DATAGROUP SE, a leading German IT service provider, announced the appointment of Laura Schroder to its Supervisory Board effective immediately. Schroder, who serves as Managing Director at global investment firm KKR, succeeds Manfred Boschatzke following his departure from the board on November 29, 2025. Her appointment was confirmed by the court.
This development is significant as it reinforces the strategic partnership between DATAGROUP and KKR, established in November 2025 when KKR became an investor alongside company founder and Supervisory Board Chairman Max H.-H. Schaber. The partnership is designed to support DATAGROUP's growth trajectory and solidify its position as a leading provider of secure and sovereign IT services in Germany. For the industry, the appointment signals continued confidence from major financial players in the consolidation and expansion potential within the European IT services market.
Laura Schroder brings substantial sector-specific expertise to the supervisory role. She joined KKR in 2021 as part of its European Private Equity team and has led numerous investments in Germany, with a particular focus on the IT services sector. Her career began at 3i Group in 2011, and she later worked at Advent International before moving to KKR. She holds a Master of Arts in Banking and Finance from the University of St. Gallen. Her experience in private equity and targeted investments in IT services is expected to provide valuable oversight as DATAGROUP executes its growth strategies.
The implications of this board change extend to DATAGROUP's operational future. The company, which employs approximately 3,700 people across Germany, operates through its CORBOX product as a full-service provider for medium and large enterprises and public authorities. It pursues growth both organically and through acquisitions, employing a www.datagroup.de strategy noted for the optimal integration of acquired companies. The company actively participates in market consolidation with its "buy and turn around" and "buy and build" approaches. Schroder's appointment from KKR, a firm offering alternative asset management and capital markets solutions, provides governance aligned with these strategic financial and acquisition goals.
For stakeholders, including clients and employees, the strengthened board oversight with direct representation from a key strategic investor suggests stability and a commitment to disciplined expansion. It underscores the importance of sophisticated financial and strategic governance for IT service providers navigating a competitive and consolidating landscape. The move highlights how leading German Mittelstand companies are leveraging partnerships with global investment firms to secure capital and expertise for long-term growth, potentially setting a precedent for similar collaborations in the technology sector across Europe.
