Obsolescence 12 Steps – Step Ten

Biography of Christoph Horlebein
CEO & Founder. Horlebein Consulting
Bridging People, Culture, Process, and Technology to Build Resilient Product Strategies

Christoph Horlebein is a leading expert in implementing tailored, human-centered, and proactive product portfolio strategies enabled by strategic Obsolescence Management, Lifecycle Management, Supply Chain Risk Management, and Supply Chain Digitization​​.

From Germany’s leading MedTech company to Fortune 100:

Christoph’s enthusiasm for product management ignited in 2017 at Brainlab, where he led a R&D project of a robotic arm that achieved FDA clearance and CE approval, becoming the first fully robotic intraoperative imaging device on the market. Following this success, Christoph ensured its post-launch integrity and delivery capacity by leading a product risk management project.

secured a $1 billion product portfolio by establishing processes, communication, and responsibilities. He implemented systems for PCN, inventory, supply chain risk and obsolescence/lifecycle management, while further digitizing supply chains. Christoph successfully reduced redesign costs by up to $5 million and 5 FTEs and cut opportunity costs by up to $50 million per product per year, avoiding production stops.

Recognizing that companies in high-tech, highly regulated, and long-lifecycle industries face similar systemic challenges, Christoph now helps them overcome roadblocks by transforming risk into resilience and costs into opportunities.

Conscious, data-driven decision-making is the foundation of his strategies, which are backed by an AI and Big Data intelligence centered approach, equipping businesses with digital solutions ready for the future of Industry 4.0. He excels in human-centered change management, orchestrating cross-functional decision-making, managing product design changes within regulatory compliance, and facilitating Quality Management System audits.

At the core of Christoph’s work is a belief that long-term product sustainability starts with empowered, cross-functional teams that feel ownership of the system they shape.
Equipped with a Master’s in Electrical Engineering (TUM | ETH Zurich) and certifications in Project Management, Design Thinking, Quality Management, and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, Christoph continuously strives for continuous improvement by mitigating obsolescence and supply chain risks.

Christoph is actively sought after and involved as speaker at international conferences of the International Institute of Obsolescence Management (IIOM) and the Component Obsolescence Group Deutschland (COGD) as well as advising working groups, spreading awareness and collaborating on industry challenges.

Christoph’s mission is to future-proof businesses through intelligent product risk management strategies that blend people, culture, process, and technology.

Simran Gajra is the Director of Marketing & Operations at Horlebein Consulting, where she drives strategic communication initiatives and ensures consistent, high-impact brand messaging. She is currently pursuing her Masters in Marketing and Entrepreneurship, having moved from India to Italy to further develop her education and career.

Simran’s role at Horlebein Consulting focuses on leveraging data-driven strategies to enhance digital marketing, project management, operational excellence, and business development initiatives. She applies extensive data analysis to optimize marketing performance, track key metrics, and drive strategic decision-making.

Her responsibilities include managing SEO, SEM, content marketing, and social media to strengthen brand visibility and audience engagement. In her role as HR, she leads her team to ensure smooth operations and alignment with organizational goals, focusing on recruitment and staffing, as well as employee relations. Advanced analytics play a key role in her work, assessing market trends, company insights, campaign effectiveness, and operational efficiencies to ensure continuous optimization and strategic growth.

With a strong background in simplifying complex topics for diverse audiences, Simran played a key role in co-authoring pieces that bridge technical depth with accessible, structured content. Her work focuses on enhancing visibility around product risk management and supporting thought leadership initiatives in the field.