Germany’s retail and ecommerce landscape is evolving faster than ever. As omnichannel sales, marketplaces, and digital logistics continue to scale, security leaders are now forced to balance customer trust, regulatory compliance, and innovation without slowing the business down. The CISOs and security executives below are not just protecting systems; they are shaping how German retail adapts to modern digital threats while continuing to grow.
In a world where a single breach can damage brand trust overnight, these leaders stand out for building resilient security programs across complex, distributed environments. Some of them hold the formal CISO title, while others lead cybersecurity strategy under different roles, yet each has a direct impact on the retail and ecommerce ecosystem.
Ralf Kleinfeld — Information Security Officer, Otto Group
Ralf Kleinfeld brings over 25 years of leadership experience across international retail and logistics organizations. He leads information security across the Otto Group’s entire value chain, from ecommerce and retail operations to fulfilment and logistics. Kleinfeld is known for scaling security organizations, aligning ISMS structures to ISO27001 standards, and treating security as a business enabler rather than a cost center.
Martin Neubauer — Group Chief Information Security Officer, Müller Group
Martin Neubauer combines technology and business expertise with hands-on leadership across global organizations. He is known for building robust IT/OT architectures and aligning security programs with international standards such as ISO 27001 and legal frameworks like GDPR and NIS2. Neubauer’s work focuses on integrating information security into daily business operations and enabling secure growth across retail and ecommerce systems.
Christoph Peylo — Chief Cyber Security Officer, Bosch
Christoph Peylo is a technology-driven executive who focuses on identifying opportunities within technological change. As Chief Cyber Security Officer at Bosch, he oversees digital trust and security strategy across complex systems. While Bosch is not a pure retailer, its security leadership and digital products are highly relevant to retail technology, supply chains, and ecommerce infrastructure.
Aleksandar Radosavljevic — Global Chief Information Security Officer, Global Fashion Group
Aleksandar Radosavljevic is a global cybersecurity leader with over 20 years of experience across fashion retail and ecommerce ecosystems. He leads Global Fashion Group’s security transformation and cyber resilience strategy, focusing on secure growth, cloud adoption, and embedding security-by-design across global operations. His leadership emphasizes aligning cyber risk with business priorities and enabling secure innovation at scale.
Christiane Habbel — Director, ALDI Nord Group
Christiane Habbel serves as a director at ALDI Nord, and while she may not hold the traditional CISO title, her role and influence within one of Germany’s largest retail groups make her a key security leader to watch. Her leadership is particularly relevant as ALDI expands its digital footprint and strengthens its ecommerce and omnichannel operations.
Paul Sester — Chief Information Security Officer, HORNBACH Baumarkt AG
Paul Sester leads cybersecurity for HORNBACH, one of Germany’s leading retail chains with strong online and offline presence. As CISO, he oversees enterprise security across digital sales platforms, store systems, and supply chain operations. His work is crucial in supporting retail continuity while managing the growing cyber risks associated with omnichannel retail.
Kai Widua — Chief Information Security Officer, Beiersdorf
Kai Widua serves as CISO for Beiersdorf, a global consumer goods company with major ecommerce and direct-to-consumer operations. Widua’s long tenure reflects deep experience in building security programs that support global brand ecosystems and consumer-facing digital channels. His leadership demonstrates how retail and consumer brands are increasingly treating security as a strategic business capability.
Why These Leaders Matter in 2026
The future of retail and ecommerce in Germany won’t be defined solely by new storefronts or digital platforms; it will be shaped by security leaders who can protect growth without slowing it down. The executives on this list are building the security foundations for scalable, customer-centric retail, ensuring that trust remains a competitive advantage.
Whether they hold the formal CISO title or lead security through adjacent executive roles, each of these leaders is driving the industry forward by aligning security with business strategy, modernizing security operations, and preparing organizations for the next wave of cyber risk.