Lars Exeler

Customer Success Director & SaaS Sales Leader

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About

Highly accomplished Customer Success Director and SaaS Sales Leader with over 10 years of experience driving revenue growth, optimizing customer journeys, and building high-performing teams in B2B SaaS environments. Expert in leveraging data analytics and feedback loops to enhance customer retention and expand market share. Proven ability to implement scalable sales processes, innovative pricing models, and cultivate strong international client relationships.

Work Experience

Customer Success Director (SaaS)

Modell Aachen GmbH

Oct 2020 - Nov 2023

Munich, Bavaria, DE

Led the establishment and scaling of the Customer Success department, focusing on data-driven strategies and strong customer relationships to drive retention and growth for SaaS solutions.

  • Built and scaled the Customer Success department from scratch, establishing foundational processes and strategies that enhanced customer retention and growth.
  • Implemented a new SaaS pricing model and CRM system, optimizing revenue streams and streamlining customer data management for improved efficiency.
  • Developed and continuously evolved an end-to-end SaaS B2B sales process (inbound/outbound), significantly improving sales cycle efficiency and conversion rates.
  • Reduced employee onboarding time through a comprehensive product academy, accelerating new hire productivity and team integration.
  • Managed and successfully delivered complex international projects across Singapore, China, and the US, reporting directly to the CEO on strategic progress and outcomes.

Head of SaaS Sales

Modell Aachen GmbH

May 2018 - Oct 2020

Munich, Bavaria, DE

Directed SaaS sales operations, leading a high-performing team to establish interactive management systems as a standard across Europe and achieve ambitious sales targets.

  • Led and motivated a trusting team of 8 sales professionals (4 Account Executives and 4 Business Development Representatives), fostering a high-performance culture that consistently met and exceeded sales targets.
  • Developed and executed strategic sales initiatives that established interactive and living management systems as a standard throughout Europe, expanding market penetration.
  • Championed a user-obsessed approach to the customer journey, aligning sales efforts with customer needs to enhance satisfaction and drive long-term value.
  • Implemented Kanban methodologies within sales processes, driving continuous improvement and leveraging feedback loops to optimize sales cycles and increase close rates.
  • Utilized advanced sales frameworks including MEDDIC, SPICED, and RRR Emails to enhance sales effectiveness and improve deal closure rates.

Sales Manager, Office Lead Munich

Modell Aachen GmbH

Nov 2016 - Apr 2018

Munich, Bavaria, DE

Managed sales operations and spearheaded the launch and growth of the Munich office, significantly expanding market presence in new regions.

  • Successfully launched and scaled the new Munich office branch, establishing a strong regional presence and contributing to overall company growth.
  • Spearheaded market development initiatives in Switzerland and Austria, significantly expanding market share and achieving new revenue streams in key regions.
  • Forged new strategic SaaS partnerships in Switzerland, enhancing product reach and establishing robust distribution channels.
  • Hired and trained a high-performing sales team, contributing directly to regional growth objectives and sales productivity.

Management Consultant

Modell Aachen GmbH

May 2015 - Oct 2016

Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, DE

Managed and executed complex software roll-out projects for diverse clients, optimizing processes and enhancing team capabilities.

  • Managed and executed complex software roll-out projects for both Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) and large corporate clients, ensuring successful implementation and adoption.
  • Served as Project Process Owner, optimizing workflows and ensuring timely project delivery through effective oversight and coordination.
  • Trained 8 consultant trainees, enhancing team capabilities and project efficiency through comprehensive instruction and mentorship.

Tutor (Fachbereich 4 Strukturmechanik)

Universität Bremen

Nov 2008 - Sep 2010

Bremen, Bremen, DE

Provided academic support and instruction to first and second-semester university students in structural mechanics.

  • Provided comprehensive tutoring and academic support to first and second-semester students in structural mechanics, enhancing their understanding and performance.
  • Developed and delivered supplementary learning materials and exercises to reinforce complex concepts, improving student comprehension.

Student Worker

StuMI

Apr 2008 - Jun 2010

Bremen, Bremen, DE

Gained practical professional experience while working as a student.

  • Supported various operational tasks, contributing to daily workflow efficiency and team productivity.

IT-Administrator

Frankenberg GmbH

May 2006 - Sep 2006

Administered Novel and Windows-based networks, providing essential user support and optimizing server infrastructure.

  • Administered Novel and Windows-based networks, ensuring stable and efficient IT operations.
  • Implemented a new labeling software and machine, streamlining asset management processes.
  • Provided comprehensive user support, resolving technical issues and maintaining system functionality.
  • Reorganized server rooms, optimizing physical infrastructure for improved performance and accessibility.

Paramedic

Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe e.V.

Sep 2005 - May 2006

Provided independent emergency medical care and pre-hospital treatment following comprehensive qualification and training.

  • Completed intensive 1-month schooling, followed by 1 month of combined hospital and job training, to qualify as a paramedic.
  • Worked self-reliantly as a paramedic for 6 months, delivering critical pre-hospital care and emergency medical services.

Education

Economics, Engineering

University of Bremen

Aug 2006 - Sep 2009

Bremen, Bremen, DE

Certificates

Customer Success for Impact

Sales-Software-Zertifizierung

Advanced Google Analytics

Customer Success Certification Course (G1)

Publications

Organisatorische Potenziale in Zahnarztpraxen nutzbar machen

Explored and analyzed organizational potential within dental practices for improved efficiency and effectiveness.

Languages

English , German

Skills

SaaS & Business Development

  • B2B SaaS Sales
  • Customer Success
  • Growth Cycles
  • Impact Reviews
  • Sales Processes
  • International Sales
  • Market Entry
  • Partnership Management
  • Strategic Planning
  • Value-Based Selling

Data & Analytics

  • Data Analytics
  • Customer Journey Analytics
  • CLTV (Customer Lifetime Value)
  • CAC (Customer Acquisition Cost)
  • Churn Rate
  • Feedback Loops

CRM & Tools

  • CRM Systems
  • HubSpot Sales Hub
  • HubSpot Marketing Hub
  • Google Marketing Platform

Sales Methodologies

  • MEDDIC
  • SPICED
  • RRR Emails
  • KANBAN in Sales Processes
  • Continuous Improvement

Marketing & Content

  • SEO
  • Content Marketing
  • Social Media Marketing
  • Digital Transformation
  • New Media

Leadership & Strategy

  • Team Leadership
  • Team Motivation
  • Agile Transformation
  • OKRs (Objectives and Key Results)
  • Strategy
  • Coaching
  • Training

Project Management

  • Project Process Ownership
  • Software Roll-Out
  • Agile Methodologies

IT Administration

  • Network Administration
  • Windows-based Networks
  • User Support
  • Server Management