Frank Mühlenbrock - Data Protection Officer for Security

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Available

Ehningen, Germany

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Experience

Jun 2023 - Present

3 years 3 months

Freelance Security + Data Protection Consultant

Deutsche Bahn

Placed via recruiter 1st Solution with Deutsche Bahn. Supported and advised on Audit and Cyber Security matters there
Carried out numerous CSAs (Control Self Assessments), with close exchange with application owners and development of possible remediation solutions, and entered them in DB's risk2value tool from vendor GBTEC2
Advised on the creation of internal and external security risks

Nov 2022 - Dec 2025

3 years 2 months

Freelance Security + Data Protection Consultant

Lowell Service Center GmbH

Placed via recruiter Page Contracting with Lowell Service Center GmbH. Supported and advised on Audit, Cyber Security, IT Governance, and Project Management (after a successful ransomware attack in 03/2022)
Built and further developed information security and data protection processes, including governance structures, policies, and work instructions usable internationally.
Led and supported numerous customer audits in the areas of data security, data protection, and cyber security. Close exchange with internal stakeholders and customer contacts, identification of audit findings and their remediation. Follow-up with the relevant SMEs (Subject Matter Experts) on action plans from the audits.
Developed and introduced internationally usable data protection and governance processes, including steering external stakeholders and working with supervisory authorities
Main toolset: M365 and Confluence

Nov 2020 - Present

5 years 10 months

External Data Protection Officer

Mühlenbrock Datenschutz Consulting

Development and introduction of internal customer procedures / communication with supervisory authorities for customers / support in carrying out DSFAs / data protection audits including action plan creation and monitoring of corrective measures
Many years of deep knowledge in data protection (GDPR, BDSG new version)

May 2011 - Oct 2020

9 years 6 months

Germany

Transition & Transformation Manager / IT Risk & Compliance

IBM Integrated Technology Delivery

Management of GDPR projects (e.g. transformation of all IBM DACH customers from national data protection law to GDPR)
Management of IT security transition & transformation for global outsourcing customers
Security, risk and compliance management consulting for C-level management

Jul 2007 - May 2011

3 years 11 months

Technical Solution Manager / IT Risk & Compliance

IBM Integrated Technology Delivery

Development of security solutions for new customers
Leading role in coordinating and managing global security engagement teams (new business)
Adaptation of security contract clauses
Quoting of security solutions
Identification of IT risks and their mitigation/measures

Jan 2006 - Jun 2007

1 year 6 months

Information Security Manager / Senior Consultant

IBM Integrated Technology Delivery

Globally responsible Information Security Manager for the IBM outsourcing account of Zurich Financial Services (now Zurich Insurance Group). Responsible for international security governance, audit and compliance topics, as well as the definition and rollout of company-wide security processes.
Main contact for the customer and the IBM team for IT security and risk management
Definition and implementation of the security-related "Enterprise Operational Processes"
Definition and rollout of information security policies based on the ISO 27001/2/5 framework
Coordination of security-related "New Business" activities
All activities in the audit area (see 2000-2004)

Jan 2005 - Dec 2005

1 year

Germany

Security Consultant / Architect

IBM Software Group

Implementation of security projects based on IBM Tivoli Security Compliance Manager for various German customers

Oct 2000 - Dec 2004

4 years 3 months

Germany

Information Security Manager / Security Consultant + Audit/Review Manager

IBM Integrated Technology Delivery

Leading IT Security and Business Controls reviews
Development and implementation of an IBM internal audit and review process in the Outsourcing business unit
Leading SAS70 audits (now ISAE3402)
Consulting on internal projects for IT security and risk management
Use of the GS tool for BSI baseline protection certifications
Protection needs assessments as part of BSI audits
Basic as well as in-depth security checks
Independent handling of action lists, action plans, and further development of security documents
Customer consulting after completed audits
Creation of processes and work instructions (Working Instructions)
All activities based on BSI baseline protection, ISO 27001/2/5, as well as IBM internal and customer-specific security regulations (including KRITIS)

Mar 1998 - Sep 2000

2 years 7 months

Germany

Service Management Project Manager

IBM Integrated Technology Delivery

Worked on many IBM internal service management projects (e.g. implementation of Lotus Notes, Y2K project in DACH, etc.)
Project lead for the implementation of an EMEA-wide SLA

Dec 1996 - Feb 1998

1 year 3 months

Germany

Microsoft Systems Engineer

RKK Hamburg (Microsoft Solution Provider)

Project lead for various implementation projects based on Microsoft networks (e.g. Novell/NT migration)
Head of the Stuttgart office

Jan 1994 - Mar 1996

2 years 3 months

Germany

Database Programmer

J+P Dialog Marketing GmbH

Programming direct marketing databases for customers across Germany
Managing various marketing activities for major German customers (e.g. Mercedes Benz in Sindelfingen)

Mar 1992 - Dec 1993

1 year 10 months

Germany

GUI Programmer

FGK Gesellschaft für Antriebsmechanik

Programming the GUI of a globally available calculation program for linkage mechanisms. Included here because it is requested in the profile and it is listed in the CV, but it was 30 years ago, so not relevant.

Industry experience

See where this freelancer has spent most of their professional time.

Experienced in Information Technology, Professional Services, Transportation, Banking and Finance, Advertising, and Manufacturing.

Information Technology

Professional Services

Transportation

Banking and Finance

Advertising

Manufacturing

Business area experience

See which departments and functions this freelancer has contributed to most.

Experienced in Information Technology, Project Management, Audit, Legal, Marketing, and Product Development.

Information Technology

Project Management

Audit

Legal

Marketing

Product Development

Summary

With extensive international experience in Information Security, Risk and Compliance Management, as well as Data Protection (GDPR / BDSG)

Skills

Gdpr
Bdsg
Information Security

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Education

Mar 1987 - Oct 1992

Fachhochschule Reutlingen

Business Information Systems · Germany

Certifications & licenses

TÜV Süd

ISACA

Microsoft

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 12

Experience in Information Technology 25.5 y

Avg length 3 y 3 m

Longest experience 9 y 5 m

Global experience

Countries worked in 1 (Germany)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Freelance Security + Data Protection Consultant, External Data Protection Officer, Transition & Transformation Manager / IT Risk & Compliance

Main industries Information Technology, Professional Services, Transportation

Main business areas Information Technology, Project Management, Audit

Qualifications

Highest degree Bachelor

Certifications earned 6

Profile

Member since

August 2026

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Frequently asked questions

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Frank is based in Ehningen, Germany and prefers 100% remote projects.

Frank speaks the following languages: German (Native), English (Advanced).

Frank has at least 34 years of experience. During this time, Frank has worked in at least 11 different roles and for 8 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 3 years and 10 months. Note that Frank may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.

Based on recent experience, Frank would be well-suited for roles such as: Freelance Security + Data Protection Consultant, External Data Protection Officer, Transition & Transformation Manager / IT Risk & Compliance.

Frank's most recent position is Freelance Security + Data Protection Consultant at Deutsche Bahn.

In recent years, Frank has worked for Deutsche Bahn, Lowell Service Center GmbH, and Mühlenbrock Datenschutz Consulting.

Frank is most experienced in industries like Information Technology, Professional Services, and Transportation. Frank also has some experience in Banking and Finance, Advertising, and Manufacturing.

Frank is most experienced in business areas like Information Technology, Project Management, and Audit. Frank also has some experience in Legal, Marketing, and Product Development.

Frank has recently worked in industries like Professional Services, Transportation, and Banking and Finance.

Frank has recently worked in business areas like Audit, Legal, and Information Technology.

Frank holds a Bachelor in Business Information Systems from Fachhochschule Reutlingen.

Frank has 6 certificates. Among them, these include: Data Protection Officer DSB-TÜV, Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISK), and Certified Information Security Manager (CISM).

Frank is immediately available part-time for suitable projects.

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Daily rate avg. 910 €

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Median rate 900 €

The median daily rate is the middle value of all daily rates — half of comparable freelancers charge less, half charge more. Unlike the average, it is barely affected by outliers.

Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 21 Aug 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.