“Unlocking Growth Through People Strategy”
With close to two decades of human resources experience across a variety of industries, Ulrike (Ulli) Hildebrand is a trusted executive advisor, leadership consultant, and strategic HR leader. A German-born U.S. citizen, Ulli has successfully navigated the complexities of international business operations, talent management, leadership development, and organizational transformation in publicly and privately held companies across the automotive, manufacturing, financial services, insurance, and staffing industries.
Ulli’s career began in sales and business development, but her passion for people, leadership, and organizational effectiveness led her to transition into human resources. Since then, she has held senior leadership roles at Mercedes-Benz USA, AXA Assistance, Benteler Automotive, MSX International, and Schechter Wealth, among others. Throughout her career, she has worked alongside CEOs, executive teams, and HR leaders to develop high-performing organizations, ensuring that human capital strategies align with business objectives.
Her expertise lies in executive coaching, workforce planning, leadership development, talent acquisition, compensation strategies, and change management. She has played an instrumental role in shaping HR functions, building scalable talent management systems, and designing strategic workforce solutions to drive business success. Ulli’s leadership philosophy centers on fostering a positive, engaging workplace culture where employees are at the center and feel valued and empowered to contribute at their highest potential.
As Vice President of Human Resources for Benteler Automotive, Ulli led HR functions for 5,500 employees across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, where she successfully redesigned talent acquisition strategies, succession planning, and compensation models, resulting in a 42% internal promotion rate—up from 15%. She also spearheaded union negotiations, introduced cost-saving benefits programs, and helped streamline HR policies to align with corporate global structures.
At Mercedes-Benz USA, Ulli was instrumental in implementing an organizational design function, creating a transparent and structured career pathing system that led to improved workforce retention and engagement. She oversaw the recruitment and selection of 900 employees, revamped the performance management system, and saved the company $4.5 million through benefits restructuring and workforce planning optimizations.
Her expertise extends to business consulting and strategic HR advisory, where she is working with leaders of mid-sized and high-growth companies to increase profitability and scale efficiently by optimizing their talent infrastructure. As an associate consultant at The Leadership Group LLC, she has partnered with company leaders to develop a leadership blueprint aligned with their long-term business objectives.
As a thought leader in leadership development and HR innovation, Ulli is also a co-author of Handbook for Human Resources Management (Springer Verlag, 2016) and a member of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM). She has leveraged her global experience working for and with German, French, Canadian, Mexican, and American companies to provide insightful, culturally aware leadership strategies that drive operational excellence in diverse business environments.
A strong advocate for workforce engagement and leadership coaching, Ulli is passionate about empowering people at all levels. She believes that a company’s greatest asset is its people, and she is dedicated to helping businesses create environments where employees thrive, innovate, and drive meaningful impact. Her coaching approach integrates behavioral science, motivation assessment, and executive leadership frameworks to ensure sustainable growth for both employees and organizations.
In addition to her executive roles, Ulli is a lifelong learner and continuous innovator, holding certifications in Digital HR, Leadership Coaching, 360-Degree and Motivation Assessments, and she holds a Master’s Degree in Economics with a focus on HR Management and Organizational Psychology.
Ulli currently resides in Waterford, Michigan, where she enjoys mentoring leaders, working on innovative business solutions, and spending time with her horse. She continues to offer consulting, advisory, and coaching services to organizations that seek to elevate their leadership, build robust talent infrastructures, and drive long-term success.
Character:
Ulli is a values-driven leader who prioritizes integrity, transparency, and a people-first approach in all her professional endeavors. She believes that ethical leadership and trust are the foundation of a strong, high-performing organization, and she consistently works to foster an environment where people feel valued and empowered.
Knowledge:
With deep expertise in HR strategy, executive leadership, and business transformation, Ulli leverages her global experience to drive organizational success. Her extensive background in talent management, leadership development, and workforce planning allows her to develop innovative and customized solutions that align business objectives with employee growth and engagement.
Strategic Thinking:
She is a visionary leader who designs and implements high-impact HR strategies, aligning people and business goals for sustainable growth. Through her experience across multiple industries, she has successfully led organizational transformations, optimized talent structures, and implemented workforce initiatives that enhance operational efficiency and long-term business performance.
Communication:
Ulli is a skilled communicator and executive coach, excelling in building relationships, fostering collaboration, and driving engagement at all levels of an organization. Her ability to articulate complex ideas, mentor emerging leaders, and facilitate cross-functional teamwork has been instrumental in shaping positive corporate cultures and achieving business excellence.
