologies and DevOps practices, reducing lead time for changes and enhancing system reliability
  • Collaborated closely with product management to align technical solutions with business objectives, driving user growth and engagement
  • Led the redesign of the company's tech stack, introducing service oriented architecture and modern frameworks to boost scalability and performance
  • Mentored and developed engineering talent, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation

Lead Engineer

SPARWELT GmbH (Sep 2008 – Jan 2011)
  • Expanded the startup engineering unit, focusing on both software architecture and talent development
  • Drove the transformation of Sparwelt from a rapid prototype to a major platform, impacting both technical and product levels
  • Managed the acquisition process, including due diligence and final exit, ensuring a seamless transition and successful outcome

Fullstack Engineer

ECONA Media GmbH (Jul 2008 – Jan 2011)
  • Standardized engineering operations processes with an emphasis on frequent releases and comprehensive end-to-end testing
  • Supported ECONA's portfolio companies by updating and bootstrapping their infrastructure, ensuring robust and scalable solutions

Application Engineer

FM5 (Jul 2006 - Jan 2012)
  • Maintained and enhanced the application and infrastructure of the non-profit magazine FM5
  • Developed a license-free music publishing platform tailored for the Austrian market, supporting local artists and content creators

Earlier Positions

Technical Consultant, Strato AG (Nov 2006 - Jul 2008):

Planned and implemented IT solutions for SMBs, optimized customer care ITIL workflows

Specialist for System Integration, DRV-Bund (Nov 2005 - Apr 2006):

Implemented ITIL Incident-Management processes, developed intranet projects

education

Fachinformatiker - Fachrichtung Systemintegration ( IHK 2005 )

The DRV-Bund or Deutsche Rentenversicherung (German statutory pension insurance scheme)
  • The "IHK Fachausbildung zum Fachinformatiker" is a Germany specific 3-year educational program, known to be comparable to a Bachelor's degree in terms of educational level
  • Involved in the usage of a variety of technologies ranging from BS2000-based Oracle and Cobol applications to more modern Linux/Java stacks
  • Concluded studies with a final IHK Thesis on the application of ITIL 3 Incident-Management processes to an intranet-based knowledge database

MANAGEMENT AND SOFT-SKILLS

Leadership and Management
Team building, conflict resolution, recognition strategies, mentorship, strategic planning
Communication
Low-context communication, value oriented, empathic yet direct, cross-functional, collaborative
Problem-Solving
Analytical thinking, decision making, innovation, risk management
Project Management
Agile and Lean methodologies, project planning, budget management, deadline management
Adaptability and Flexibility
Handling rapid tech changes, resilience, continuous learning

TECHNICAL SKILLS

Software Development
TypeScript, Python, PHP, front-end (React, Vue, Angular), back-end (NestJS, Django, Flask, Symfony)
DevOps and Infrastructure
AWS, GCP, Docker, Kubernetes, CI/CD, monitoring tools
System Architecture
Service Design, Microservices, message queuing, API design, scalability, security
Database Management
SQL (MySQL, PostgreSQL), NoSQL (MongoDB, Redis), Redshift, data modeling
UI/UX Design
User-centered design, Design Systems, CSS frameworks & standards, accessibility

PERSONAL INTERESTS

Avid biker and hiker, alpine skier, podcast enthusiast, amateur chef and traveller