Joachim Franz

Joachim Franz is General Manager and Industry Lead for Automotive, Mobility, and Transport at Microsoft Germany. In this role, he drives industry sales strategies, aligns internal stakeholders, and transforms AI and cloud initiatives into tangible customer outcomes. With over 25 years of experience intersecting automotive OEM strategy, management consulting, and digital innovation, Joachim collaborates with leaders, founders, and investors to foster growth through digital and AI transformation. His career includes executive roles in the automotive sector and over 15 years of advising global companies on large-scale change. As a Limited Partner at Leap435, he invests in early-stage startups shaping the future of mobility. An avid public speaker, Joachim shares insights on technologies like AI and cloud computing, bridging corporate and startup worlds.