Germany’s media sector operates at the intersection of journalism, digital platforms, and global information flows. Public broadcasters, publishing houses, and media groups face a unique cybersecurity landscape shaped by geopolitical pressure, disinformation campaigns, censorship circumvention, and the protection of sensitive sources. As media organizations continue to digitize distribution and operations, cybersecurity leadership has become essential to safeguarding editorial integrity, operational resilience, and public trust.
Ingo Mannteufel — Head of IT / Cybersecurity, Deutsche Welle
Ingo Mannteufel serves as Head of IT and Cybersecurity at Deutsche Welle, Germany’s international broadcaster. In this role, he is responsible for identifying and reducing IT security risks while implementing measures to prevent and mitigate cyber threats across the organization.
A central focus of his work is strengthening Deutsche Welle’s ability to operate securely in restrictive and hostile digital environments. This includes supporting internet freedom initiatives and improving the organization’s capability to circumvent internet censorship so global audiences can access unbiased information. His expertise spans cybersecurity, disinformation, media manipulation, and information control, with a strong focus on Russian media and politics, reflecting the complex threat landscape faced by international media organizations.
Michael Krull — Senior Vice President / Group Chief Information Security Officer, Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA
Michael Krull is Senior Vice President and Group Chief Information Security Officer at Bertelsmann SE & Co. KGaA. He leads cyber defense and security consulting across the group, covering a broad portfolio of global media and services businesses.
His responsibilities include Group CERT functions, IT security architecture, security operations (SOC), CISO services, and secure cloud initiatives. He is also responsible for security technology scouting and evaluation, as well as integrating security into development through DevSecOps. Krull’s role is focused on building scalable, group-wide security capabilities that align with Bertelsmann’s diverse digital and media operations.
Nils Haß — Chief Information Security Officer, Axel Springer SE
Nils Haß is Chief Information Security Officer at Axel Springer SE, where he is responsible for protecting the organization’s data and information assets. His role includes setting the vision and strategy for corporate information security and ensuring alignment with legal, regulatory, and industry standards.
His responsibilities span security policy development, risk management, and incident response, as well as overseeing security operations and technologies. He also leads awareness and training initiatives, manages security budgets, and maintains ongoing communication with executive leadership and key stakeholders. His position reflects the complexity of securing large-scale, digitally driven media organizations.
Hermann Huber — Chief Information Security Officer, Hubert Burda Media
Hermann Huber serves as Chief Information Security Officer at Hubert Burda Media. His work emphasizes the integration of technical security disciplines with social competence, communication, and organizational culture.
His responsibilities and interests include information security, cybersecurity, ISO 27001 and ISO 22301, compliance, risk management, cloud security, digital transformation, AI, DevSecOps, Zero Trust, and business continuity management. Huber places strong focus on the human–machine interface and the role of people in effective information security. He is active across professional and interdisciplinary networks, positioning cybersecurity as a holistic leadership function within media organizations.
Jens Hickmann — Divisional Information Security Officer, RTL Group
Jens Hickmann is Divisional Information Security Officer at RTL Group, bringing more than ten years of professional experience across multiple sectors in Europe and the United States.
He is known for combining analytical thinking with the ability to manage complex information security challenges across large, distributed organizations. His experience includes delivering security initiatives aligned with strategic objectives, managing stakeholder expectations, and providing accurate and timely support at multiple organizational levels. His role reflects the federated and operationally diverse nature of security leadership within major media groups.
Securing Editorial Independence in Germany’s Media Landscape
Cybersecurity in German media is inseparable from the protection of editorial freedom, reliable information access, and operational continuity. The leaders featured here illustrate how information security has become a strategic function — defending against cyber threats while enabling global reach, digital innovation, and public trust in an increasingly contested information environment.