Robert Karash - Interim IT Manager, Digital Transformation

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Idstein, Germany

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Experience

May 2023 - Present

3 years 6 months

Frankfurt, Germany

Interim Manager | Group Manager in the IT Operations & Digitalization division „Databases, Operations & Support" (DOS)

Landwirtschaftliche RentenBank

Functional management and further development of a team of 28 IT employees (internal & external) in the areas of HelpDesk / HelpLine, RHEL (Red Hat), MUREX (trading system & applications), SAP basic operations
Management of external service providers (including FI-TS for SAP basic operations)
Personnel, resource and budget planning for the IT department and projects
Introduction and establishment of regular communication formats (regular meetings, team and cross-departmental meetings)
Ensuring application operations in a hybrid environment (Windows / Linux with database and web/application servers)
Support for transformation projects to modernize the application landscape (e.g. DevOps approaches)
Building and introducing digital IT procurement for hardware & software (e.g. with DELL)
Development and management of the „IT Operations DOS" department based on the company strategy
Preparation of management reports & decision papers on IT projects, optimization potential and automation opportunities
Representing the department in Rentenbank committees and ensuring regulatory compliance (BaFin §44, DSGVO, BSI, MaRisk)

Apr 2022 - Apr 2023

1 year 1 month

Münster, Germany

Interim Manager & Department Manager in the End-2-End Workplace division „Windows Security, MS-SQL & Package Building,

FI Finanz Informatik GmbH & Co. KG

Functional and disciplinary management of a team of 39 IT employees (internal & external) in the specialist groups Windows Security, MS-SQL databases, application development & package building (incl. C#/.NET, SharePoint, web applications, open source)
Management of external service providers and strategic provider management
Personnel, resource and budget planning to optimize IT services and consulting
Evaluation, introduction and establishment of innovative technologies to optimize IT processes
Preparation and visualization of IT results at management level
Ensuring regulatory compliance according to BaFin §44, VAIT, DSGVO, BSI, MaRisk
Close cooperation with company interfaces, manufacturers and suppliers
Preparation of management reports & decision papers for executive management and committees
Team-building measures: Improving communication, fixed appointments, introduction of an error and feedback culture

Dec 2021 - Jun 2022

7 months

Hanau, Germany

Interim Transition Manager

VACUUMSCHMELZE GmbH & Co. KG

Overall project management for the data center relocation („Data Center Transition") from Munich to Weinheim
Responsible contact and negotiator for the CIO, specialist departments and external partners (SYNTAX, ATOS, other service providers)
Management of all project managers, sub-project managers and work package owners of the participating teams
Ensuring the strategic implementation of the data center relocation through structured planning, coordination and alignment
Responsibility for application management and SAP migration as part of the transition
Current-state assessment & provider management of the entire IT infrastructure, applications and external services
Management of environment and change management for a smooth operational takeover
Commercial management: Contract design, budget planning and procurement management
Regular reporting & management reporting to support decision-making
Coordination of stakeholder communication with management, service providers, audit and risk management
Successful data center migration with minimal operational interruption while complying with all legal requirements

Jul 2021 - Dec 2021

6 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

Interim Department Manager „Deployment, Environment and Change Management" in the IT Operations division IE2

SV SparkassenVersicherung Informatik GmbH

Disciplinary and functional management of 19 employees in 3–4 teams across three locations (Wiesbaden, Stuttgart, Mannheim)
Promoting employee motivation, training and team development
Managing the Deployment department at the interface between application development & operations
Responsible for developing and optimizing application management
Designing, implementing and continuously improving deployment, environment & change management processes
Commercial management of the department in alignment with the company strategy
Ensuring compliant implementation according to internal requirements and compliance guidelines
Representing the department in the committees of SV Informatik
Saving resources/time and reducing sources of error by automating the deployment processes

Jun 2020 - Jun 2021

1 year 1 month

Dortmund, Germany

Project Manager | IT Business Analyst | ZIBE Authorization Management, Authorization Assignment in the IT Operations division |

SIGNAL IDUNA Gruppe & Lebensversicherung AG

Consulting on and implementing authorization management in IT operations for the VAIT audit & follow-up audit
Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (BaFin, VAIT, DSGVO, BSI, MaRisk)
Contact for specialist departments & IT services within the SIGNAL IDUNA Gruppe
Inventory and documentation of all relevant processes in authorization management
Reviewing and evaluating authorization concepts, role & rights assignments, segregation of duties & recertification
Converting analysis results into an onboarding document for new employees & the IT organization
Conducting gap analyses & interviews to identify optimization potential
Preparing & visualizing results for decision-makers in a management-friendly format
Developing automation concepts to improve authorization processes
Timely process implementation due to a finding from a VAIT audit

Oct 2019 - May 2020

8 months

Wuppertal, Germany

Project Manager | Management of WINDOWS10 Rollout

GKV INFORMATIK

Planning, managing and implementing a company-wide Windows-10 rollout with over 4.800 clients at statutory health insurance funds
Process optimization, coordination with external service providers, quality assurance and an ITSM-driven approach
Introduction of new tools, strategic SLA integration and sustainable process adjustments in accordance with ITIL

Mar 2018 - Sep 2019

1 year 7 months

Frankfurt, Germany

Head of IT | Interim Manager

Deutscher Olympischer Sportbund e.V.

Management of IT operations, including personnel management, time management and the access authorization control system
Management of external service providers and implementation of an extensive data center relocation
Implementation of several major technical projects in the office, infrastructure and cloud environments
Integration of new technologies (Cloud, Office 365, Windows 10)
Introduction of future-oriented IT processes and establishment of a sustainable IT strategy with measurable improvements in structure, efficiency and compliance

Sep 2016 - Feb 2018

1 year 6 months

Offenbach, Germany

Interim Manager | Project Manager Organization and IT

HELABA (Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen) über ITC Deutschland GmbH

Strategic and operational consulting in service and partner management, focusing on resource management, process optimization, IT governance and compliance
Preparation for and support during a BaFin audit (§44) and ECB supervision through targeted GAP analysis and the structural development of audit and security functions
Introduction of efficient resource management and ITSM processes

Mar 2015 - Aug 2016

1 year 6 months

Kerpen, Germany

Interim Manager | Transition Manager EWP Rollout (HW & SW) and Transition Gothaer Systems GmbH

Versicherung Köln über Etengo Academic Experts GmbH

Management of the business transfer in accordance with § 613a BGB and coordination of all sub-projects
Digitalization of IT structures and management of strategic and operational communication with management, stakeholders and service providers
Planning and implementation of a complex IT and organizational transition with nine sub-projects
Consistent resource and budget management as well as sustainable realignment of governance, data protection and IT security structures

Apr 2014 - Feb 2015

11 months

Nuremberg, Germany

Head of Department | Interim Manager Services Unit IT and Organization

Rödl & Partner GmbH

Operational and strategic management of IT operations and the organization, including data center relocation, IT infrastructure modernization and security management
Budget management and development of efficient procurement and IT processes in the national context
Company-wide IT rollout (WIN10/WIN7, Office 365) with implementation of national application and procurement management as well as a one-vendor strategy for printing systems

Oct 2011 - Mar 2014

2 years 6 months

Cologne, Germany

Group Manager | Deputy Department Head | Interim Manager “IT Production Enterprise”

DEVK Zentrale

Management of complex projects and support of migration processes (SAP Basis, Mainframe, CICS, DB2, Oracle databases)
Preparation of a vulnerability analysis for the entire IT Production and Data Center division
Optimization and restructuring of IT processes

Mar 2011 - Sep 2011

7 months

Hanover, Germany

Project Manager

Talanx Versicherung über DIS GmbH

Preparation of a preliminary DWH Finance study including BI tools
Contribution to the successful stock market listing on 02.10.2012

Apr 2009 - Feb 2011

1 year 11 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

Project Manager

Aareal Bank / Aareon GmbH

Planning of the system landscape and selection processes for new hardware, software, applications & tools

Jul 2008 - Mar 2009

9 months

Frankfurt, Germany

IT Project Manager

FI Finanz Informatik Bank

Introduction and implementation of a new time management system (X/TIME Vers. 4.6), access control system, authorization groups and terminal permissions
Execution of a nationwide IT rollout (infrastructure and software/applications)

Oct 2007 - Jun 2009

1 year 9 months

Eschborn, Germany

Project Manager

Abresa GmbH

Planning and implementation of the Windows 7 rollout (hardware and applications)
Introduction of MS Office 2007

Jul 2006 - Sep 2007

1 year 3 months

Mannheim, Germany

Project Manager

Mannheimer Versicherung

Introduction of a business project management system (BPM)
Business process optimization and migration across all departments

Jan 2005 - Jun 2006

1 year 6 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

IT Controller | Overall Project Manager

Hessisches Ministerium für Inneres und Sport

Master Plan eGovernment: Compilation of a nationwide IT inventory (hardware, software/applications, licenses, leasing contracts), including all costs

Jan 2003 - Dec 2004

2 years

Frankfurt, Germany

Head of IT & Organization, Administration and Service (OUV/S)

Reisebank AG

Preparation for the merger with DZ-Bank and implementation of IT and organizational processes
Annual cost savings of 400 T€ through centralized purchasing
Introduction of a new payroll accounting system (LOGA), including an electronic archive
Establishment of central & decentralized organizational units

Jan 2000 - Dec 2002

3 years

Eschborn, Germany

Head of Banking, Retail and Insurance

TDS Deutschland AG & Co. OHG

Harmonization of IT platforms and development of efficient organizational structures
Management of major transformation and digitalization projects
Introduction of an organization & personnel management system
Management of the migration of a trading system solution for SEB Frankfurt
Centralized purchasing of IT & telecommunications services based on ITIL principles

Jan 1996 - Dec 1999

4 years

Frankfurt, Germany

Deputy Department Manager and System Coordinator

Gerling Konzern | Industrieversicherung AG

Professional and disciplinary management of 14–18 employees
Management of the REWE & Controlling, IT+TK, Central Services & Administration departments
Management of the Europe-wide gerVAS project with an integrated graphical interface and international currency conversion

Aug 1987 - Dec 1995

8 years 5 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

IT Group Manager Application Control (AWST) and Work Preparation (AV) in the Data Center

Berlinerische Lebensversicherung

Management of work preparation (Client-Server & Host/Mainframe)
Personnel responsibility and leadership of 9–12 employees
Implementation of the management robots SAR-EXPRESS-DELIVERY + CA1 (data storage media)

Oct 1985 - Jul 1987

1 year 10 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

Head of IT | Operations Officer

Vereinigte Versicherungsgesellschaft von Amerika

Management of the IT division Information Technology, Organization & Administration, as well as relevant projects
Personnel responsibility for 6 employees
Establishment of the Office Organization, IT Coordination, Administration and Human Resources departments
Establishment of project-oriented management with a strategic focus

Industry experience

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

Experienced in Insurance, Banking and Finance, Information Technology, Sport, Government and Administration, and Professional Services.

Insurance

Banking and Finance

Information Technology

Sport

Government and Administration

Professional Services

Business area experience

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

Experienced in Information Technology, Project Management, Operations, Procurement, Finance, and Human Resources.

Information Technology

Project Management

Operations

Procurement

Finance

Human Resources

Summary

„Enable digitalization! Streamline structures! Lead change!“ My credo: Technology is only as good as the people who use it – and the leadership that makes it possible. I am a manager who not only develops strategies, but also implements them efficiently, agilely and economically.

My mission is to make IT organizations future-proof. I have built IT departments in highly sensitive industries, migrated data centers and guided companies through demanding transformations. I know how to motivate employees, optimize structures and shape IT so that it creates real added value.

With a mix of strategic foresight, a hands-on mentality and excellent stakeholder management, I bring projects to completion. My success is based on a charismatic leadership style, building strong teams, clear communication and the courage to take new paths.

Skills

Professional Expertise

Many Years Of Leadership And Management Experience In Strategic And Operational It Projects, Specializing In It Operations, Infrastructure, Security Management And Digital Transformation
Proven Success In Restructuring And Optimizing It Processes, Implementing Innovative Technologies And Leading High-Performing Teams
It Management & Digitalization: Building, Managing And Optimizing It Departments And Projects
It Operations & Infrastructure: Application Operations, Data Center Management, System Architecture
Security And Risk Management: Compliance With Regulatory Requirements (Bafin, Bait, Bsi, Dsgvo, Marisk, Vait)
Strategic It Consulting: Evaluation And Implementation Of Innovative Technologies
Provider & Service Provider Management: Contract Design, Budget Control, Performance Monitoring
Process & Change Management: Development And Implementation Of New Process Landscapes
Business Continuity & Outsourcing: Transition Management, It Procurement, License Management
Project Management: It Rollouts, Migrations, Authorization Management, Introduction Of New Technologies

Industry Expertise

Banks & Financial Service Providers (Development Banks, Savings Banks, Life Insurance Companies)
It Service Providers & Software Development
Insurance & Healthcare
Industry (Materials Engineering, Manufacturing)
Sports Organizations
Public Administration

Hardware & Communication Systems

Architecture & Infrastructure: Client-Server Architecture (C/S), Host/Mainframe (Ibm & Siemens), Cluster Systems
Data Centers & Relocations: Data Center Relocations Incl. Hw Rollout, Building Infrastructure, It Container Solutions
Network & Virtualization: Cisco, Token Ring, Vmware, Terminal Servers (Citrix)
Operating Systems: Linux, Unix, Z/Os (1.13 – 2.17), Windows Server
E-Mail & Communication: Ms Exchange (Outlook), Lotus Notes (10.0 – 7.0), Ms-Lync, Avaya, Blackberry
It Service & Management: It Service Desk, Remedy, Bpm Systems
Visual Communication: Mindjet Mindmanager (Coreldraw, Corel Painter)

Applications, Operating Systems & Software

Microsoft Environment: Windows (Win11 – Win95), Ms Office (M365, 2000 – 2025, Cloud/Hybrid), Ms-Project (2007 – 2023), Sharepoint
Erp Systems: Sap R/3, S/4hana (Fi, Co, Mm, Swift-Clearing)
Hr/Hcm: P&I, Loga, Paisy
Datev (Financial Accounting, Accounting)
Process & Workflow Management: Dms, Crm, Archiving, Merchandise Management Tools
Special Software: Murex (Trading System), Product Lifecycle Management (Life Factory), Time Recording & Access Control (Plan Zeit), Trellix / Mcafee, Adobe, Visio (2021 – 2010)
Mainframe & Host Technologies: Novell, Opc, Ca1, Vse/Esa, Cics, Asm, Rsm, Tso/Ispf, Jcl-Procedures, Utilities Mvs/Xa

Methods, Tools & Databases

Project Management & Methods: Gpma, Pmi, Prince2, V-Model, Agile (Scrum, Kanban)
It Management & Governance: Itil (V2 & V3), Itms, Itscm, Ito, Mis, Qs/Qm, Risk, Cor
Change & Release Management: Change, Coordination, Configuration, Capacity, Asset & Event Management
Security & Compliance: Authorization Management (Ad, Authorization Assignment, Role Concepts), Windows Security, It Procurement, License & Outsourcing Management
It Operations & Databases: Ms-Sql, Oracle (Version 1.1 – 12), Db2 (Ims, Db39), Sql, Aris, Dwh (Data Warehouse), Cmdb, Bcm, Mercury System, Peoplesoft
Programming Languages & Web Technologies: C, C++, Cobol, Assembler, Ms Visual Basic, Html, Xml, Asp

Transition Projects

Data Center Relocation, Relocation Of Facility Management & It Planning
Overall Coordination & Organization, Coordination, Space Planning, Data Center Floor Space, Cooling Systems, Qb Officer And Security Officer
Contact For Management, The Board, Executive Management As Well As All Affected Departments And External Service Providers
Transition Manager For Provider Changes And All Their Applications
Network Architecture (Lan, Wan, Voip, Video Streaming)
Network Security (Firewall, Proxy, Load Balancer, Nac, Pki)
Hardware Platforms (Ibm System Z, X86, Ibm Power, Vmware Esxi)
Storage And Backup Infrastructure
Operating Systems (Z/Os, Linux, Z/Vm, Ms Windows, Solaris, Aix)
Middleware (Directory Services Ldap And Ad, Mail System Ms Exchange)
Application Servers Ibm Websphere, Interfaces Ibm Mq Series, Monitoring And Control Systems Hp Openview And Nagios
Databases (Db2 Z/Os, Ms Sql, Oracle)
Transition / Transformation Of It Services And Application Systems
Deployment (Software Distribution), Installation Of Additional Software / Service Pack Via Sccm Or Other Tools

Personality

Analyst: Logical, Responsible, Organized
Doer: Committed, Strong In Implementation And Assertiveness, Empathetic, Pragmatic, Passionate About Innovation, Digitally Agile
Senior Partner: Confident And Charismatic Presence, Strategic Foresight, Resilience

Leadership Skills

Span Of Control: Management Of Teams Of Around 60 Employees (Internal & External)
Disciplinary And Functional Leadership: Development Of It Departments, Coaching Employees
Entrepreneurial Expertise: Commercial Thinking And Action
Transformation & Change Management: Implementation Of New Technologies And Processes
Stakeholder Management: Close Coordination With Board Members, Executive Management And External Partners

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Education

Fachoberschule und Gymnasium

Abitur · Wiesbaden, Germany

IBM Deutschland AG

Informatiker, Systemanalytiker und Programmierer · Wiesbaden, Germany

Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität

Diplom-Betriebswirt und Diplom-Informatiker · BWL und Informatik · Mainz, Germany

Certifications & licenses

Führerscheine Klasse A1 und B / Klasse I + III

Statistics

Experience

Total positions 22

Experience in Insurance 21.5 y

Avg length 1 y 10 m

Longest experience 8 y 4 m

Global experience

Countries worked in 1 (Germany)

Primary country Germany

Expertise

Recent roles Interim Manager | Group Manager in the IT Operations & Digitalization division „Databases, Operations & Support" (DOS), Interim Manager & Department Manager in the End-2-End Workplace division „Windows Security, MS-SQL & Package Building,, Interim Transition Manager

Main industries Insurance, Banking and Finance, Information Technology

Main business areas Information Technology, Project Management, Operations

Qualifications

Certifications earned 2

Profile

Member since

January 2026

Last update

October 2026

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Frequently asked questions

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Robert is based in Idstein, Germany and can operate in on-site, hybrid, and remote work models.

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

Robert has at least 41 years of experience. During this time, Robert has worked in at least 19 different roles and for 22 different companies. The average length of individual experience is 2 years and 10 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 Manager | Group Manager in the IT Operations & Digitalization division „Databases, Operations & Support" (DOS), Interim Manager & Department Manager in the End-2-End Workplace division „Windows Security, MS-SQL & Package Building,, Interim Transition Manager.

Robert's most recent position is Interim Manager | Group Manager in the IT Operations & Digitalization division „Databases, Operations & Support" (DOS) at Landwirtschaftliche RentenBank.

In recent years, Robert has worked for Landwirtschaftliche RentenBank, FI Finanz Informatik GmbH & Co. KG, VACUUMSCHMELZE GmbH & Co. KG, and SV SparkassenVersicherung Informatik GmbH.

Robert is most experienced in industries like Insurance, Banking and Finance, and Information Technology. Robert also has some experience in Sport, Government and Administration, and Professional Services.

Robert is most experienced in business areas like Information Technology, Project Management, and Operations. Robert also has some experience in Procurement, Finance, and Human Resources.

Robert has recently worked in industries like Banking and Finance, Information Technology, and Manufacturing.

Robert has recently worked in business areas like Information Technology, Operations, and Procurement.

Robert attended Fachoberschule und Gymnasium for Abitur.

Robert has 2 certificates. These include: Führerscheine Klasse A1 und B / Klasse I + III and ITIL Foundation V2 & V3.

Robert is immediately available part-time for suitable projects.

Daily rate distribution

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<€800 €800-1200 €1200-1600 €1600+

The rates shown represent the typical market range for freelancers in this position based on recent contracts on our platform.

Average rates for similar positions

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Daily rate avg. 1035 €

The average daily rate is the mean of all daily rates from recent contracts of comparable freelancers on our platform.

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Median rate 940 €

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 Oct 2026. Actual rates may vary depending on seniority level, experience, skill specialization, project complexity, and engagement length.

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