Speakers

Achim Weiss

Chief Executive Officer (CEO), IONOS

Achim Weiss is a veteran of the European internet industry, with more than 20 years’ experience. As CEO of IONOS, he is responsible for the company’s overall strategy and product development.

Considered as one of the top experts in the field of developing hugely scalable internet infrastructures, in 2010 Achim founded ProfitBricks in Berlin, the first German company focusing on cloud infrastructure (IaaS). When 1&1 acquired ProfitBricks in 2017, Achim returned to 1&1’s management board, and was named CEO of IONOS in October 2018. In 2023 he took the IONOS Group public.

Achim had previously worked as Chief Technology Officer at 1&1 until 2008, during which time he developed the world's first mass market hosting platform. Alongside this, Achim ran the largest European email platform as CEO of 1&1’s sister company, GMX.

In 1995, Achim co-founded Schlund+Partner, the German web hosting pioneer based in Karlsruhe, Germany, which was acquired by 1&1 in 1998.

Achim Weiss is a veteran of the European internet industry, with more than 20 years’ experience. As CEO of IONOS, he is responsible for the company’s overall strategy and product development.

Considered as one of the top experts in the field of developing hugely scalable internet infrastructures, in 2010 Achim founded ProfitBricks in Berlin, the first German company focusing on cloud infrastructure (IaaS). When 1&1 acquired ProfitBricks in 2017, Achim returned to 1&1’s management board, and was named CEO of IONOS in October 2018. In 2023 he took the IONOS Group public.

Achim had previously worked as Chief Technology Officer at 1&1 until 2008, during which time he developed the world's first mass market hosting platform. Alongside this, Achim ran the largest European email platform as CEO of 1&1’s sister company, GMX.

In 1995, Achim co-founded Schlund+Partner, the German web hosting pioneer based in Karlsruhe, Germany, which was acquired by 1&1 in 1998.

Andreas Hopp

CSO of Planet T&L GmbH

Andreas Hopp, CSO of Planet T&L GmbH, is an experienced and visionary sales professional who has been involved in the development and marketing of software solutions for document-based processes for over a decade. In his career, he has made significant contributions to various leading providers of innovative technologies. With the introduction of new AI-based solutions for document management, he sees a revolutionary development in this area and brings his extensive experience to offer a comprehensive overview of thefuture possibilities. A sought-after speaker at international conferences, Andreas Hopp inspires audiences with inspiring talks on the future of technology and the many opportunities presented by digital transformation.

Andreas Hopp, CSO of Planet T&L GmbH, is an experienced and visionary sales professional who has been involved in the development and marketing of software solutions for document-based processes for over a decade. In his career, he has made significant contributions to various leading providers of innovative technologies. With the introduction of new AI-based solutions for document management, he sees a revolutionary development in this area and brings his extensive experience to offer a comprehensive overview of thefuture possibilities. A sought-after speaker at international conferences, Andreas Hopp inspires audiences with inspiring talks on the future of technology and the many opportunities presented by digital transformation.

Bernd Pohlmann

CTO, NovaStor

Bernd Pohlmann is the Chief Technology Officer of NovaStor, a leading manufacturer and solution provider in the field of data protection (backup, restore and long-term retention). His focus lies on software engineering and architecture of distributed systems.

Bernd Pohlmann is the Chief Technology Officer of NovaStor, a leading manufacturer and solution provider in the field of data protection (backup, restore and long-term retention). His focus lies on software engineering and architecture of distributed systems.

Candid Wuest

Senior Security Expert and Advisor, Acronis

Candid Wuest is a seasoned cybersecurity expert with a strong blend of technical skills, leadership, and over 25 years of passion in the field of security. He currently works as an independent security advisor for various companies and the Swiss government. Previously, he was the VP of Cyber Protection Research at Acronis, where he led the creation of the security department and the EDR product. Before that, he spent more than sixteen years building Symantec's global security response team as the tech lead, analyzing malware and threats. Wueest has published a book and various whitepapers and has been featured as a security expert in top-tier media outlets. He is a frequent speaker at security-related conferences, including RSAC and AREA41. He learned coding on a Commodore 64.

Candid Wuest is a seasoned cybersecurity expert with a strong blend of technical skills, leadership, and over 25 years of passion in the field of security. He currently works as an independent security advisor for various companies and the Swiss government. Previously, he was the VP of Cyber Protection Research at Acronis, where he led the creation of the security department and the EDR product. Before that, he spent more than sixteen years building Symantec's global security response team as the tech lead, analyzing malware and threats. Wueest has published a book and various whitepapers and has been featured as a security expert in top-tier media outlets. He is a frequent speaker at security-related conferences, including RSAC and AREA41. He learned coding on a Commodore 64.

Carla Arend

AVP Cloud Research Europe, IDC

Carla Arend heads up IDC’s European cloud research. Carla provides industry clients with key insight into market dynamics, vendor activities, and end-user adoption trends in the European cloud market. As part of her research, she covers topics such as how European organizations are adopting cloud, how cloud drivers and inhibitors are evolving, changes in cloud strategies and how to realize the business value of cloud.

In addition to syndicated research, Carla has worked on many custom consulting projects identifying opportunities in the European cloud market and has authored white papers on subjects such as cloud as an enabler for digital transformation, business value of cloud and application modernization with cloud. Carla is regularly asked to speak at industry events, strategy workshops, sales kick-offs and training, partner events, and end-user events.

Carla holds a BA in business administration from University of Mannheim and an MSc in business administration and management of technology from Copenhagen Business School, in addition to course work at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Bangkok.

Carla Arend heads up IDC’s European cloud research. Carla provides industry clients with key insight into market dynamics, vendor activities, and end-user adoption trends in the European cloud market. As part of her research, she covers topics such as how European organizations are adopting cloud, how cloud drivers and inhibitors are evolving, changes in cloud strategies and how to realize the business value of cloud.

In addition to syndicated research, Carla has worked on many custom consulting projects identifying opportunities in the European cloud market and has authored white papers on subjects such as cloud as an enabler for digital transformation, business value of cloud and application modernization with cloud. Carla is regularly asked to speak at industry events, strategy workshops, sales kick-offs and training, partner events, and end-user events.

Carla holds a BA in business administration from University of Mannheim and an MSc in business administration and management of technology from Copenhagen Business School, in addition to course work at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) in Bangkok.

Francesco Bonfiglio

Data Economy & Digital Sovereignty Expert - former Gaia-X CEO

Francesco Bonfiglio is an Italian expert in digital transformation and data economy. From 2020 to 2023, he served as CEO of the Gaia-X initiative, which supports the European Data Strategy and defines the concept of Digital Sovereignty. Under his leadership, a comprehensive strategic framework was established, fostering a large community of technology providers and users.
Since 2024, Francesco Bonfiglio is the CEO of Dynamo, a new company co-founded by Aruba and Diagrammatica (Francesco’s own company) to bring about the vision of a one-stop-place for Sovereign and Innovative Cloud Solutions, grouping exclusively European Cloud and Solutions Providers.
With over 30 years of experience in IT and consulting, he has held leadership positions at Engineering D.HUB, was Vice President of Confindustria Valle D’Aosta, and mentored multiple startups. Francesco also held executive roles at HP, Avanade, Unisys, and Rational Software.
He believes in the power of collective intelligence, lateral thinking and teamwork as a propeller for transformation, in business as well as in life!

Francesco Bonfiglio is an Italian expert in digital transformation and data economy. From 2020 to 2023, he served as CEO of the Gaia-X initiative, which supports the European Data Strategy and defines the concept of Digital Sovereignty. Under his leadership, a comprehensive strategic framework was established, fostering a large community of technology providers and users.
Since 2024, Francesco Bonfiglio is the CEO of Dynamo, a new company co-founded by Aruba and Diagrammatica (Francesco’s own company) to bring about the vision of a one-stop-place for Sovereign and Innovative Cloud Solutions, grouping exclusively European Cloud and Solutions Providers.
With over 30 years of experience in IT and consulting, he has held leadership positions at Engineering D.HUB, was Vice President of Confindustria Valle D’Aosta, and mentored multiple startups. Francesco also held executive roles at HP, Avanade, Unisys, and Rational Software.
He believes in the power of collective intelligence, lateral thinking and teamwork as a propeller for transformation, in business as well as in life!

Harald Joos

Cloud Commissioner, Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund

Harald Joos is the Cloud Commissioner for the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund (German Pension Insurance Federation). Previously, he was an IT Commissioner of the Bundesfinanzverwaltung (Federal Finance Administration) and Head of Department VI "Information Technology" in the Bundesministerium der Finanzen (Federal Ministry of Finance). Before that, he was Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the largest German pension insurance carrier, the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund. After studying to get a Diploma in public administration, Harald Joos worked as a software developer, organizational consultant, IT service manager, systemic coach, and head of the data center of the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund. During his 30-year career in IT, he has been responsible for leading several major projects. He is currently leading the project “Cloud-Reallabor – secure processing in the cloud” at GovTech Campus.

Harald Joos is the Cloud Commissioner for the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund (German Pension Insurance Federation). Previously, he was an IT Commissioner of the Bundesfinanzverwaltung (Federal Finance Administration) and Head of Department VI "Information Technology" in the Bundesministerium der Finanzen (Federal Ministry of Finance). Before that, he was Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the largest German pension insurance carrier, the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund. After studying to get a Diploma in public administration, Harald Joos worked as a software developer, organizational consultant, IT service manager, systemic coach, and head of the data center of the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund. During his 30-year career in IT, he has been responsible for leading several major projects. He is currently leading the project “Cloud-Reallabor – secure processing in the cloud” at GovTech Campus.

Holger Lehmann

Head of the Federal IT-Consolidation Project, ITZBund

Holger Lehmann was born in 1976 in Zerbst (Saxony-Anhalt). He graduated in Administrative Management and completed his master's degree in Public Administration. He has more than 28 years of working experience in public administration, in various topic- or IT related positions.
He started his career at municipal level, where he participated in a trainee programme in the municipality of Cologne, worked as customer advisor and later on became Head of Application Support of the IT service provider of the city of Cologne. Since 2009, Holger Lehmann has been working for the federal administration of Germany. At federal level, he was among others project manager for the central service organisation of the federal networks in the federal administration office, as well as Head of the Policy Division of the Federal Agency for Information Technology. Since the Federal Information Technology Centre (ITZBund) was created on January 1st, 2016, he has been part of the executive staff.
In September 2018, Holger Lehmann became Head of the Executive Staff, as well as the director's personal consultant and press spokesman of ITZBund. Since October 2023, he has been Head of the Federal IT-Consolidation Project.

Holger Lehmann was born in 1976 in Zerbst (Saxony-Anhalt). He graduated in Administrative Management and completed his master's degree in Public Administration. He has more than 28 years of working experience in public administration, in various topic- or IT related positions.
He started his career at municipal level, where he participated in a trainee programme in the municipality of Cologne, worked as customer advisor and later on became Head of Application Support of the IT service provider of the city of Cologne. Since 2009, Holger Lehmann has been working for the federal administration of Germany. At federal level, he was among others project manager for the central service organisation of the federal networks in the federal administration office, as well as Head of the Policy Division of the Federal Agency for Information Technology. Since the Federal Information Technology Centre (ITZBund) was created on January 1st, 2016, he has been part of the executive staff.
In September 2018, Holger Lehmann became Head of the Executive Staff, as well as the director's personal consultant and press spokesman of ITZBund. Since October 2023, he has been Head of the Federal IT-Consolidation Project.

Igor Mikulina

Managing Director, MicroStep Europa GmbH

Igor Mikulina is co-founder, shareholder and managing director of MicroStep Europa GmbH, founded in 1999. The company supplies production companies - from small workshops to large corporations - in the DACH region with cutting-edge metalworking technology (www.microstep.com). Igor Mikulina is responsible for the strategic business area "Digitalization and Industry 4.0" at MicroStep. Against this background, among other things, he is also co-founder and chairman of the Industry Business Network 4.0 e.V. association, founded in 2016, in which innovative medium-sized companies cooperate in the field of Industry 4.0. Igor Mikulina is also president of the board of trustees of the IndustryFusion Foundation (www.industry-fusion.org), which is working hard to create open source software for smart factory networking solutions.

Igor Mikulina is co-founder, shareholder and managing director of MicroStep Europa GmbH, founded in 1999. The company supplies production companies - from small workshops to large corporations - in the DACH region with cutting-edge metalworking technology (www.microstep.com). Igor Mikulina is responsible for the strategic business area "Digitalization and Industry 4.0" at MicroStep. Against this background, among other things, he is also co-founder and chairman of the Industry Business Network 4.0 e.V. association, founded in 2016, in which innovative medium-sized companies cooperate in the field of Industry 4.0. Igor Mikulina is also president of the board of trustees of the IndustryFusion Foundation (www.industry-fusion.org), which is working hard to create open source software for smart factory networking solutions.

Dr. Jens Christian Reich

CCO, IONOS

Jens Reich has been the Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO of the IONOS Group since July 2023. He oversees and coordinates global marketing and sales activities. His responsibilities include managing brand marketing, sales, and existing customer relations at IONOS. Before joining IONOS, Jens Reich served as the Chief Marketing Officer and Managing Director at Hello Fresh Inc. in the USA from 2018 to 2023. During this time, he led various aspects of the business, with a focus on marketing, customer acquisition and retention, as well as brand marketing for the US operations. Prior to this role, he held positions at notable companies like Mister Spex, Zalando, and the Boston Consulting Group. He earned his doctorate in business administration from RWTH Aachen University in 2012.

Jens Reich has been the Chief Commercial Officer and Deputy CEO of the IONOS Group since July 2023. He oversees and coordinates global marketing and sales activities. His responsibilities include managing brand marketing, sales, and existing customer relations at IONOS. Before joining IONOS, Jens Reich served as the Chief Marketing Officer and Managing Director at Hello Fresh Inc. in the USA from 2018 to 2023. During this time, he led various aspects of the business, with a focus on marketing, customer acquisition and retention, as well as brand marketing for the US operations. Prior to this role, he held positions at notable companies like Mister Spex, Zalando, and the Boston Consulting Group. He earned his doctorate in business administration from RWTH Aachen University in 2012.

Dr. Jochen Haller

Head of TechOps Information Security, IONOS

Jochen Haller is Head of TechOps Information Security at IONOS, and Security Officer for the United Internet Group. He is responsible for the conception, management and control of the information security management system, information security risk management and for promoting security awareness within the organization. In addition, his role brings together systems administration, abuse and fraud management, and many other technical and non-technical areas.

Jochen has more than 20 years of experience in information security. Before joining the company in 2012, he worked for 14 years in various security positions at software manufacturer SAP. In 2009, Dr. Haller completed his doctorate in Reputation Systems at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

Jochen Haller is Head of TechOps Information Security at IONOS, and Security Officer for the United Internet Group. He is responsible for the conception, management and control of the information security management system, information security risk management and for promoting security awareness within the organization. In addition, his role brings together systems administration, abuse and fraud management, and many other technical and non-technical areas.

Jochen has more than 20 years of experience in information security. Before joining the company in 2012, he worked for 14 years in various security positions at software manufacturer SAP. In 2009, Dr. Haller completed his doctorate in Reputation Systems at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT).

Dr. Johann Bizer

Chair of the Dataport Executive Board

Dr. Johann Bizer has been Chair of the Dataport Executive Board and responsible for the area of Resources since 2011. He served as Deputy State Commissioner for Data Protection at the Independent Centre for Data Protection Schleswig-Holstein (ULD) from 2004 before joining the Dataport board in 2008. Since November 2011, Dr. Bizer has been a member of the Executive Board of Vitako, the federal working group of municipal IT service providers.

Dr. Johann Bizer has been Chair of the Dataport Executive Board and responsible for the area of Resources since 2011. He served as Deputy State Commissioner for Data Protection at the Independent Centre for Data Protection Schleswig-Holstein (ULD) from 2004 before joining the Dataport board in 2008. Since November 2011, Dr. Bizer has been a member of the Executive Board of Vitako, the federal working group of municipal IT service providers.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Schilp

Full-Professor, Augsburg University and Head of Digital Production and AI, Fraunhofer Research Institution for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Schilp is Full-Professor at the Chair of Digital Manufacturing of the Faculty of Applied Informatics at Augsburg University since 2015. Furthermore, he is Head of Digital Production and AI at the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology (IGCV). Since 2023 he is Member of the Board of the German Academic Society for Assembly and Industrial Robots (MHI).
Prof. Schilp is Founder and Managing Director of JS Holding&Invest GmbH as well as Managing Director of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Schilp - Engineering Office. He is among others Member of the Industry Committee of the Swabian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Co-Founder and Member of the Board of Trustees of Industry Fusion Foundation, Co-Founder and Member of the Board of Industry Business Network 4.0 e.V., Member of the Program Committee of the German Assembly Convention and Co-Chairman of the working group „Automation“ within the VDMA AM Association.

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Schilp is Full-Professor at the Chair of Digital Manufacturing of the Faculty of Applied Informatics at Augsburg University since 2015. Furthermore, he is Head of Digital Production and AI at the Fraunhofer Research Institution for Casting, Composite and Processing Technology (IGCV). Since 2023 he is Member of the Board of the German Academic Society for Assembly and Industrial Robots (MHI).
Prof. Schilp is Founder and Managing Director of JS Holding&Invest GmbH as well as Managing Director of Prof. Dr.-Ing. Johannes Schilp - Engineering Office. He is among others Member of the Industry Committee of the Swabian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Co-Founder and Member of the Board of Trustees of Industry Fusion Foundation, Co-Founder and Member of the Board of Industry Business Network 4.0 e.V., Member of the Program Committee of the German Assembly Convention and Co-Chairman of the working group „Automation“ within the VDMA AM Association.

Jürgen Pfeifer

IoT & Cloud Partnermanager, WAGO

For more than 20 years, Juergen Pfeifer has been involved in sales at WAGO. After stations as a system consultant and account manager, he supports German Sales in Industrial IoT & AI projects and, in his current role as WAGO IoT & Cloud Partner Manager, builds a network with various expertise to implement customer projects on demand with WAGO IoT partners.

For more than 20 years, Juergen Pfeifer has been involved in sales at WAGO. After stations as a system consultant and account manager, he supports German Sales in Industrial IoT & AI projects and, in his current role as WAGO IoT & Cloud Partner Manager, builds a network with various expertise to implement customer projects on demand with WAGO IoT partners.

Kenza Ait Si Abbou

CTO & Board Member at Fiege

Kenza is a multi-award-winning AI expert, author and one of the top 40 under 40 talents in Germany (awarded by Capital Magazine). She was born in Morocco, studied Telecommunications Engineering in Spain. A Master in Project Management followed in Germany, then Chinese as a foreign language in China. She has a track record managing big projects and teams, in Hardware and Software development, ICT outsourcing tenders and agile transformations. Today, she is CTO and board member of Fiege Locistics.

In August 2020 Kenza published her first Book „Keine Panik, ist nur Technik“ (in German for now), where she explains artificial intelligence to the public and pleads for more diversity in AI development. Her current book “Menschenversteher” explores Emotional AI and its impact on human society. It was shortlisted for the prestigious award: “Deutscher Wirtschaftsbuchpreis 2023”.

Kenza is a multi-award-winning AI expert, author and one of the top 40 under 40 talents in Germany (awarded by Capital Magazine). She was born in Morocco, studied Telecommunications Engineering in Spain. A Master in Project Management followed in Germany, then Chinese as a foreign language in China. She has a track record managing big projects and teams, in Hardware and Software development, ICT outsourcing tenders and agile transformations. Today, she is CTO and board member of Fiege Locistics.

In August 2020 Kenza published her first Book „Keine Panik, ist nur Technik“ (in German for now), where she explains artificial intelligence to the public and pleads for more diversity in AI development. Her current book “Menschenversteher” explores Emotional AI and its impact on human society. It was shortlisted for the prestigious award: “Deutscher Wirtschaftsbuchpreis 2023”.

Marco de Friend

Director | Partner Manager IONOS @ CGI

Marco de Friend manages the strategic partnership between CGI and IONOS throughout Germany as well as the cooperation with the Karlsruhe Software Engineers Association (VKSI) and Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences. At the CGI Innovation Lab Karlsruhe, he oversees the integration of applied research focal points from AI and robot-based services into the cloud.

Marco de Friend manages the strategic partnership between CGI and IONOS throughout Germany as well as the cooperation with the Karlsruhe Software Engineers Association (VKSI) and Karlsruhe University of Applied Sciences. At the CGI Innovation Lab Karlsruhe, he oversees the integration of applied research focal points from AI and robot-based services into the cloud.

Markus Noga

CTO, IONOS

Markus Noga joined IONOS as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in April 2023. He leads the technical product development of all international hosting and cloud products, including the Arsys and Fasthosts brands. He is also responsible for IONOS data center infrastructure in Germany, France, Spain, the UK and the US, including the IONOS wide area network and data center networks. Markus began his career at Booz Allen Hamilton (now Strategy & PWC). From 2011 to 2020, he worked at SAP, where his responsibilities included building up the HANA Enterprise Cloud and machine learning / AI. From 2020 to 2023, he worked at SUSE, most recently as General Manager for the Linux business segment. Markus studied computer science at the University of Karlsruhe, where he also completed his doctorate.

Markus Noga joined IONOS as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in April 2023. He leads the technical product development of all international hosting and cloud products, including the Arsys and Fasthosts brands. He is also responsible for IONOS data center infrastructure in Germany, France, Spain, the UK and the US, including the IONOS wide area network and data center networks. Markus began his career at Booz Allen Hamilton (now Strategy & PWC). From 2011 to 2020, he worked at SAP, where his responsibilities included building up the HANA Enterprise Cloud and machine learning / AI. From 2020 to 2023, he worked at SUSE, most recently as General Manager for the Linux business segment. Markus studied computer science at the University of Karlsruhe, where he also completed his doctorate.

Matt Mikulina

Co-Founder & CEO NextFab

Matt Mikulina is the CEO and co-founder of NextFab IIoT, where he specializes in the digital transformation of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs). With a strong focus on integrating Industry 4.0 solutions, he assists companies in retrofitting existing production facilities, turning them into smart factories. NextFab empowers SMEs to harness their production data effectively, transforming them into digital champions. At the IONOS Cloud Summit 2024, he will share his insights on the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in the manufacturing sector.

Matt Mikulina is the CEO and co-founder of NextFab IIoT, where he specializes in the digital transformation of small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs). With a strong focus on integrating Industry 4.0 solutions, he assists companies in retrofitting existing production facilities, turning them into smart factories. NextFab empowers SMEs to harness their production data effectively, transforming them into digital champions. At the IONOS Cloud Summit 2024, he will share his insights on the challenges and opportunities of digital transformation in the manufacturing sector.

Melanie Schüle

Managing Director of Bechtle Clouds

Melanie Schüle joined Bechtle in 2000 as head of the HP business.
Ten years later, she took over as Head of Business Development Networking Solutions and Cisco and in this role was responsible for the development and management of the division.
Melanie Schüle also established new business models such as the Business Architect Program, IT Solution Architecture and Multi Cloud Business Management.
Since October 2018, Melanie Schüle has been Managing Director of Bechtle Clouds GmbH, a subsidiary of Bechtle AG, which provides decisive support for Bechtle's activities as a multi-cloud service and managed cloud service provider for companies and public sector clients. Using the platform economy, leading cloud providers as well as customers and interested parties are brought together on a digital marketplace.
Melanie Schüle is married and has two children.

Melanie Schüle joined Bechtle in 2000 as head of the HP business.
Ten years later, she took over as Head of Business Development Networking Solutions and Cisco and in this role was responsible for the development and management of the division.
Melanie Schüle also established new business models such as the Business Architect Program, IT Solution Architecture and Multi Cloud Business Management.
Since October 2018, Melanie Schüle has been Managing Director of Bechtle Clouds GmbH, a subsidiary of Bechtle AG, which provides decisive support for Bechtle's activities as a multi-cloud service and managed cloud service provider for companies and public sector clients. Using the platform economy, leading cloud providers as well as customers and interested parties are brought together on a digital marketplace.
Melanie Schüle is married and has two children.

Nils Müller

CEO & Founder, TrendONE

Nils Müller is the CEO of TrendONE. Nils is famous for his stirring journeys to worldwide innovation-Hotspots & Trends. He started his career at IBM Innovation Centre. During his Masters programme in Berlin, New York and Milan 2002, he founded TrendONE. Today, TrendONE is the market leader for trend research & innovation consulting in German-speaking countries. With the help of the globally active network “LaFutura”, Nils Müller brings together leading futurists and visionaries at an international level. Join him on an exceptional and interactive expedition into the future.

Nils Müller is the CEO of TrendONE. Nils is famous for his stirring journeys to worldwide innovation-Hotspots & Trends. He started his career at IBM Innovation Centre. During his Masters programme in Berlin, New York and Milan 2002, he founded TrendONE. Today, TrendONE is the market leader for trend research & innovation consulting in German-speaking countries. With the help of the globally active network “LaFutura”, Nils Müller brings together leading futurists and visionaries at an international level. Join him on an exceptional and interactive expedition into the future.

Patrick Schaudel

Head of IONOS Group Products

Patrick Schaudel has many years of experience in the IT and software industry and is a proven expert for cloud-solutions, e-business and online marketing. As SVP Products at IONOS, he is responsible for the entire portfolio for the digital success of companies of all sizes as well as the public sector. His previous positions include working as a direct marketing specialist and as a product and marketing manager for a digital media group. He started his career at a large creative agency.

Patrick Schaudel has many years of experience in the IT and software industry and is a proven expert for cloud-solutions, e-business and online marketing. As SVP Products at IONOS, he is responsible for the entire portfolio for the digital success of companies of all sizes as well as the public sector. His previous positions include working as a direct marketing specialist and as a product and marketing manager for a digital media group. He started his career at a large creative agency.

Paul Lajer

Vice President | Head of Innovation Scandinavia & Central Europe | Head of Innovation Lab Karlsruhe

As Vice President at CGI, Paul Lajer is responsible for all public sector clients in Baden-Wurttemberg as well as clients in the critical infrastructure sector, particularly the energy industry. He is also responsible for the "Innovation" organization in Germany and leads the Innovation Lab in Karlsruhe.

In addition to his professional duties, he is a member of several industry advisory boards at universities in Baden-Wurttemberg, where he also lectures in the field of software development. He is furthermore a regular author of publications and speaker at national conferences and congresses.

His current research focuses are on AI and Robotic based services and digital transformation.

As Vice President at CGI, Paul Lajer is responsible for all public sector clients in Baden-Wurttemberg as well as clients in the critical infrastructure sector, particularly the energy industry. He is also responsible for the "Innovation" organization in Germany and leads the Innovation Lab in Karlsruhe.

In addition to his professional duties, he is a member of several industry advisory boards at universities in Baden-Wurttemberg, where he also lectures in the field of software development. He is furthermore a regular author of publications and speaker at national conferences and congresses.

His current research focuses are on AI and Robotic based services and digital transformation.

Philipp "Pip" Klöckner

Doppelgänger.io

Philipp Klöckner worked as in-house SEO, product manager and CMO at Germany's market-leading price comparison site Idealo.de from 2005 to 2011. Subsequently, he helped shape numerous international marketplaces, classifieds, vertical searches, and other aggregators related to digital marketing, product, and business intelligence for Rocket Internet, the startup incubator of the Samwer brothers. Over the past 15 years, Philipp has been actively involved in over 100 start-ups and growth companies, a good dozen of which have achieved the coveted unicorn status.
Since 2017, Philipp Klöckner has primarily been advising various top-tier private equity firms, venture capital funds and growth companies and invests in startups himself as an angel investor (portfolio).

Philipp Klöckner worked as in-house SEO, product manager and CMO at Germany's market-leading price comparison site Idealo.de from 2005 to 2011. Subsequently, he helped shape numerous international marketplaces, classifieds, vertical searches, and other aggregators related to digital marketing, product, and business intelligence for Rocket Internet, the startup incubator of the Samwer brothers. Over the past 15 years, Philipp has been actively involved in over 100 start-ups and growth companies, a good dozen of which have achieved the coveted unicorn status.
Since 2017, Philipp Klöckner has primarily been advising various top-tier private equity firms, venture capital funds and growth companies and invests in startups himself as an angel investor (portfolio).

Ralph Stocker

Product Sales Specialist Virtualized AI & Datacenter, NVIDIA

Ralph´s role at NVIDIA as a sales specialist is focused on software that enables users worldwide to accelerate the AI journey and to easily and securely create new content and solutions. With over 25 years of professional IT experience he worked in different roles and companies and provides a huge knowledge.

Ralph´s role at NVIDIA as a sales specialist is focused on software that enables users worldwide to accelerate the AI journey and to easily and securely create new content and solutions. With over 25 years of professional IT experience he worked in different roles and companies and provides a huge knowledge.

Sandra Sitter

Manager of IT & Projects, DZ CompliancePartner GmbH

Sandra Sitter has been the Manager of IT & Projects at DZ CompliancePartner GmbH since 2017. She began her career at Volksbank Mittelhessen, where she worked as an Administrator and Developer in Domino / Notes from 2000 to 2011. Following this role, Sandra Sitter became the Head of IT Department at Volksbank Mittelhessen from 2011 to 2012, where she then advanced to become the Head of Process Management and Organization, a position she held from 2012 to 2017.

Sandra Sitter has been the Manager of IT & Projects at DZ CompliancePartner GmbH since 2017. She began her career at Volksbank Mittelhessen, where she worked as an Administrator and Developer in Domino / Notes from 2000 to 2011. Following this role, Sandra Sitter became the Head of IT Department at Volksbank Mittelhessen from 2011 to 2012, where she then advanced to become the Head of Process Management and Organization, a position she held from 2012 to 2017.

Stefan Muthmann

Manufacturing Field Sales Director, Dell

Stefan Muthmann is Manufacturing Field Sales Director at Dell Technologies. Based in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Stefan works with customers across the DACH and Nordic regions to help them make their factories smarter. His remit centres on how manufacturers can make better use of their data within their factories, and make it accessible on a global scale, in order to improve productivity and the overall customer experience, and in making smart factories more secure. He is seasoned in working with digitally advanced organisations and those just embarking on their journey. He takes a consultative approach, helping customers make the bridge between operational technology (OT) and IT. In designing the right solution to meet his customer’s business needs, he can draw on the complete portfolio of Dell Manufacturing Edge solutions, the end-to-end manufacturing solutions that provide the speed, scalability, and resiliency for smart manufacturing outcomes. Stefan joined Dell Technologies in 2019 from ComConsult, where he was an IT and management consultant and headed the Data Center department. He holds a PhD in physics from RWTH Aachen, Germany.

Stefan Muthmann is Manufacturing Field Sales Director at Dell Technologies. Based in Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, Stefan works with customers across the DACH and Nordic regions to help them make their factories smarter. His remit centres on how manufacturers can make better use of their data within their factories, and make it accessible on a global scale, in order to improve productivity and the overall customer experience, and in making smart factories more secure. He is seasoned in working with digitally advanced organisations and those just embarking on their journey. He takes a consultative approach, helping customers make the bridge between operational technology (OT) and IT. In designing the right solution to meet his customer’s business needs, he can draw on the complete portfolio of Dell Manufacturing Edge solutions, the end-to-end manufacturing solutions that provide the speed, scalability, and resiliency for smart manufacturing outcomes. Stefan joined Dell Technologies in 2019 from ComConsult, where he was an IT and management consultant and headed the Data Center department. He holds a PhD in physics from RWTH Aachen, Germany.

Stefan Utzinger

CEO, NovaStor

Stefan Utzinger is the Chief Executive Officer of NovaStor, a leading manufacturer and solution provider in the field of data protection (backup, restore and long-term retention). With over two decades of experience in the IT industry, Stefan has already founded and successfully led several companies in the technology sector. His particular passion is working with the IT channel, which he also expresses in his book "Channel Revolution".

Stefan has a very good understanding of the technological and business aspects of the data protection industry – he advises companies on the strategic aspects of data backup and business recovery.

Since the presentation "Petabyte Challenge: Backup & Restore of very large Amounts of Data and Billions of Files" will be very technical, Stefan will only do the introduction and will be available for discussions throughout the day.

Stefan Utzinger is the Chief Executive Officer of NovaStor, a leading manufacturer and solution provider in the field of data protection (backup, restore and long-term retention). With over two decades of experience in the IT industry, Stefan has already founded and successfully led several companies in the technology sector. His particular passion is working with the IT channel, which he also expresses in his book "Channel Revolution".

Stefan has a very good understanding of the technological and business aspects of the data protection industry – he advises companies on the strategic aspects of data backup and business recovery.

Since the presentation "Petabyte Challenge: Backup & Restore of very large Amounts of Data and Billions of Files" will be very technical, Stefan will only do the introduction and will be available for discussions throughout the day.

tante/Jürgen Geuter

Research Director, ART+COM

Jürgen Geuter/tante studied Computer Science and Philosophy and works on the conceptualization, implementation and testing of new technologies as Research Director in a studio for spatial new media. As freelance consultant, writer, theorist and keynote speaker he focuses on issues at the intersection of technology, society and politics. He’s a founding member of the interdisciplinary Otherwise Network, which connects experts from different domains as a platform working on the changes that digital technologies have brought. He writes for many German and international publications (DER SPIEGEL, VICE, DIE ZEIT among others) and advises NGOs, political parties as well as the German parliament.

Jürgen Geuter/tante studied Computer Science and Philosophy and works on the conceptualization, implementation and testing of new technologies as Research Director in a studio for spatial new media. As freelance consultant, writer, theorist and keynote speaker he focuses on issues at the intersection of technology, society and politics. He’s a founding member of the interdisciplinary Otherwise Network, which connects experts from different domains as a platform working on the changes that digital technologies have brought. He writes for many German and international publications (DER SPIEGEL, VICE, DIE ZEIT among others) and advises NGOs, political parties as well as the German parliament.

Thomas Meysel

Head of ECM at Cronon GmbH

Thomas Meysel has been involved in the automation of business processes for 20 years. Workflows and collaboration - both on the purchase2pay and accounts receivable side - are his speciality. His solutions are practice-orientated and always tailored to the needs of the customer.

Thomas Meysel has been involved in the automation of business processes for 20 years. Workflows and collaboration - both on the purchase2pay and accounts receivable side - are his speciality. His solutions are practice-orientated and always tailored to the needs of the customer.

Tim Kartali

Head of Global Partner Sales, IONOS

As Head of Global Partner Sales at IONOS, Tim Kartali and his teams are responsible for the acquisition, management and expansion of the Global Partner Ecosystem containing MSPs, ISVs, Technology and Consulting Partners. The main responsibility is to enable IONOS Partners to provide and sell tailormade cloud solutions and services on the IONOS Public- & Private Cloud to customers worldwide.
Tim Kartali is nowadays one of the most prominent and popular channel managers in German-speaking countries. Due to his outstanding work and media presence, he was voted one of the TOP 10 German channel managers by the readers of IT BUSINESS Magazine, ICT Channel and CRN in 2023.

As Head of Global Partner Sales at IONOS, Tim Kartali and his teams are responsible for the acquisition, management and expansion of the Global Partner Ecosystem containing MSPs, ISVs, Technology and Consulting Partners. The main responsibility is to enable IONOS Partners to provide and sell tailormade cloud solutions and services on the IONOS Public- & Private Cloud to customers worldwide.
Tim Kartali is nowadays one of the most prominent and popular channel managers in German-speaking countries. Due to his outstanding work and media presence, he was voted one of the TOP 10 German channel managers by the readers of IT BUSINESS Magazine, ICT Channel and CRN in 2023.

Tomasz Owczarek

Head of Cloud Operations, proALPHA

Tomasz Owczarek is the Head of Cloud Operations at proALPHA, a leading provider of ERP solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises. Based in Kuznica Grabowska, Poland, Tomasz has been immersed in the cloud computing industry since 2017. His specialization lies in cloud computing technologies and cloud adoption strategies. As a certified Azure and AWS engineer, Tomasz combines technical proficiency with a strategic approach to cloud implementation. His education at Wrocław University of Science and Technology further strengthens his knowledge in the field.

Tomasz Owczarek is the Head of Cloud Operations at proALPHA, a leading provider of ERP solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises. Based in Kuznica Grabowska, Poland, Tomasz has been immersed in the cloud computing industry since 2017. His specialization lies in cloud computing technologies and cloud adoption strategies. As a certified Azure and AWS engineer, Tomasz combines technical proficiency with a strategic approach to cloud implementation. His education at Wrocław University of Science and Technology further strengthens his knowledge in the field.

Welf Wustlich

Chief Technology Officer, PLANET AI

Since years Mr. Wustlich is managing the department of R&D of Planet GMBH (www.planet-ai.de). Besides organizing many international research projects he designs Planets R&D strategy and is responsible for the development of new technologies guiding internal projects and teams. So he was coordinating European research projects with leading European research partners (e.g. FP7 and Horizon2020) and also national co-operations for example with CITlab from university Rostock (citlab.uni-rostock.de). Besides participating on international scientific research (e.g. Neural Computation), Mr Wustlichs main focus is, integrating latest state-of-the-art technologies into Planets recent product development. Since 2015 Mr. Wustlich is leading Planet AI GmbH in Rostock a R&D dedicated pin-off running a team of selected experts to develop latest state of the art technologies in the area of Artificial Intelligence.

Since years Mr. Wustlich is managing the department of R&D of Planet GMBH (www.planet-ai.de). Besides organizing many international research projects he designs Planets R&D strategy and is responsible for the development of new technologies guiding internal projects and teams. So he was coordinating European research projects with leading European research partners (e.g. FP7 and Horizon2020) and also national co-operations for example with CITlab from university Rostock (citlab.uni-rostock.de). Besides participating on international scientific research (e.g. Neural Computation), Mr Wustlichs main focus is, integrating latest state-of-the-art technologies into Planets recent product development. Since 2015 Mr. Wustlich is leading Planet AI GmbH in Rostock a R&D dedicated pin-off running a team of selected experts to develop latest state of the art technologies in the area of Artificial Intelligence.