Germany’s automotive industry is at the forefront of electrification, connected vehicles, and advanced manufacturing technologies. With global operations and complex digital ecosystems, German automakers and suppliers face growing cybersecurity threats, from protecting vehicle software and telematics to securing industrial production systems. This makes strong, experienced cybersecurity leadership essential for protecting brand reputation, customer data, and operational resilience. The following CISOs and information security leaders exemplify the skill, strategic vision, and operational expertise driving cybersecurity in Germany’s automotive sector.
Daniel Eitler — Chief Data & AI Officer and Chief Information Security Officer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Daniel Eitler brings over a decade of leadership in automotive IT and cybersecurity. He began his career at BMW Group, serving as Head of Cyber Security and later as Head of IT Innovation & Performance Management, where he led enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategies across global operations. Since joining Mercedes-Benz Group AG, he has combined his expertise in data, AI, and cybersecurity to shape the company’s strategic IT and security initiatives. Daniel oversees global information security, managing risk for complex manufacturing systems, connected vehicles, and enterprise IT platforms, while driving innovation in AI-driven threat detection and security automation.
Peter Kai Wimmer — Senior Manager, Head of Information Security & Governance, Traton Group
With more than twenty years in cybersecurity, Peter Kai Wimmer has built and led high-performing security organizations across multiple automotive companies. He has acted as Principal Information Security Consultant for international clients and currently serves as a trusted advisor on security strategy within the Volkswagen Group. Peter is recognized for mentoring teams and aligning security operations with business goals, guiding Traton Group through evolving cyber threats and compliance challenges. His philosophy blends practical technology implementation with strategic leadership, ensuring robust governance frameworks while fostering innovation in industrial and connected vehicle environments.
Ute (Kupczok) Bünker — Chief Information Security Officer, Continental
Ute Bünker has extensive experience building enterprise-wide information security programs. At Continental, she serves as Chief Information Security Officer for ContiTech, overseeing security strategy across global operations. Prior to this role, she led global IT projects and strategy, developing integrated systems to manage security, risk, and compliance. Ute has a track record of mentoring teams and implementing complex, multi-year transformation projects that align cybersecurity initiatives with business priorities. Her leadership ensures Continental can protect sensitive data, industrial systems, and connected technologies while maintaining operational resilience in a fast-moving automotive landscape.
Rolf Reinema — Vice President Production IT, Product IT, Quality Management IT, IT Infrastructure & Operations, IT Security, ZF Group
Rolf Reinema is a seasoned global IT executive responsible for enterprise IT, cybersecurity, and digital transformation at ZF Group. He oversees a €450M+ IT portfolio, managing over 1,700 professionals worldwide. His expertise spans IT/OT convergence, cloud modernization, and secure manufacturing operations. Rolf excels at translating technical complexity into measurable business outcomes, bridging cybersecurity and operational resilience with corporate strategy. He has led multi-industry transformations, focusing on digital manufacturing platforms, PLM consolidation, and service-based workplace transformation, ensuring ZF’s global IT operations support high-stakes production and innovation while mitigating cyber risks.
Thomas Biedermann — Group Data Privacy Officer, Schaeffler
Thomas Biedermann is an expert in integrating data protection with cybersecurity in regulated industrial environments. As Schaeffler’s Group Data Privacy Officer, he oversees compliance with GDPR and TISAX standards while implementing integrated Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). With more than 15 years of experience, he has guided the company through complex privacy and security projects, ensuring alignment between data governance, risk management, and IT security frameworks. Thomas’s work enables Schaeffler to operate securely across global manufacturing networks while maintaining compliance with strict European data protection regulations.
Thomas Harich — Head of Global IT Compliance & Information Security, Mahle
Thomas Harich has over 25 years of experience in IT security and compliance. At Mahle, he leads global IT compliance and information security programs, ensuring regulatory adherence and protection of enterprise and industrial systems. His career includes managing security operations across Europe and overseeing large-scale IT transformations. Thomas has developed global privacy and cybersecurity frameworks, bridging IT and OT environments to secure critical automotive manufacturing processes. His expertise in risk management, data privacy, and IT governance allows Mahle to maintain operational resilience and mitigate threats in a complex, global automotive ecosystem.
German Automotive Security Leadership Driving Global Impact
The German automotive industry’s global prominence depends not only on engineering excellence but also on robust cybersecurity and data protection. These leaders exemplify how strategic, experienced CISOs and security executives safeguard connected vehicles, industrial operations, and enterprise IT systems. Their efforts ensure that Germany remains a leader in automotive innovation while maintaining the trust of customers, partners, and regulators worldwide.