Robert F.-Senior / Executive Interim CIO / CTO & CISO
Check rate
Experience
Interim Group CIO / CISO
Kellenberger
- Private Equity owned precision grinding machines for Auto, Military & Aerospace – 1200 Employees
- Acting as Interim Group CIO / CISO consolidating Global IT back to Europe – M&A consolidation
- Managed major Security event and post event cleanup – Reporting to regulators
- Performed Vendor & Contract Management – full assessment of capabilities
- Guided Infrastructure refresh & Security Hygiene assessments
Interim Group CISO
Rosenberger Group
- Acting as Interim Group CISO – 15K+ Employees, €1.8B privately owned company – Auto/Space/Military Manufacturer
- Established CISO baseline and created global Information Security Strategy
- Evaluated & Deployed AI based Security tool (CrowdStrike)
- Performed Vendor & Contract Management – full assessment of capabilities
- Expanded TiSAX reach globally & Crisis Mgmt – ISMS, NIS2, Pentests & global Awareness campaign
Interim Group CIO / CISO
amedes Group
- Acting as Interim CIO / CISO post M&A acquisition from new investors
- Established CIO baseline and guided large scale T&T Program as Executive Stakeholder
- Performed Vendor & Contract Management – full assessment of capabilities
- Deployed AI based Security tool (DarkTrace)
- Presentation of Cyber Maturity & Life Cycle Mgmt including DR & BCM topics
- Evaluated & Managed large scale LIS (Laboratory Information System) development Program
Interim Manager Information Security
Energy Trading EnBW (Energie Baden-Württemberg AG) Trading
- Acting as Interim Manager Information Security for Energy Trading - help recruit and integrate long term replacement
- Executive Security review for a large scale change program (Cloud First Strategy) creating a new Trading platform
- Advising executive management and supporting KRITIS / ISO 27001 activities including ISMS, pen-tests, asset inventories, data protection, vendor / contract & 3rd party management
- Focus on Organizational & Operational strategic targets related to Information Security & Regulatory compliance (GRC)
- Strategic positioning together with Group CISO on ISM/ISO Group Functions, increasing Security Maturity of entire Group
Interim Head of Systems Design and Delivery
Vattenfall SE
- Operational Management and Department Development for a team of over 30+ professionals
- maintaining operational SLAs, Solution Designing and Operational Readiness – Pre M&A Carve-out with Stromnetz Berlin
- Management Consulting and Mentoring, Large scale change programs including large Security Program
- Shaping strategy and restructuring a highly critical department for future mode of operations (FMO) - furthering ITSM & ITIL maturity and efficiency
Interim Group CISO
Nordex SE
- Implement ISMS & ISO 27001 Certification process world-wide
- Performed Executive Search for replacement
- Build-out existing Security Organization and target operating model, raised security awareness
- Established Cyber / InfoSec strategy for digitalization, IoT & Industry 4.0 initiatives
- Supported CIO & Executive Board – M&A Priorities with Acciona
Interim Head of Cyber Security Architecture & Solutions
Innogy SE
- Facilitated the build out of a newly formed, international Cyber Security Architecture & Solutions focused team - integrated with Corporate IT & Group level security
- Hiring a team of 20 Senior professionally in 6 countries
- Established a group wide Security Architecture and created the baseline security controls and policies
- Served on Executive Security Board working closely with CIO & Executive Board members
Interim Service Delivery Executive / Manager
Innogy SE
- First generation Data Center outsourcing deal, executing handover of complex Transition / Transformation Program into BAU (Business as Usual) operations
- Performed ITIL v3, Vendor, Contract & Stakeholder Management – including Service Catalog
- Served on Security & Architecture boards
- Managed SAP/4 HANA migration using SAP RISE from Atos
Interim Head of IT
Balfour Beatty Rail
- Appointed as CIO and reported directly to the Managing Director Finance.
- Managed all of the IT operations in Germany with further responsibility for staff, special projects and the IT Budget during extensive M&A carve-out process – Sold off to Austrian and Chinese interests
- Focused on resolving a number of serious issues regarding poorly implemented legacy IT systems.
- Gained approval to implement a comprehensive action plan designed to stabilize the IT systems (incl. documentation)
- Devised and implemented robust information security policies and procedures.
Lead Cybersecurity Manager
Deutsche Bank
- Worked on a large scale, complex Global Outsourcing Transformation program with multiple vendors (e.g. HP & IBM).
- Engaged directly with the Cisco organization to undertake complex contract reviews.
- Coordinated the activities of the IT teams operating in the UK and Germany (in German and English).
- Worked closely with several project streams to establish cyber security standards that were fully compliant with the bank's internal requirements and with external regulatory requirements.
Interim Manager / Network Tower Lead / Global T&T Program
Hewlett Packard (Portigan Financial Services – West LB)
- Played a key role in the senior management team for the Global Transformation Program.
- Managed a large multi-disciplinary team of 40+ IT professionals.
- Led a number of business critical organizational and process re-engineering projects.
- Led a greenfield data center consolidation and migration project including a reduction of the existing CMO Estate.
Senior T&T Program Manager / Information Security
Delaval
- Tasked with replacing the existing SPI Firewall products and given the further objective of improving security awareness and improving the company's existing security profile.
- Deployed Next-Generation Firewall technologies to provide advanced application level security for networking, threat prevention and management across 106 locations globally.
- Played a key role in the product and vendor selection process for the firewall technology and additionally influenced senior stakeholders to move to a more cost effective MSSP (Managed Security Services Provider) model.
- Devised the log management strategy and resolved performance issues globally including WAN acceleration.
Management Consultant / Senior Program Manager
Getronics / KPN / Connectis
- Carried out an analysis on a large scale IT Transition and Transformation Program – Carve-out M&A processes
- Presented a report to executive management which involved crisis management and strategic planning.
- Worked together with various partners including KPN (Holland) & Connectis (Switzerland) and with the end client.
- Travelled extensively to Holland, Hungary, Switzerland and Germany.
Senior IT Rollout / Program Manager
BMW AG
- Managed the full life-cycle of a portfolio of projects and initiatives at BMW.
- Successfully delivered a number of business critical projects that impacted 41 global markets.
- Focused on projects concerned with mobility services, and networked car technologies.
Technology & Security Executive
Transformational leadership at the intersection of business strategy and technology innovation
Directed technology transformations with budgets of up to €150M (OPEX & CAPEX)
Led multinational teams of 50-150 professionals across various industries
Led enterprise-wide security programs and digital transformation initiatives
Orchestrated successful M&A integrations, carve-outs and crisis management
Delivered large-scale transition programs for global organizations
Security Excellence: Advanced implementation of ISO27001, NIS2, TiSAX, DORA, ISMS frameworks, among others
Digital Innovation: Cloud transformation, AI security integration, IoT/Industry 4.0
Infrastructure Expertise: Enterprise architecture, network security, data center optimization
Program Management: PMI, PRINCE2, ITIL, ITSM methodologies
Risk Management: Cyber resilience, compliance, business continuity
Strategic Vision: Translating complex technical challenges into business opportunities
Change Leadership: Guiding organizations through digital evolution and security transformation
Crisis Management: Rapid response and recovery in high-pressure situations
Stakeholder Engagement: Building consensus across the C-suite, boards and global teams
Innovative Mindset: Rapidly adapting to emerging Technologies and market requirements
Global Perspective: Extensive international experience and multicultural awareness
People Development: Mentoring and building high-performing technical teams
Knowledge Transfer: Effectively communicating complex concepts at all levels
Solution Focus: Pragmatic problem-solving with a strategic long-term vision
Relationship Building: Strong stakeholder management and Executive Presence
Bilingual: English (native language), German (business level)
Strategic thinking combined with meticulous attention to detail
Results-oriented while maintaining a service-oriented approach
Analytical mindset with creative problem-solving skills
Diplomatic leadership style enhanced by strategic humor
Industry Experience: Financial services, banking & insurance, energy & utilities, automotive & mechanical engineering, healthcare & life sciences, technology & telecommunications
Industry experience
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Experienced in Energy, Utilities, Automotive, Manufacturing, Construction, and Information Technology.
Business area experience
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Experienced in Information Technology, Project Management, Procurement, Strategy, Human Resources, and Product Development.
Summary
Highly experienced Executive (CIO, CTO & CISO) and Program Manager with a strong technical background and with significant strategic and operational management experience gained with multi-national, matrix organizations while working across a wide range of business sectors including energy, insurance, banking & finance and automotive. An in-depth project and program management background with the proven ability to lead large scale, international transformation projects and programs while deploying technical expertise in IT Architecture, Networking, IT Infrastructure, Systems Integration and Information Security. Fully capable of operating effectively in fast moving work environments and driving the achievement of KPIs and quality milestones while ensuring customer satisfaction. Outstanding management experience and a proven track record in strategic planning and delivery with a history of leading in-house, international and matrix teams of up to 250 multi-disciplinary staff. A very capable individual with exceptional interpersonal skills who leads from the front, builds great relationships, and makes a first class impression with clients and 'C' level stakeholders while communicating effectively in English and fluent German.
- Acted as Senior Network and Security Architect during a European Bank merger. Took responsibility for the design, strategy and delivery of multiple consolidation projects (value €12m) moving over 1,500 banking applications in over 12 data centers into two "super" data centers. Subsequently deployed a large scale proxy solution for the banks' 45K users.
- As interim Head of IT (CIO) at Balfour Beatty Rail took, over responsibility for an under-performing IT team and tasked with rebuilding a number of poorly implemented IT systems. M&A Carve out and sale of assets with reverse TSA - Carried out an extensive review and subsequently put in place a robust remedial action plan which ensured the successful recovery of the IT systems including SAP/4 yHANA and CAD / SCADA development.
- As Lead Cyber Security Manager at Deutsche Bank engaged with the vendors (IBM and HP) as part of a global outsourcing transformation program. Worked directly with the CISO Organization to undertake a series of complex contract reviews. Engaged with key internal stakeholders to devise and implement robust security policies and procedures. Liaised between German and UK colleagues.
- Conducted a high level assurance review of a back office, multi-million pound ECM, Workflow and DMS system at the European Energy Training Organization. Subsequently tasked with leading a best-in-class initiative to improve service delivery performance and the IT infrastructure. Rebuilt the IT team and led multiple service improvement initiatives.
Skills
Program Management: Builds Program Delivery Capability In Line With Strategic Objectives. Plans Programs And Establishes The Criteria For Managing Kpis And Qa Plus Risks, Assumptions, Issues And Dependencies. Manages Multiple, Concurrent, Work Streams And High Profile Activities To Tight Timescales. Manages All Aspects Of Budgets Including Forecasting & The Achievement Of Financial Targets.
Program Recovery: Extensive Experience Of Recovering Distressed Projects And Programs. The Ability To Rebuild Credibility And Renew Key Stakeholder Relationships. Experience Of Devising Remedial Action Plans That Ensure Programs Deliver Planned Results.
Transformational Change: Deploys Effective Influencing Skills To Drive Enterprise-Wide Change. Leads Global Technology Transformation Projects And Programs Which Focus On Increased Efficiency, Improved Customer Satisfaction And Quality Excellence. Mergers And Acquisitions, Carve-In & Outs, Offshoring & Outsourcing
Leadership: Extensive Experience Of Directing Large Teams Of Up 250 Multi-Disciplinary It Staff On Large Scale, Multi-Million Euro Projects And Programs. M&A, Carve Out/Ins - Strong Track Record Of Working With Local, Remote And Offshore Program Resources.
Stakeholder Management: Identifies And Implements Professional Solutions That Address The Operational And Business Needs Of All Key Stakeholders At Every Level Of Large, Multi-National Organizations In A Range Of Business Sectors. Acts As The First Point Of Contact For Senior Level Clients And Has The Credibility And Gravitas To Engage With And Influence "C" Level Management And Stakeholders.
Strategic Management: Proven Ability To Think Strategically And To Provide Valuable Input To Senior Management Decision Making And Gives Expert Advice On A Range Of Technology Improvement & Strategic Initiatives To Enable Organizations To Meet Objectives In A Timely Fashion. Takes A Leadership Role In Driving The Implementation Of Key Strategic Initiatives.
Vendor / Supplier Management: A Strong Background Of Managing Vendors (E.G. Ibm And Hp) And Monitoring The Performance Of 3rd Party Suppliers Against Clearly Defined Service Level Agreements. Further Experience Of Negotiating Terms & Conditions With Suppliers (Contract Management).
It Audit And Security Auditing
Bank Security (Dora,Pci-Dss,Kyc, Aml,Cft)
Compliance & Risk Sox, Cobit, Coso, Grc
It Architecture / Strategy (Ie. Togaf)
Cyber & Information Security
Data Center (Consolidation / Migration)
Digitalization, Ot, Iot & Industry 4.0, Scada
Contract / Provider & Vendor Management
Erp: Sap4/Hana & Microsoft Dynamic 365
Outsourcing / Offshoring / Nearshoring
Itil & Itsm / M&A Carve-In/Out
Project/Program Management (Pmi, Prince2)
Cloud/Virt. Technologies (Xaas)
Iso 27001 / Isms / Nis2 / Kritis / Cra
It Infrastructure & Networking (Lan/Wan/Fw)
Languages
Education
Foothill De Anza College
Heald Institute of Technology
Sequoia High School
High School Diploma
Certifications & licenses
Statistics
Experience
Global experience
Expertise
Qualifications
Profile
Frequently asked questions
Have questions? Find more information here.
Robert is based in Bargteheide, Germany and prefers 100% remote projects.
Robert speaks the following languages: English (Native), German (Advanced).
Robert has at least 7 years of experience. During this time, Robert has worked in at least 12 different roles and for 13 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 1 year and 6 months. Note that Robert may not have shared all experience and actually has more experience.
Based on recent experience, Robert would be well-suited for roles such as: Interim Group CIO / CISO, Interim Group CISO, Interim Manager Information Security.
Robert's most recent position is Interim Group CIO / CISO at Kellenberger.
In recent years, Robert has worked for Kellenberger, Rosenberger Group, and amedes Group.
Robert is most experienced in industries like Energy, Utilities, and Construction. Robert also has some experience in Manufacturing, Automotive, and Information Technology.
Robert is most experienced in business areas like Information Technology, Project Management, and Procurement. Robert also has some experience in Strategy, Human Resources, and Product Development.
Robert has recently worked in industries like Aerospace and Defense, Automotive, and Manufacturing.
Robert has recently worked in business areas like Information Technology, Procurement, and Product Development.
Robert attended Foothill De Anza College.
Robert has 4 certificates. Among them, these include: ITIL, ITSM, and PMI.
Robert will be available full-time from October 2026.
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Calculated based on our freelancers’ daily rates as of 16 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.
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