From Circuits to AI Security: Revolutionizing Finance Through Unconventional Pathways
Throughout my two-decade journey in financial services, I've consistently positioned myself at the intersection of traditional banking and cutting-edge technology. My career path, from mastering electrical systems to spearheading AI governance initiatives, exemplifies my adaptability and drive to excel in rapidly evolving technological landscapes.
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At the core of my expertise is the ability to seamlessly integrate AI and innovative technologies into the complex world of finance. I've led transformative projects in AI governance and implementation, developing comprehensive protection strategies for critical financial processes. This experience, coupled with my knack for building strategic C-level relationships, has enabled me to craft and execute successful go-to-market strategies across Germany, Austria, Italy and CEE.
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My passion for innovation in FinTech has driven me to develop and implement cutting-edge eBanking solutions. These initiatives have not only enhanced operational efficiency but also significantly improved customer experiences in the digital banking space. By leveraging my background in data science and deep learning, I've been able to bridge the often challenging gap between technical development and business strategy, fostering cross-functional collaboration that drives tangible results.
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Throughout my career, I've embraced a startup mentality while delivering enterprise-level execution. This approach has been instrumental in driving revenue generation and fostering innovation at the convergence of finance and AI. My fluency in German and English has further enhanced my ability to lead international teams and projects, ensuring seamless communication across diverse stakeholders.
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As the financial industry continues to evolve, I remain committed to staying at the forefront of technological advancements. I'm eager to bring my unique blend of financial acumen and technological expertise to a forward-thinking organization, particularly in areas where AI and GPU technologies are reshaping the industry landscape. My goal is to continue driving innovation, solving complex challenges, and contributing to the next wave of transformation in the fintech sector.
SKILLS
Capability
17 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN EBANKING, CASH MANAGEMENT & PAYMENTS
From 2002 to 2019 I gained international experience in the eBanking, Cash Management and Payment environment as I was working as:
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Customer Support Specialist
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Business Development Manager
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Project Manager for Customer Projects
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Business Consultant, Application & Project Manager for international eBanking, Cash Management and Payment platforms
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Head of Payments IT responsible for international, domestic and SWIFT Payments
5 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN INFORMATION SECURITY
ISMS is a broadly diversified field. My main duty is it to make BayernLB a safer place when it comes to processes and assets handling different information.​In this regard I'm taking care of:
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ISMS (2700x)
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Protection Requirement Analysis
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Information Security Risk Management
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Structural Analysis
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2nd Line of Defense
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ISMS Awareness
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Trustworthy AI
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AI Compliance
4 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN INTERNATIONAL LEADERSHIP
From 2015 to 2019 I lead international and national teams from young professionals to senior professionals in the eBanking, Cash Management and Payment area. I strongly believe in:
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Servant Leadership
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Intercultural Leadership
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Teamwork
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Motivation
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Challenge and Develop
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Start with WHY
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Change Management
2 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN TRUSTWORTHY AI
AI development began in the 1950s with simple algorithms. After ups and downs, deep learning, big data, and powerful hardware led to today's breakthroughs in areas like image processing and speech recognition.
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EU AI Act
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AI Governance
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Ethics & Fairness
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Human Agency
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Transparency & Fairness
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Privacy & Security
PROFESSION
Highlights
AI TECHNOLOGY & AI SECURITY
AI Technology and AI Security are pivotal in modern finance. AI technology leverages machine learning algorithms to analyze vast datasets, automate processes, and enhance decision-making in banking and investment. It powers chatbots, fraud detection systems, and personalized financial advice.
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AI Security focuses on protecting these AI systems from threats and ensuring ethical use. It encompasses data protection, model integrity, and bias mitigation. As AI becomes more prevalent in finance, robust security measures are crucial to maintain trust, comply with regulations, and safeguard sensitive financial information from cyber threats and manipulations.
EXPERIENCE
1992 - 2023
April 1995 - January 1998
AMUSEMENT RIDES LINDNER
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HEAD OF LOGISTICS & OPERATIONS
With 15 years I started to work at our family business. We are operating an amusement facility at several places in Bavaria which was founded in 1832. We are represented at the Oktoberfest for over 140 years and also on the famous Christkindl Market in Regensburg. From childhood on I learned to roll up my sleeves, to tackle and to work tirelessly for the well-being of our customers. My role in the family business was the:
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Monitoring the dismantling organization
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Ensuring the operations
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Logistics
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Marketing and Entertainment
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Further development
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Event management
February 2001 – May 2001
KUHN ELEKTRO SERVICE GMBH
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ELECTRICIAN
Before entering the world of eBanking, Cash Management and Payments, I did an apprenticeship and worked as an Electrician. My duties were:
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Electrical installation in old and new buildings
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Event planing and installation
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Wiring of switch and control cabinets
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Safety check for old and existing electrical systems
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Installation of low-voltage systems (IT systems)
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Installation for greater events
October 2004 - May 2009
HVB PAYMENT & SERVICES GMBH
PRODUCT MANAGER
Back in 2004 eBanking and Payment Systems were still complex and highly sophisticated. Throughout the years our customers experienced the huge benefit of having proper eBanking and Payment solutions. As Business Development Manager my job was it to:
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Gather all the requirements from our customers and sales departments to enhance our product portfolio
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Manage projects together with external vendors and our local IT
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Launch new eBanking platforms (HVB eFIN)
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Bring SEPA into the payment landscape of UniCredit
January 2002 – September 2004
HVB DIREKT GMBH
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CUSTOMER SUPPORT SPECIALIST
At the beginning of my journey in eBanking, Cash Management and Payments, this area was very new to our customers. Only a few customers were using the electronic way of doing payments via eBanking systems. To bring the new way of banking to our customers, I was:
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Supporting our customers to set up their eBanking clients
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Doing trouble shooting
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Creating manuals for customers and internal use
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Gathering requirements from our customers for our business development team to enhance our portfolio
December 2013 - March 2019
UNICREDIT SERVICES S.C.P.A
PROGRAM MANAGER, TECHNICAL SR. PRODUCT MANAGER FOR PAYMENTS, CASH MANAGEMENT AND EBANKING
Since the implementation of ISO20022 XML SEPA payment formats and the according unification of payments in Europe, the payment landscape and the possibilities for customers have changed tremendously. To bring the highest value to our customers I was working as:
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Deputy team lead for 2 international teams in Romania and Germany
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Application Manager for the international payment platform EuropeanGate for validation, conversion and execution of international payment fromats in several countries across the world (SK, CZ, HU, GB, HU, HR, GR, RO, UK, PL, TR, BIH, SR, AT, IT, US, CN)
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Project Manager for several international projects in the eBanking, Cash Management and payment environment
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Business Consultant and Business Owner for the international eBanking platform UC eBanking Global across Europe (SK, CZ, HU, BG, HU, HR, GR, RO, UK)
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Project Manager for Instant Payments for corporate customers
June 2009- November 2013
UNICREDIT BANK AG
PROJECT MANAGER CUSTOMER PROJECTS (SENIOR ASSOCIATE)
The eBanking, Cash Management and Payment segment is a complex thing but brings also a huge benefit when set up properly. I helped our corporate customers and multinational institutions to set up their payment factories. My responsibility was to:
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Consult the customers and the sales departments about our portfolio in eBanking, Cash Management and Payment portfolio
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Implement payment factories with our customers
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Act as a authorized representative on behalf of UniCredit to our customers
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Provide special service to renowned customers of UniCredit
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Interact with several departments across UniCredit worldwide
August 2019 - Now
BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK
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SENIOR SPECIALIST INFORMATION SECURITY MANAGEMENT
(VICE PRESIDENT)
Information Security is getting more and more important. All information and processes as well as the processing systems need to be classified and secured accordingly. Also the coaching of employees in regard to awareness is an important task to ensure a high quality of beeing secure. In my role as Senior Specialist for Information Security I'm responsible for:
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SWIFT CSCF CSP
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Information Risk Security Assessment
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Protection Requirment Analysis
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Structural Analysis
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Awareness trainings for employees
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Cooperation with legal authorities such as ECB and internal & external auditors
April 2019 - July 2019
BAYERISCHE LANDESBANK
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HEAD OF PAYMENTS IT
(VICE PRESIDENT)
Payment Systems are the heart of every bank and the payment flow is the blood. Without a proper handling of the flow and the according systems, the bank will collapse. As Head of Payments IT my responsiblities were to ensure and enhance the payment systems and their flow. In my role as Head of Payments IT, my tasks were:
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Head of 9 payment specialists (Developer, Business Analyst, Application Manager)
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Responsibility for domestic, international and SWIFT payments
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Implementation of several projects such as SWIFT gpi and Instant Payments
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Implementation of requirements from internal and external auditors
EDUCATION
Shape
November 2002 - July 2004
CDI BUSINESS ACADEMY MUNICH
SOFTWARE DEVELOPER
(CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY BAVARIA)
January 1998 - February 2001
KUHN ELEKTRO SERVICE GMBH
ELECTRICIAN
(CHAMBER OF CRAFTS BAVARIA)
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MIDDLE MATURITY EQUIVALENT DEGREE
April 1992 – January 1998
AMUSEMENT RIDES LINDNER
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SPECIALIST FOR LOGISTIC AND OPERATIONS
(FAMILY BUSINESS)
VOLUNTEERING
Support
Helping others is one of my favorite side projects. In a lot of cases young people messed up -for what ever reason- school. Now they are struggling to find a proper education.
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As I was in a similar situation when I was young, I can pretty much feel how they feel.
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My path was a stony one but I made it. I help others to challenge their paths as well.
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Check out the great work of them
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MUSIC - DJING
GOLF
HISTORY
Hobbies
Energy
A life without music, is no life. Music is an essential part for me. Not only listening to music but also combining it. For years now I'm DJing. So I can create my own symphonies.
Golf is the perfect sport for me. As often I can, I go with my friends to the golf course to play some holes. The combination of preciseness and being outside is the perfect combination.
To know the future, you first of all need to know history. We can learn a lot out of history. Reading books about the great persons and ancient times, helps me to better understand our presence.
CONTACT
If you have further questions or if you need more information, please send me a message.
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