NIST Cybersecurity Framework Experts in Germany

• Completed the integration of log sources into Microsoft Sentinel, including GCP workloads – centralized consolidation of all security-relevant events from Azure and GCP environments for complete end-to-end telemetry and comprehensive compliance evidence
• Developed custom rules and use cases based on the GFG Use-Case Library and the MITRE ATT&CK Matrix to cover company-specific threats and GFG-relevant scenarios with precise, mapped detection rules
• Tuned detection rules to minimize false positives, optimized detection thresholds, and modeled exceptions – enabling the SOC to work with relevant, prioritized alerts while reducing Mean Time to Detect/Respond
• Built SOAR capabilities in Sentinel by developing playbooks to automate recurring response processes such as containment, user and host isolation, and ticketing – shorter response times and 24/7 scalability
• Designed and built a log transformation solution to normalize and enrich incoming raw logs (GeoIP, CMDB, threat intelligence) and convert them into a consistent schema for high-performance KQL queries, use case logic, and correlations
• Managed Azure security through Azure Policies to enforce security and compliance standards, prevent drift, and continuously remediate deviations
• Operated the Defender XDR portal to link endpoint, identity, email, and SaaS signals with Sentinel findings, enable holistic incident triage, and orchestrate measures directly from XDR

Technologies: Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender XDR, Azure Policy, KQL, GCP, MITRE ATT&CK

• Managed Microsoft Cloud Accelerator Factory (CAF) programs for global enterprise customers, ensuring Azure cloud implementations aligned with security, governance, and compliance best practices, including ISO 27001-aligned controls and cloud security frameworks.
• Managed complex global enterprise transformation programs with strong focus on project delivery, financial governance, budget control, planning, risk management, and executive reporting, ensuring delivery within scope, timeline, and budget.
• Led the implementation of e-invoicing solutions for Nestlé, coordinating finance, IT, business stakeholders, and external providers to ensure successful integration, testing, rollout, and delivery of electronic invoicing processes.
• Managed an Oracle-to-PostgreSQL database migration, coordinating technical teams, application owners, testing activities, dependencies, risks, and cutover planning to ensure a controlled and successful transition.
• Led cross-functional programs involving finance and payment-related processes, enterprise platforms, and system integrations, with strong stakeholder management across business, IT, vendors, and senior leadership.
• Delivered transformation programs in FMCG environments, including Nestlé, managing complex international stakeholder structures, third-party providers, governance, RAID management, and business-critical dependencies.

• The customer is undergoing a comprehensive transformation. All SAP ECC landscapes worldwide are being migrated to SAP S/4HANA, with the goal of introducing a standard template worldwide.

• The program also includes the “RISE with SAP” migration and modernization program, which may involve migrating the landscapes of selected country installations to the SAP Private Cloud.

• On the stakeholder side, the program reporting line extends to the company’s executive board and that of the implementation partner.

• Fiserv Germany’s ERP landscape currently includes several non-standard SAP tools and applications that extend the functionality of the ECC environment and can often be integrated into downstream systems. As part of the transition to SAP S/4HANA, it is essential to assess the core functionality, integration points and future viability of these applications in order to determine their alignment with the target architecture.

• The focus of the work is on providing expert advice and assessment to define the scope, strategy and roadmap for transitioning Fiserv Germany’s SAP ECC system to SAP S/4HANA.

• The recommended best practices from SAP are followed and a structured approach is used to ensure a smooth transition with minimal disruption while maximizing business value.

• This assessment forms the basis for a successful SAP S/4HANA transformation and ensures alignment with industry best practices, regulatory compliance and future scalability.

• Migration Strategy Definition – assessment of available transition approaches based on business objectives, technical feasibility and SAP Best Practices.

• Technical Readiness Assessment – conducting a system analysis to assess compatibility, custom code impact, data volume management, integration points and infrastructure readiness for SAP S/4HANA.

• Business Process Impact Analysis – reviewing the latest business process documentation to define the scope and effort required to implement the necessary functions in SAP S/4HANA and to identify opportunities for process optimization.

• Roadmap for Non-SAP Systems and Applications – assessment of third-party and legacy applications regarding their integration with SAP S/4HANA and recommendation of consolidation, migration or replacement strategies.

• Deployment & Implementation Planning – defining a phased approach for implementation, including project schedules, risk mitigation strategies and key milestones aligned with business priorities.

• This transformation takes place in phases: the Discovery phase leads to the Explore phase, which is followed by the Design phase and finally implementation.

• Program management

• Change management

• Requirements management

• Transition management

• Stakeholder management

• Risk management

• Comprehensive coordination

NIS2 Implementation Project and ISMS Development Based on IT-Grundschutz

Municipal utilities, public-law institution

• Analysis of the current compliance status regarding the requirements of the NIS Directive (NIS-2, EU 2022/2555).
• Identification of critical infrastructures and processes within the organization.
• Development of an action plan to meet NIS requirements.
• Conducting a risk analysis in accordance with BSI Standard 200-3 as the basis for the security concept.
• Preparation of an individual security concept including technical and organizational measures according to BSI IT-Grundschutz.
• Preparatory support for an optional certification according to BSI IT-Grundschutz.
• Adaptation of existing security policies and development of new ones for access controls, incident management and data protection.
• Consideration of municipality-specific requirements and integration of the measures into the existing IT infrastructure.
• Documentation of the results and preparation of audit-ready evidence for audits.

Tools, languages and frameworks used: MS Office, Verinice, IT-Grundschutz (200-x), NIS-2 (EU 2022/2555), ISMS, AI-Act (EU 2024/1989)

• Responsible for the configuration, maintenance, monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization of the IT infrastructure, including Extreme Networks, SD-WAN, and Fortinet security solutions, at all international company locations in Europe and North America
• Development of a comprehensive strategic roadmap to optimize the network architecture, including VLANS, NAC, QoS, firewall configurations, VPNs, DPI, NGFW, threat intelligence, and SSL/TLS inspection
• Implementation of the OneIT strategy through the introduction of new technologies such as Cisco DNA Center, ExtremeCloud IQ, FortiOS, FortiManager, and FortiAnalyzer, which increased employee skills and the efficiency of the IT systems
• Integration of IT and OT systems to optimize the network and security architecture and improve operational efficiency

• Led a highly complex and extensive Change the Bank project focusing on third-party risk management

• Guided and supervised up to 15 qualified consultants

• Defined and regularly reviewed the status of required measures to address audit findings in third-party management

• Ensured and verified banking regulatory compliance (BAIT, MaRisk, DORA, BSI Standards, ISO 27001, NIST Cybersecurity Framework) of processes and artifacts

• Coordinated validation of project artifacts with internal audit

• Supported mitigation of identified deviations

• Prepared documentation for deregistration of the corresponding finding with BaFin

• Coordinated with stakeholders in the group for approval of deregistrations

• Prepared, accompanied, and regularly independently reported project status to the board and C-level executives

• Introduced agile (SCRUM) project management

• Supported a six-month RfP and POC process for a SaaS solution for third-party management

• Assisted in implementing the SaaS solution and consolidating data from various source systems into the new SaaS

• Conducting cybersecurity readiness checks based on an in-house assessment methodology
• Analyzing the external attack surface using the Graydaxe EASM platform
• Assessing maturity levels and deriving prioritized recommendations for action

Leading Jefferies’ DORA-driven operational resilience programme by strengthening ICT risk governance, control design, and regulatory readiness across key technology and outsourcing domains. Partnering with senior stakeholders to translate regulatory requirements into pragmatic governance, reporting, and assurance processes suitable for a global investment banking environment.

• Developed the Enterprise Register of Information (DORA Art. 28.3) to align with regulatory requirements.
• Defined and embedded ICT Risk Appetite and tolerance levels aligned to the Global Operational Risk Framework, strengthening decision-making and risk acceptance governance.
• Drove audit readiness by reviewing and re-drafting 50+ IT & Information Security policies, improving clarity, ownership, and control alignment.
• Oversaw the Operational Resilience Testing Programme (including penetration testing) and tracked remediation to closure, strengthening control assurance and reducing open findings.
• Aligned 10+ intra-group agreements with DORA regulatory standards.
• Enhanced executive-level decision-making with an enterprise ICT Risk Dashboard featuring KPIs/KRIs.

• Merger/insourcing project in the banking sector; transferring all data, users and processes from one bank to the parent company.
• IT security architect in the Chief Security Office as part of a merger/insourcing project for Postbank.
• Created a concept for clustering all applications to be migrated regarding risk profile, protection needs and compliance.
• Considered ISMS based on ISO27001 (Deutsche Bank) and BSI Basic Protection (Postbank).
• Reviewed and adjusted protection needs analyses, risk assessments and risk management processes.
• Led consulting for all subprojects on IT security architectures and concepts according to integration patterns (batch, online/web services, MQ).
• Prepared new components for review and approval by decision-makers.
• Served as subject matter expert for technical and content-related IT security questions.
• Supported all vertical streams (Sales & Channels, Investments, Lending, Finance, Enterprise) in documentation and architecture presentations.
• IT security risk management: answered review questions, analyzed deviations from the standard and carried out threat assessments.
• Lead security architect in CSO to align action plans for risk mitigation and validate residual risks.
• Prepared identified risks and non-compliances for the risk management units.

• Conducted OT security assessments at European manufacturing facilities
• Analyzed and improved IT security processes and infrastructure
• Revised SOC processes in conjunction with the internal SOC team
• Conducted OT incident training and tabletop exercises
• Facilitated C-level workshops to align European OT security strategy
• Evaluated regulatory changes related to NIS2 and their relevance to the client

• Implementation of the new Group Cybersecurity Strategy based on the NIST Cybersecurity Framework
• Managing, coaching, and guiding the operational companies in their cybersecurity status quo analysis according to the NIST CSF methodology
• Gap analysis against the industry benchmark and target maturity level
• Client: CISO of RWE AG

• Planning and managing all projects in the context of IT security
• Establishing a Cyber Security Incident Response procedure according to ISO/IEC 27035
• NIS2 readiness: impact analysis, planning and implementation of NIS2 compliance
• Management reporting based on KPIs

• Led a 30-member DevOps team
• Improved AWM integration and reduced escalations.

• Developing and implementing IT architectures for business-critical applications, BCM/ITSCM, SAP, BTP and S/4HANA, Azure, interfaces and IT infrastructure according to Uniper security guidelines and compliance policies

• IT cloud infrastructure management: Requirements management and SLA definition for critical SAP and non-SAP applications and infrastructures based on the Key Production Environment algorithm; creating a conceptual target architecture; creating agile project plans for migration; risk management and vulnerability analysis; developing training content and e-learnings; establishing and optimizing risk management processes; creating action catalogs, architectures and ITSCM/emergency plans; identifying and managing internal and external partners

• Developing BCM/ITSCM concepts and IT infrastructure architectures for business-critical applications according to Azure Cloud, SAP BTP and Uniper governance frameworks; documenting and implementing ITSCM/emergency plans in line with disaster recovery patterns; creating training materials and coordinating training sessions; testing, simulating and optimizing BCM/ITSCM plans and IT architectures; ongoing training of management and staff on IT architectures, operating models, SAP BTP as well as BCM and emergency plans

• Technical lead of the SAP services team: Managing and coordinating external vendors, service owners and application managers; developing and implementing ITSM processes (incident, problem, change, SLM, IT security, provider management, ITSCM, asset and configuration management); training internal and external service providers and service managers; optimizing IT service contracts and OLAs; updating the service catalog; communicating and escalating issues; defining responsibilities and monitoring SLA criteria; conducting root cause analysis; partly acting as release manager for SAP ERP releases

• Migration: Requirements management, budget and financial planning; risk management; defining and implementing transformation and migration plans; weekly reporting to Uniper vice presidents and senior management; maintaining project plans and backlogs in Jira and Azure DevOps; managing up to 50 internal and external stakeholders; workshops and meetings; quality assurance: defining quality gateways and monitoring

• Test management: Creating and documenting test plans; evaluating test risks; identifying stakeholders for test plans; documenting test scenarios; defining error categories and quality gateways; coordinating and executing tests