Executive Mandates with Clear Ownership

These mandates are not advisory overlays. They are operating assignments with direct ownership of platform direction, commercial performance and cross-functional execution.

I step in where digital platforms require senior decision authority, execution discipline and commercial accountability — typically across product, brand, technology and operating model.

Scope typically includes platform direction, investment prioritization, executive alignment, delivery leadership and measurable business outcomes.


Scroll to explore how executive ownership is applied in practice.

Thomas Orenz demonstrating immersive VR customer experiences and executive digital ownership at Lucid Motors.

Executive Responsibility

Executive Alignment
Defined mandate with formal decision authority

Strategic Direction
Full ownership of platform, brand, and commercial direction

Governance & Investment
Budget responsibility, risk exposure, and board-level reporting

Execution Leadership
Direct operational leadership across internal teams and external partners

Performance Accountability
 Direct accountability for measurable commercial outcomes

Outcome Transparency
Direct reporting at executive and board level

Engagement Context

Mandates are typically apply when:


  • platform direction is unclear, fragmented or stalled
  • commercial ownership needs to be re-established
  • executive alignment across product, brand and technology is missing
  • delivery risk has direct brand, revenue or investment implications 

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Audi Connected Customer Journey Concept

Audi initially relied on visually appealing 2D images for their international Car Configurator. Recognizing the potential benefits of providing prospects with a more immersive and lifelike 3D interaction, I envisioned that this advancement would elevate the overall experience, captivating, engaging, building trust, and ultimately driving conversions.

After an extensive journey and a successful board presentation to Audi Executives, the groundbreaking project budget was approved, marking a significant milestone. This facilitated the launch of the first-ever Cloud Stream Standard in automotive history, revolutionizing the availability of High-End 3D visuals for 48 distinct variations across 25 markets.

Audi's implementation of High-End 3D visuals has transformed the car buying process, offering customers an interactive and personalized journey. With unprecedented realism and interactivity, prospective buyers can configure their dream cars down to the finest details, virtually test-drive various models, and explore interior features. The Cloud Stream Standard ensures seamless accessibility across multiple platforms, expanding Audi's global reach and delivering a consistent brand experience. These innovative 3D visualizations have elevated Audi's digital presence, leading to increased customer satisfaction and remarkable sales growth, solidifying their leadership in immersive digital customer experiences within the automotive industry.

Audi Executive Reference Context

Mandate
 

  • Executive ownership for global digital car-buying experience and immersive customer journey
  • Direct responsibility across brand, digital experience, platform strategy, and vendor ecosystem


Context 

  • Fragmented ownership across brand, IT, markets, and external partners
  • Board-level ambition to move beyond static 2D configurators toward immersive, scalable 3D experiences


Scope & Decisions 

  • Definition of a global Cloud Streaming standard for High-End 3D visualization
  • Alignment of Audi executives, markets, and technology partners around a single platform vision
  • Budget responsibility and board-level approval for a first-of-its-kind global rollout


Risk 

  • High financial exposure with no existing automotive benchmark
  • Global brand risk in case of inconsistent experience or platform failure


Outcome 

  • Board approval and launch of the first global Cloud Stream Standard in automotive history
  • Scalable High-End 3D experiences across 25+ markets and 48 vehicle variations
  • Elevated customer engagement, conversion performance, and Audi’s leadership in immersive digital experience

Audi Videos

AWS showcase e-tron machine learning concept at CES

"Revolutionize your automotive retail experience with our cutting-edge implementation. By harnessing the power of machine learning, we have redefined the car-buying process. Our solution integrates real-time analytics and intelligent recommendations, providing a personalized journey at every step. Discover a smarter way to engage customers and drive conversions in the automotive industry."

Audi Virtual Reality Experience

"Step into a new dimension of automotive exploration with our Virtual Reality Experience showcased at exclusive showrooms like Audi City Berlin. Immerse yourself in a virtual world where you can engage with any desired model and experience it firsthand. Discover the future of car shopping through an immersive and interactive journey that brings your dream car to life. Visit our select showrooms and be captivated by the power of virtual reality."

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Lucid World's Most Advanced Car-Buying Journey

During CES 2019, I had the honor of meeting Lucid, an exciting electric vehicle (EV) startup, while presenting on the future of digital car buying through Audi. Intrigued by Lucid's vision and their compelling offerings, I made the bold decision to relocate to the Bay Area in 2019. With just six months remaining until the global launch of the Lucid Air, I wholeheartedly embraced the challenge of developing an innovative solution from the ground up.


Despite the unprecedented challenges presented by the global pandemic, my unwavering dedication to delivering another unrivaled customer experience for Lucid Motors never faltered. Our achievement established a new benchmark in the industry, showcasing our unwavering commitment to excellence. 

Whether it's experiencing the Lucid Air in your hands, utilizing the streamed 3D Air on iPads at retail locations, immersing yourself through the VR-Buck, or configuring your vehicle remotely with the revolutionary Lucid Studio Live, prepare to be amazed anytime and anywhere, transcending geographical boundaries.

Lucid Executive Reference Context 

Mandate

  • Executive ownership of Lucid’s end-to-end digital car-buying experience during global market entry
  • Accountability for immersive platforms across retail, remote sales, and global launch


Context

  • High-growth EV startup preparing for first global vehicle launch
  • No legacy systems, no established retail model, and extreme time pressure to deliver a premium experience


Scope & Decisions

  • Definition and execution of a fully immersive, platform-based car-buying ecosystem
  • Integration of Cloud-streamed 3D, VR, remote configuration, and retail experiences
  • Close alignment with design, engineering, retail, and executive leadership


Risk

  • Brand-defining launch moment with direct impact on customer trust and market perception
  • High dependency on platform stability, scalability, and experience quality


Outcome

  • Delivery of one of the world’s most advanced digital car-buying journeys at launch
  • Seamless experience across retail studios, iPads, VR environments, and remote access
  • Establishment of a new industry benchmark for premium EV customer experienc

Lucid Videos

Video Lucid Studio Retail Experience

"Immerse yourself in the future of automotive exploration at Lucid Studio. Experience the game-changing VR-Buck, where you can step into the driver's seat of your dream car and explore every detail. Get a true sense of power, craftsmanship, and performance in a fully immersive virtual reality environment. Discover a new dimension of automotive luxury and innovation at Lucid Studio today."

Lucid Studio Live 1:1 Remote Car Buying

"Introducing Lucid Studio Live, the ultimate virtual car buying experience. With this time and space-independent application, customers can embark on a seamless purchase journey and explore the extraordinary Lucid Air from the comfort of their own space. No need to visit a physical location—Lucid Studio Live brings the showroom to you, providing a highly engaging and convenient way to discover the exceptional features of the Lucid Air. Join the growing number of customers who have embraced this innovative and immersive car buying experience."

New York City skyline representing global executive mandates and large-scale digital transformation leadership.