Frankfurt, Hesse, Germany
With over 25 years as a seasoned technology leader, I specialize in advancing digital payment solutions, real-time gross settlement systems (RTGS), Fast Payments Systems (FPS), Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and financial market infrastructure on a global scale. Currently serving as Adviser Payment Systems at the European Central Bank, I drive transformative strategies for payment systems, cross-border payments, and scalable IT infrastructures while leading critical initiatives in next-generation financial technologies. My expertise spans strategic IT leadership, digital transformation, cybersecurity, and international collaboration across central banks and financial institutions. I am passionate about leveraging innovation and agile methodologies to enhance payment systems efficiency, strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, and optimize real-time financial ecosystems. Core Competencies : - Strategic IT Leadership: Expert in overseeing global payment technology strategies, budget management, and cross-functional collaboration - Innovation & Digital Transformation: Proven track record in implementing next-generation payment technologies, enhancing cybersecurity, and automating key processes - Cross-Border Payments: Leading expertise in international payment system interlinking and cross-currency settlement solutions - Project Management: Extensive experience managing complex, multi-national financial infrastructure projects - Cybersecurity & Compliance: Comprehensive experience in IT security across payment systems, meeting regulatory and operational standards
Current Role Highlights: • Lead Next Generation technology advancement for the Eurosystem Financial Market Infrastructure, including T2 Real Time Gross Settlement (RTGS) platform, TIPS Instant Payment Platform (IP) and Pontes Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) • Oversee Technology Budget, Technology Roadmap Planning, and Project Management Office Leadership • Collaborate cross-functionally with leadership and regulatory teams to develop consistent communication processes • Strengthen securities, collateral, and payments capabilities using advanced technology to create a single EUR liquidity pool in Central Bank Money Key Projects and Achievements: Program Manager - TIPS Interlinking Initiative (October 2024 - Present) • Lead the comprehensive programme to connect TARGET Instant Payment Settlement (TIPS) with other fast payment systems globally • Manage exploratory work on linking TIPS with Project Nexus (BIS multilateral network) to establish TIPS as a hub for cross-border instant payments • Drive bilateral link development with India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) to enhance euro-area remittance flows • Coordinate with international partners to address global payment system fragmentation risks and support G20 roadmap objectives Product Delivery Manager - DLT Programme (April 2025 - Present) • Lead Programme delivery of the Eurosystem's strategy for distributed ledger technology (DLT) settlement in central bank money • Manage pilot linking DLT platforms with TARGET Services for wholesale transaction settlement • Coordinate with market participants and stakeholders following successful 2024 exploratory work • Plan pilot launch for Q3 2026 • Establish dedicated market contact groups to ensure continuous dialogue with industry participants
As the focal point of contact, I am responsible for surpassing technology leadership to manage all end user issues for users while maintaining exceptional end user customer experience. I led the team of 17 Direct & 30 Contractors and managed €20M Budget. I consistently worked towards Application Support, Incident Resolution, IT Operations & Service Management. I deployed my sharp business acumen and leveraged hands-on technical and managerial experience with various applications and technologies. I consistently worked towards enhancement of the operational effectiveness of the End User experience, while ensuring service improvements are done to minimize repeat issues. As Head of Section, I steered the array of functions including end-user services include IT equipment and software, Email, Citrix, collaboration tools, service desk, onsite services, telephony, and mobile devices for the European Central Bank (ECB). I responsibly introduced tracking metrics to proactive identify and resolve problems. Here as the Head of Section – End User Services, I: • Gauged team needs, including lack of structured performance metrics • Worked towards enhancement of operational effectiveness of the End User experience • Supported 7,000 end points for more than 3,000 staff members • Saved €500K in 2019 via video conferencing services
As the focal point of contact, I am responsible for surpassing technology leadership to manage all end user issues for users while maintaining exceptional end user customer experience. I led the team of 25 Direct & 150 Contractors and managed €20M Budget. I was accountable for strategic procurements as well as data center operations & support. I rendered operational support to customers and end users of the infrastructure service. In my entire organization, I communicated provisions of data center policies and standards internally and facilitate customer understanding of processes and procedures. I deployed my sharp acumen and chaired meetings related to service desk, IT onsite support, system administration, server management, telephony, and network operations. As a leader, I an adept in developing & applying new approaches to data center management. I acquired deep understanding of the key concepts in the ITIL service lifecycle, including the lifecycle stage links, the processes used and their contribution to service management practices. I have consistently proved my mettle in spheres of IT operations and service management, including incident management, configuration and asset management, service request fulfillment, and IT service continuity management. Here as the Head of Section – Data Centre, I: • Was SPOC for General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Privacy Shield implementation. • Ensured adherence to IT Security Policies across all support functions • Managed hardening, cryptographic, access management, and data protection. • Maintained the Data Centre premises of the ECB, ensuring physical security
• Presided over all operations for 10 datacenters representing more than 3,000 servers and 13,000 desktops. • Supervised a staff of 20 internals and 40 contractors.
• Charted successful course of development over technology operations for a $14M international leader in web-based quality control, including data centers, vendor relations, strategic planning, application development, technical support, budgeting, and disaster recovery. • Trained, guided, and directed a staff of 20, creating an efficient and productive team. • Enhanced productivity and system stability through establishing innovative software development processes, consolidating servers, and introducing hardware and software standards. • Advanced performance and quality levels by employing Six Sigma methodologies as well as documenting processes and workflows. • Substantially decreased support calls by 30% through devising and instituting standard helpdesk procedures. • Dramatically augmented software uptime from 70% to 90%, generating increased end user satisfaction. • Designed and launched profitable QA/QC and internet audit systems for undeveloped, growing companies.
• Recruited with the goal of optimizing critical technology operations for a world leader in vouchers and pre-paid services, including 50 subsidiaries across 40 countries. • Devised and delivered short- and long-term strategies, orchestrated technology implementations, and served on the Executive Team. • Cultivated and headed an internal network of individuals to foster open innovation processes and generate innovative solutions, ultimately expanding the business. • Structured and delegated daily requirements for a staff of four direct reports. • Formed and engaged a team of innovation managers from top French companies to develop new strategies and exchange information. • Pioneered the development of core ERP Enterprise Architectures to support millions of credit card transactions per year. • Studies, assessed, and implemented TOGAF methodology. • Restructured and redesigned web strategies for B2B and B2C customer interfaces. • Bridged communications across leaders and departmental staff by implementing an IT blog and newsletter.
• Conceived and integrated CRM & ERP strategies for international company headquarters and 50 subsidiaries. • Devised modern IT tactics to align business goals across multiple divisions and countries. • Composed and established policies and procedures for crisis recovery, business continuity, systems enhancement, security control, network infrastructure, and IT operations. • Enriched efficiencies by merging and normalizing 15 ERPs into two common, unified platforms. • Utilized highly effective global IS interoperability approach for group IS systems. • Produced effective standardized urbanization designs, including mapping and change scenarios. • Spearheaded the design of a global CRM that allowed centralized access to all group contracts. • Diminished unnecessary costs by establishing offshore strategies as well as defined KPIs and SLAs.