Germany’s industrial manufacturing sector is renowned for its precision engineering, automation, and global export leadership. From material handling systems to process automation and bottling lines, the industry is increasingly dependent on secure IT and operational technology (OT) systems. As manufacturers digitalize production lines, implement IoT, and connect global supply chains, robust cybersecurity becomes critical to operational resilience, intellectual property protection, and regulatory compliance. The following leaders are shaping cybersecurity strategies in this sector, balancing technical rigor with strategic business impact.
Dr Tim Sattler — Vice President Corporate Information Security / Chief Information Security Officer, Jungheinrich AG
Dr Tim Sattler brings more than 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, IT governance, risk, and compliance across industries including logistics, manufacturing, consulting, and financial services. At Jungheinrich AG, he leads security strategy, transformation initiatives, and resilience-building programs. An ISACA Board Director and former President of ISACA Germany Chapter, Dr Sattler contributes internationally to the profession’s development. His approach bridges strategy and execution, translating complex risks into actionable programs, empowering teams, and fostering a culture of security awareness across global operations.
Stefan Rieck — Chief Information Security Officer / Vice President IT Security, KION Group
Since 2015, Stefan Rieck has served as CISO of KION Group, overseeing IT security strategy and standards. He advises senior management and departments to continuously strengthen security, focusing on enterprise-wide risk reduction, policy implementation, and enabling secure operations in industrial automation and material handling. Rieck emphasizes proactive threat management and aligning security initiatives with business priorities to protect both digital and physical infrastructure.
Udo Kinscherf — IT Manager EMEA / IT Security Officer, DMG Mori
Udo Kinscherf has extensive leadership and project experience within international machine tool manufacturing organizations. Skilled in planning, system architecture, IT process optimization, and ad hoc problem solving, he brings a practical, solution-oriented approach. Kinscherf focuses on harmonizing local and global IT challenges, ensuring secure production environments and resilient operations across EMEA for DMG Mori.
Dominik Helble — Head of Corporate Information Security (CISO), Festo
With over a decade of cybersecurity experience, Dominik Helble leads corporate information security at Festo. His expertise spans cybercrime investigations, IT forensics, and security operations. Helble integrates strategic oversight with hands-on management, safeguarding Festo’s industrial automation and pneumatics systems while advancing organizational cybersecurity maturity and operational resilience.
Iskro Mollov — Senior Vice President / Chief Information Security Officer / Chief Security Officer, GEA Group
Iskro Mollov oversees GEA Group’s enterprise security, reporting directly to the Executive Board and Cyber Security Committee. His remit includes information security governance, compliance, IAM, incident response, IT/OT security, product security, internet and physical security, HR and supply chain security, as well as business continuity and crisis management. Mollov ensures comprehensive protection for industrial processing systems while driving risk-aware innovation across GEA’s global operations.
Thomas Nowey — Head of Corporate Cyber Security | Chief Information Security Officer, Krones
Thomas Nowey heads corporate cybersecurity for Krones, responsible for IT governance, data protection, and industrial security consulting for food and beverage production lines. Beyond corporate leadership, he contributes as economic spokesperson for the ZD.B Cybersecurity platform and teaches information security management at Universität Regensburg. Nowey integrates academic insight with practical security strategies, strengthening Krones’ digital and operational resilience across its global network.
Securing Germany’s Industrial Manufacturing Future
The industrial manufacturing sector’s competitiveness depends on its ability to innovate securely. These CISOs exemplify leadership that bridges technology, risk management, and business strategy, ensuring that digital transformation enhances operational efficiency without compromising security. As German manufacturing continues to globalize and adopt advanced automation, these leaders are critical to protecting intellectual property, production integrity, and corporate reputation.