Germany’s food manufacturing sector spans global confectionery brands, large breweries, and packaged goods producers. With complex supply chains, high-volume production, and increasing digitalization, companies must prioritize cybersecurity to protect production systems, intellectual property, and customer data. The CISOs featured here lead security initiatives that safeguard critical IT and operational environments while supporting business continuity and innovation.
Matthias Muhlert — Chief Information Security Officer, Dr. August Oetker KG
Matthias Muhlert has spent over two decades building resilient cybersecurity strategies across family-run and global enterprises. At Dr. Oetker, he leads initiatives that transform cyber risks into board-level priorities and embed security as a business enabler. His expertise includes IT governance, technical security operations, and team leadership. Certifications include ISO 27001 ISMS Manager, CISSP, CISM, CEH, Security+, and PRINCE2.
Karsten Rösener — Chief Digital Officer, Warsteiner Brauerei
Karsten Rösener leads IT and digital transformation for Warsteiner’s four brewery sites. He develops IT strategies, drives SAP S/4HANA migrations, and implements AI initiatives with measurable business impact. He manages a 21-person IT team and oversees annual IT budgets of €9 million. His focus on operational excellence and IT security ensures efficiency, compliance, and protection of critical systems.
Christian Klatt — Chief Information Officer, Krombacher Brauerei
Christian Klatt has been CIO at Krombacher Brauerei since 2021, leading IT strategy, portfolio management, and transformation initiatives including IT security and critical infrastructure programs. Krombacher is one of Germany’s largest private breweries, producing millions of hectoliters annually and distributing across Europe, making robust IT and operational security essential to protect production systems, supply chains, and sensitive business data.
Alois Ahlrichs — Chief Information Security Officer, Storck
Alois Ahlrichs is CISO at August Storck KG, responsible for cybersecurity across IT and manufacturing environments. Storck is a global confectionery company with products like Werther’s Original and merci sold in over 100 countries, where protecting production systems, intellectual property, and customer data is critical to maintaining operations at this international scale.
Christoph Gerke — Chief Information Security Officer, Tchibo
Christoph Gerke serves as CISO at Tchibo, overseeing cybersecurity for the company’s omnichannel and digital operations. Tchibo operates thousands of stores alongside a major e‑commerce presence in Germany and beyond, where securing customer data, payment systems, and integrated retail technology is vital for a retailer of this size and complexity.
Strengthening Cyber Resilience in German Food Manufacturing
Operational and digital security are inseparable in Germany’s food manufacturing sector. CISOs must safeguard production, supply chains, and customer data while enabling innovation and supporting business growth. The leaders highlighted here demonstrate how effective cybersecurity leadership ensures resilience, compliance, and competitive advantage for some of the country’s most recognized food brands.