Dr. Michael Lackner

Driving Digital Transformation

Klagenfurt, Carinthia, Austria

About

Experienced Data & Technology Leader with a strong background in automation, data governance, and scientific research. I bridge the gap between business and IT through thoughtful stakeholder engagement, scalable solutions, and a hands-on approach to complex technical challenges. Currently working on implementing data catalog tools and AI-powered data quality pipelines at ALDI Nord. Passionate about building secure and scalable systems using modern tech stacks and translating complex requirements into impactful solutions.

Experience

  • Data Governance Manager at Kelag Energie
    Dec 2025 - Present · 7 mos

  • ALDI Nord Group (Full-time · 3 yrs 2 mos)
    • Data Governance Manager
      May 2025 - Nov 2025 · 7 mos

      🔹Summary As a Data Governance Manager, I work on enabling a scalable and organization-wide data governance framework. My focus lies in evaluating modern catalog tools, analyzing data quality issues, and contributing to governance maturity models. I collaborate closely with cross-functional and international teams to ensure responsible, transparent, and efficient data usage across systems. 🔹 Key Achievements - Leading evaluation of OpenMetadata as a potential company-wide data catalog (currently in test & planning phase) - Coordinating pilot tests with selected business units to assess real-world impact - Built a **Language Model–based pipeline** for analyzing ServiceNow incidents to identify and classify recurring data quality issues - Contributed to stakeholder evaluation and supported the data governance maturity assessment initiative 🔹 Mission I aim to build a reliable data governance foundation that enables data-driven decision-making across the enterprise. My mission is to support better data quality, transparency, and accessibility through thoughtful tooling and stakeholder alignment.

    • Technology Project Manager
      Oct 2022 - Apr 2025 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      Summary: I am an expert in generative AI, specializing in its practical applications to drive efficiency and innovation within our organization. As a seasoned professional, I play a pivotal role in leveraging generative AI for process automation, cost reduction, and new growth opportunities. Key Achievements: - Consult internal business units on the strategic implementation of generative AI. - Develop applications using Language Model-based approaches (LLMs). - Lead quality management efforts and promote best practices in coding and language proficiency. - Manage team KPIs and contribute to the development of team-specific OKRs. - Drive process automation through robotic process automation (RPA). Mission: I am passionate about driving technological advancements and optimizing operations. My mission is to empower my organization to harness the full potential of generative AI, making processes more efficient and paving the way for future growth.

  • Universität Duisburg-Essen (7 yrs)
    • Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter (Postdoktorand)
      Jun 2021 - Oct 2022 · 1 yr 5 mos

      The goal of this project is to advance the understanding of the mechanism of water electrolysis which is the process of electrochemically decomposing water into hydrogen and oxygen. Hydrogen is the most promising candidate for a sustainable, renewable source of energy.

    • Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter (Postdoktorand)
      May 2020 - May 2021 · 1 yr 1 mo

      After my doctorate, I was responsible for setting up a new spectroscopy laboratory. The main focus was on the setup of the data acquisition system.

    • Wissenschaftlicher Mitarbeiter mit akademischem Abschluss
      Nov 2015 - May 2020 · 4 yrs 7 mos

      Subject of the doctoral thesis: Time-Resolved 2-Color Vibrational Sum Frequency Spectroscopy As part of my doctorate, I was responsible for the setup of a novel spectroscopic system in the context of the CRC1242 (Sonderforschungsbereich 1242, gesponsert von der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft). This included both the optical design of the spectroscopic system and software development for both data processing and instrument control. Supervisor of Practical Laboratory Courses and Practice Groups

  • Visiting Scientist at Northwestern University
    Nov 2018 - Nov 2018 · 1 mo

    Research and consulting activities in the field of physical chemistry (spectroscopy). Exchange of technology and ideas.