Industry Deep Dive: Digital Business Transformation in DACH Retail, Financial Services, and Mobility

The DACH region—encompassing Germany, Austria, and Switzerland—sits at the heart of Europe’s economic engine. As digital disruption accelerates, organizations across these countries are reimagining their business models to stay ahead. Publicis Sapient stands as a trusted partner in this journey, helping industry leaders in retail, financial services, and mobility transform at speed and scale. Our approach is anchored in our SPEED capabilities: Strategy, Product, Experience, Engineering, and Data & AI, ensuring every transformation is tailored to the unique demands of each sector.

Retailers in the DACH region face a rapidly evolving landscape. Consumer expectations are shifting toward seamless, omnichannel experiences, and the competition is fierce. Publicis Sapient has been at the forefront of this transformation, enabling retailers to not only adapt but thrive. Our teams have pioneered digital-firsts, from launching the world’s first online bank and e-commerce platforms to enabling mobile ordering for McDonald’s and smartphone-based payment at Walmart.

Our leadership in retail transformation is recognized by industry analysts, with accolades for our ability to deliver end-to-end solutions that drive measurable outcomes. We help retailers harness data and AI to personalize customer journeys, modernize supply chains, and create integrated digital and physical experiences. As one client put it, our expertise and innovation have enabled them to deliver seamless, personalized experiences that set them apart in a competitive market.

A standout example is our work with Carrefour, a hypermarket giant. By leveraging our SPEED capabilities, Carrefour achieved rapid, scalable digital transformation—demonstrating what’s possible when strategy, technology, and customer experience are aligned.

The financial services sector in DACH is navigating a complex environment marked by regulatory change, digital disruption, and rising customer expectations. Banks, insurers, and asset managers must balance immediate pressures with the imperative to build future-ready businesses. Publicis Sapient partners with financial institutions to unlock the power of data, AI, and agile engineering—enabling them to deliver new products, streamline operations, and create exceptional customer experiences.

Our teams have a proven track record of helping clients modernize legacy systems, comply with evolving regulations, and embrace digital innovation. For example, we supported the transformation of European DataWarehouse, enabling it to become one of the first Securitisation Repositories under ESMA regulations—a testament to our expertise in compliance-driven innovation.

Clients consistently commend our action orientation and measurable value delivery. As one financial services leader noted, our quality of people, cutting-edge ideas, and technology innovation have been crucial in driving digital transformation and lasting cultural change.

The transportation and mobility sector is undergoing a profound shift, with digitalization reshaping everything from passenger experiences to operational efficiency. Publicis Sapient’s work in this sector is exemplified by our collaboration with leading airlines and automotive companies. Notably, we developed the first digital boarding pass for Lufthansa, setting a new standard for seamless travel experiences and operational efficiency.

Our expertise extends to innovative platforms such as Renault’s Plug Inn, an award-winning peer-to-peer solution connecting electric vehicle drivers to a network of charging stations. By leveraging our SPEED capabilities, we help transportation clients embrace digital disruption, adapt to changing consumer expectations, and achieve long-term success. Our approach enables clients to deliver exceptional experiences and drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving market.

At the core of every transformation journey is our SPEED model:

• Strategy: Defining clear, actionable roadmaps for digital transformation.
• Product: Designing and delivering innovative products that meet evolving customer needs.
• Experience: Creating human-centered experiences that drive loyalty and growth.
• Engineering: Ensuring scalable, secure, and agile solutions.
• Data & AI: Harnessing the power of data and AI to unlock insights and drive smarter decisions.

This integrated approach, combined with our culture of curiosity and deep industry expertise, enables us to deliver meaningful impact for our clients across the DACH region.

Under the leadership of Matthias Schmidt-Pfitzner, Managing Director for the DACH region, Publicis Sapient continues to deepen its commitment to local clients. With over 25 years of cross-industry experience, our teams in Berlin, Cologne, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich, and Zurich are equipped to deliver outstanding outcomes. We blend global best practices with local market insight, ensuring our solutions are both innovative and grounded in the realities of the DACH market.

For over 30 years, Publicis Sapient has been a trusted partner for organizations seeking to adapt, grow, and lead in a digital world. Our track record in the DACH region speaks for itself—whether launching industry firsts, driving measurable business value, or shaping the future of entire sectors. If you are ready to embark on your own transformation journey, our local teams are ready to help you unlock new opportunities and achieve lasting success.

Contact us today to discover how Publicis Sapient can help your organization lead in the digital era.