Senior Program Manager & CISO | IT Transformation, Cybersecurity & GRC Leader

Dirk Meissner is a senior international IT-Executive, Program Manager, Cybersecurity & GRC Leader with more than 25 years of experience delivering large-scale IT transformation, security, compliance, and cloud modernization programs across the automotive, insurance, healthcare, public sector, and technology industries. He combines deep technical expertise with strong governance, risk and compliance knowledge and has led complex global programs with budgets above €20M and distributed teams of more than 70 experts. His core strengths span IT governance, ISO/NIST-based security management, SOC/SIEM strategy, cloud security, IT operations, endpoint security, enterprise workplace transformation, and regulatory compliance (GDPR, DORA, NIS2, KRITIS, C5).

Dirk’s extensive project portfolio includes major strategic initiatives for BMW, Allianz, Volkswagen, Bechtle, Evident Scientific, and large healthcare organizations. As Program Manager for the Allianz Virtual Client (AVC) with 137,000 users and a €20M annual budget, he held full P&L responsibility, drove the global rollout across Europe and APAC, and steered architecture, engineering, operations, PMO, and finance teams while reporting to Allianz SE top management . His ability to manage international multi-stakeholder environments is further reflected in his role as AIT Coordinator for Allianz APAC, ensuring synchronized delivery of DCC, AGN, GM, AVC and network security services across 10,000 users in the region .

In the automotive sector, Dirk has been a long-standing trusted advisor and senior consultant for BMW Group. He supported BMW’s cloud and data-driven services (CarData, FleetData, Catena-X, Conversational AI, HR4ME) as Security Matter Expert, ensuring >95% security KPI compliance and maintaining complete eGRC documentation including threat assessments, pentesting, SAST/DAST/IAST and IAM artefacts . He also developed BMW’s global SAP Security Blueprint, delivered cloud and supplier security concepts, and designed large-scale security and workplace architectures in China.

His leadership in security and GRC extends to auditing and regulatory-driven assessments. For Volkswagen AG, Dirk conducted more than 50 Cloud Vendor Assessments (CVA) based on TISAX and ISO 27001 for DCSO since 2022, ensuring secure onboarding of cloud-based solutions for 350,000 users . For Bechtle Hosting & Operations, he performed full ISO 27001:2021 and BSI C5 maturity assessments and defined resilience-improving measures for the board and CISO .

In the healthcare sector, Dirk led multiple SOC/SIEM and MDR transformation projects for Hospitalvereinigung der Cellitinnen (HDC). He managed the full RfI/RfP process for a new SOC/SIEM service, conducted provider evaluations, delivered a decision matrix and technical concept, and later led the rollout of SentinelOne to 6,000 endpoints across 10+ locations with seamless 24/7 operations integration and SIEM onboarding . He also served as Interim CISO EMEA for Evident Scientific, establishing the regional IT-risk register, SOC KPI reporting, Cyber Essentials certification, and a 27001:2022 maturity assessment post-carve-out .

Dirk’s background includes extensive experience defining IT strategy, restructuring IT organizations, and designing cloud and workplace architectures. For Allianz Warranty, he delivered a complete IT strategy for the 2020–2025 horizon, including infrastructure, service mapping, and target operating model definitions . For KIVBF, he developed the cloud operations concept and COBIT-based organizational structure that now supports more than 3,500 public authorities in Baden-Württemberg .

He has consistently driven transformation programs that combine technology, compliance, and operational excellence. His standardized use of ISO 27001/2, ISO 20000, ISO 31000, ISO 62443, BSI 200-X/100-X, NIST CSF & RMF, COBIT 5/2019, ITIL, and TOGAF ensures high-quality governance and measurable risk reduction. His technology experience spans Microsoft 365, Azure AD, AWS cloud services, Citrix, VMware, SentinelOne, MS Defender, Splunk, SIEM/SOC architectures, DLP/EIP solutions, and enterprise workplace ecosystems.

Beyond his consulting and leadership roles, Dirk serves as VP Finance of ISACA Germany Chapter, leads the Information Security Working Group, and contributes to the EU Advocacy Task Force, strengthening his expertise in regulatory, privacy, and cybersecurity topics .

Dirk’s profile is characterized by a rare blend of strategic vision, hands-on technical depth, and strong stakeholder leadership. Whether as Program Manager, Interim CISO, Senior Security Consultant, or IT Governance Advisor, he delivers robust, compliant, and future-proof solutions for global enterprises facing complex transformation challenges.