Chief Technology Officer

• Oct 2022 - Present

As the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for the Labora Holding/OMS group of companies, my responsibilities encompass overseeing and guiding the areas of IT, technology, and innovation. As a core member of the executive team and the board, I have taken the lead in driving an extensive IT business transformation, kickstarting a company-wide project to implement a new ERP-System, and introducing cutting-edge systems for our sales organization and operating units. In this capacity, I efficiently manage our strategic software development vendor, ensuring seamless alignment between business needs and development teams. Collaborating with my leadership team, we have successfully revamped the IT function, establishing distinct teams for Core IT, Data & BI, and Business IT. Currently, in conjunction with our e-Mobility business, I am actively involved in the development of a sustainable data platform, strategically integrating data from our extensive electrical vehicle fleet (200+ cars), energy management system, and other sources to fulfill our CSRD reporting objectives, adopting a data-driven approach. As the CTO, I maintain a close collaborative relationship with our product managers and technical leads, fostering the creation of novel services and engaging with partners to deliver innovative products across our diverse business units. Show less

Interim Manager & CxO Advisor

• Sep 2022 - Present

- C-Level advisor on IT, Technology, Innovation & procurement - Sparrings Partner for Startups - versed Speaker about Technology and Innovation - today and tomorrow - C-Level advisor on IT, Technology, Innovation & procurement - Sparrings Partner for Startups - versed Speaker about Technology and Innovation - today and tomorrow

Head of IT/Group CIO

• Mar 2022 - Aug 2022

In my role as the Head of IT/Group CIO I was tasked with spearheading the implementation of a new ERP System. Furthermore, I led the IT Department of 20+ staff. In my role as the Head of IT/Group CIO I was tasked with spearheading the implementation of a new ERP System. Furthermore, I led the IT Department of 20+ staff.

Head of IT-Sourcing, Partner Management & Global License Management

• May 2017 - Mar 2022

As the Head of IT-Sourcing & Partner Management I support and oversee all IT-Outsourcing initiatives of all Lidl and Kaufland entities overseas (outside of Germany). In this role, I run the IT-Sourcing department and oversee the entire Outsourcing lifecycle, including but not limited to the development and implementation of outsourcing strategies, contract and commercial negotiations, partner on- and off-boarding, etc. for IT services of more than 12.000 stores, 150 regional centers in more than 30 countries. As a Department, we have successfully, developed and implemented a global IT-Vendor Program. As part of this program, we developed policies, guidelines, KPIs and tools to efficiently end effectively manage the IT Vendors and suppliers at a global level. On a regular basis, I liaise with my network, friends and industry bodies, to discuss innovation initiatives, transformation efforts or Megatrends, such as IoT, Blockchain, AI or Quantum computing. Show less

Head of IT-Sourcing & Partner Management

• May 2016 - May 2017

As the Head of IT-Sourcing & Partner Management, I established this brand new department. This included defining its structure along with policies and staff. Together with the some country CIOs, I have developed the overall IT-Sourcing strategy, the department vision and mission. As the Head of IT-Sourcing & Partner Management, I established this brand new department. This included defining its structure along with policies and staff. Together with the some country CIOs, I have developed the overall IT-Sourcing strategy, the department vision and mission.

International IT Manager - Head of International IT Purchasing, Sourcing & Contracts

• Jan 2014 - Apr 2016

As an international IT Manager at Aldi Süd, I am in charge of the global IT buying department. In this role I am heading up a team of 16 experts responsible for the hardware, software and license procurement for over 5000 stores and more than 80 regional offices in 9 countries (Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Slovenia, Hungary, UK & Ireland, USA, Australia). As part of this role, I am also responsible for the global software asset management (SAM) as well as the software compliance of the Aldi Süd group. Furthermore, I am responsible for all IT contracts and conduct complex contract and price negotiations. In cooperation with my legal team, advise regularly on IT law and other IT related regulatory issues. I am also the deputy head of the internal Service Desk and until August 2015 I was the deputy head of the global Server, Storage and Virtualization department. Show less

Consultant

• Jan 2013 - Dec 2013

As a consultant at Invensity I work closely with project partners on safety and security concepts in the automotive industry based on the ISO 26262 and the automotive SPICE standards. Furthermore I am an advisor for IT security and IT security concepts (ISO 27xxx) as well as secure data communication, IT infrastructure deployments and cloud services. As a consultant at Invensity I work closely with project partners on safety and security concepts in the automotive industry based on the ISO 26262 and the automotive SPICE standards. Furthermore I am an advisor for IT security and IT security concepts (ISO 27xxx) as well as secure data communication, IT infrastructure deployments and cloud services.

IT Strategy and BI Consultant

• Nov 2012 - Feb 2013

Review the entire IT and communication infrastructure and provide a risk and gap analysis to management. Achievements: - Review of the IT infrastructure and architecture, including security and cost audit and provide a risk and gap analysis. - Advise management on IT risk mitigation and provide a short to medium-term IT strategy to mitigate acute risks. - Planning and execution of entire IT infrastructure refresh, including upgraded IP data connection, VoIP services, LAN upgrade and SaaS services, e.g. hosted Email services. - Provide strategic advice on CRM systems and potential upgrades to the manufacturing IT infrastructure, HR and payroll systems. - Develop the DR and BCP processes and policies. Show less

Director & Principal Technology Consultant

• Jan 2008 - Jan 2013

Provide technical expertise on IT infrastructure, architecture and IT governance strategies. Advise on technical developments, security and strategies in line with client goals and vision. Provide guidance for business development and expansion worldwide, with a primary focus on Europe and the United States. Achievements: - Provide Web and E-Commerce advise to a US based Pharmaceutical distributor - Planning and execution of an email infrastructure upgrade based on a SaaS MS-Exchange solution. Simplified support and improved overall communication due to enhanced features and the integration into the CRM system. Reduced communication costs by utilizing IaaS and SaaS technology. - Representative of an Australian-based international domain registrar for the trial of the Internet based ENUM technology in the United States and Switzerland. - Successful accreditation of the domain registrar in Switzerland (.ch domains) and organise the membership to ARIN (American Registry for Internet Numbers). Enhancement of the corporate global footprint and increased revenue due to enhanced service offers. Show less

Research Manager

• Feb 2012 - Dec 2012

As the research manager at SSI Pacific perform system and network performance analysis in particular with a focus on lawful intercept and network security. Advise on current developments in computer and network intelligence and provide insight into ongoing standardization efforts by ETSI, ITU, IETF, IEEE and other research efforts. Work closely with the CEO and CTO to evaluate potential new products and establish new business relationships in Australia and overseas in-line with the strategic vision of SSI Pacific. Show less

Global IT Manager

• Jan 2009 - Jun 2011

As the global head of IT, provide IT leadership and strategic direction on IT technology to the CEO and the executive team. Formulate the strategic alignment of IT to suit business growth, the overall strategic vision and to support other business units by implementing systems and services to enhance business functionality, such as an updated ERP/CRM solution. Development of a cost effective and robust IT infrastructure by leveraging leading edge technologies, such as SaaS, IaaS and visualization. Lead and manage the IT team and external IT consultants. Achievements: - Conceptualise and design a new global IT infrastructure to be $100m+ (turnover) ready and deliver a cost reduction of 85% annually. - Planning, designing and implementation of a business grade data and VoIP infrastructure for new office locations in Australia and the United States with an anticipated reduction in communication costs per capita of 50%. - Planning, implementation and roll-out of an MS-Sharepoint based Intranet to reduce support costs commensurate with secure global data access. - Master vendor selection and negotiation to modernise the technology operation and simplify support by providing a cost effective homogenous IT infrastructure. - Reduce IT infrastructure costs by 25%+ by leveraging mobile, SaaS and IaaS solutions. - Technical advisor during the planning, selection and roll-out process of the new ERP system (Netsuite), and development of the decommission plan for the CRM and the finance system. Show less

Network Engineer

• May 2005 - Jan 2008

Maintain and enhance the national VoIP and video network for all Australian universities and CSIRO. Design a secure real-time communication concept for VoIP and video. Provide guidance to customers regarding security and firewalls for videoconferencing systems. Collaborate with Internet2 and Terena on the international dialing scheme for the higher education sector (GDS) and ENUM technology. Provide guidance for technology developments of standardization groups such as the IETF and the IEEE. Achievements: - Modernisation of the aging videoconferencing infrastructure in the backbone network used by all Australian universities and CSIRO. - Planning and roll-out of the AARNet-wide high-definition videoconferencing service, that delivered an annual costs savings by reducing staff travel. - Represented AARNet, and collaborated with ACMA on the Australian ENUM trial and advise on the relevant development in Europe and the IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force). - Organised and managed several workshops on secure voice and video communication at multiple national and international conferences. Show less

Scientific employee

• Nov 2002 - May 2005

Implement and maintain secure Institute-wide videoconferencing. Advise national and international collaboration groups on secure setups for voice and video conferencing. Work closely with the DFN (Deutsches Forschungsnetz) Verein on the national videoconferencing service. Achievements: - 100+ other institutions in the R&E sector worldwide have adopted the proposed scheme for secure multimedia conferencing. - Advised on security aspects for real-time communication at DFN conferences. - Invited as an advisor to the Remote Participation Project of EFDA (European Fusion Development Agreement). - Invited as an advisor to Viktas, a national board advising German universities on real-time communication in business and teaching environments. Show less

User, System and Network Support

• Jan 1996 - Jun 2000