Karolin Lages

About Karolin Lages

With over a decade of professional experience, I specialize in business optimization, project management, and retail finance. As Business Optimization Lead at Volkswagen Financial Services, I am committed to driving efficiency and strategic growth across the U.S, Canada, and Mexico. My mission aligns with fostering collaboration and delivering innovative solutions that support the organization’s vision for transformation and operational excellence. I thrive on connecting diverse teams and perspectives to achieve impactful outcomes. As a trusted advisor to senior executives, I spearheaded the successful transition of Volkswagen Financial Services’ U.S. retail finance business to Wells Fargo—one of the company’s most significant projects. My role also includes serving as a central contact point for regional and headquarters initiatives, ensuring alignment and seamless execution of projects across markets. With a strong focus on retail and financial services, I bring adaptability, strategic insight, and a collaborative mindset to every challenge.Fluent in English and German, I bring a global perspective to business advisory, program management, and organizational optimization.

Experience

1. Strategy & Execution Senior Lead - Retail Auto

   Wells Fargo

   Feb 2026 — Present

Education

• The University of Texas at El Paso

  Master's degree, Mathematics and Business

  2007 — 2008

• Euro-FH Europäische Fernhochschule Hamburg

  Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Business Administration and Management, General

  2014 — 2018

• Technische Universität Braunschweig

  Diplom, Financial and Business Mathematics

  2004 — 2009