Robert Karash - Interim Manager | Group Leader in IT Operations & Digitalization "Databases, Operations & Support" (DOS)

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Idstein, Germany

Experience

May 2023 - Present

2 years 9 months

Frankfurt, Germany

Interim Manager | Group Leader in IT Operations & Digitalization "Databases, Operations & Support" (DOS)

Landwirtschaftliche RentenBank

Technical leadership and further development of a team of 28 IT staff (internal & external) in the areas of helpdesk / helpline, RHEL (Red Hat), MUREX (trading system & applications), SAP basis operations
Managing external service providers (including FI-TS for SAP basis operations)
Personnel, resource, and budget planning for the IT department and projects
Introducing and establishing regular communication formats (fixed meetings, team- and cross-department meetings)
Ensuring application operations in a hybrid environment (Windows/Linux with database and web/application servers)
Supporting transformation projects to modernize the application landscape (e.g., DevOps approaches)
Building and implementing a digital IT procurement process for hardware & software (e.g., with DELL)
Developing and steering the "IT Operations DOS" department based on the company strategy
Preparing management reports & decision papers on IT projects, optimization opportunities, and automation possibilities
Representing the department in Rentenbank’s committees and ensuring regulatory compliance (BaFin §44, GDPR, BSI, MaRisk)

Apr 2022 - Apr 2023

1 year 1 month

Münster, Germany

Interim Manager & Department Head in the End-to-End Workplace "Windows Security, MS-SQL & Package Builds, Applications"

FI Finanz Informatik GmbH & Co. KG

Technical and disciplinary leadership of a team of 39 IT staff (internal & external) in the functional groups Windows Security, MS-SQL databases, application development & package builds (incl. C#/.NET, SharePoint, web applications, open source)
Managing external service providers and strategic provider management
Personnel, resource, and budget planning to optimize IT services and consulting
Evaluating, introducing, and establishing innovative technologies to optimize IT processes
Preparing and visualizing IT results at management level
Ensuring regulatory compliance according to BaFin §44, VAIT, GDPR, BSI, MaRisk
Close collaboration with corporate interfaces, manufacturers, and suppliers
Preparing management reports & decision papers for executive management and committees
Team building measures: enhancing communication, regular meetings, establishing an error and feedback culture

Dec 2021 - Jun 2022

7 months

Hanau, Germany

Interim Transition Manager

VACUUMSCHMELZE GmbH & Co. KG

Overall project management for the data center relocation ("Data Center Transition") from Munich to Weinheim
Responsible contact person & negotiator for the CIO, business units, and external partners (SYNTAX, ATOS, other service providers)
Managing all project managers, subproject managers, and work package owners of the involved teams
Ensuring the strategic execution of the DC move through structured planning, alignment, and coordination
Responsible for application management and SAP migration within the transition
As-is assessment & provider management of the entire IT infrastructure, applications, and external services
Managing environment and change management for a smooth takeover of operations
Business management: contract design, budget planning, and procurement management
Regular reporting & management reporting for decision making
Coordinating stakeholder communication with management, service providers, audit, and risk management
Successful migration of the data center with minimal downtime while complying with all legal requirements

Jul 2021 - Dec 2021

6 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

Interim Department Head "Deployment, Environment & Change Management" in IT Operations IE2

SV SparkassenVersicherung Informatik GmbH

Disciplinary and technical leadership of 19 employees across 3–4 teams at three locations (Wiesbaden, Stuttgart, Mannheim)
Promoting employee motivation, training, and team development
Managing the deployment department at the interface between application development & operations
Responsible for developing and optimizing application management
Designing, implementing, and continuously improving deployment, environment & change management processes
Business management of the department in alignment with the company strategy
Ensuring compliant implementation according to internal guidelines and compliance policies
Representing the department in the SV Informatik committees
Saving resources/time and reducing error sources by automating the deployment processes

Jun 2020 - Jun 2021

1 year 1 month

Dortmund, Germany

Project Manager | IT Business Analyst | ZIBE Access Management, Permission Assignment in IT Operations

SIGNAL IDUNA Gruppe & Lebensversicherung AG

Consulting & implementing access management in IT operations for the VAIT audit & re-audit
Ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements (BaFin, VAIT, GDPR, BSI, MaRisk)
Point of contact for business units & IT services within the SIGNAL IDUNA Group
Inventory & documentation of all relevant processes in access management
Reviewing and evaluating access concepts, role & permission assignments, segregation of duties & recertification
Translating analysis results into an onboarding document for new employees & the IT organization
Conducting gap analyses & interviews to identify optimization potentials
Preparing & visualizing results in a management-oriented way for decision makers
Developing automation concepts to improve access processes
Timely process implementation based on a finding from a VAIT audit

Oct 2019 - May 2020

8 months

Wuppertal, Germany

Project Manager | WINDOWS 10 Rollout Management

GKV INFORMATIK

Planning, steering and implementation of a company-wide Windows 10 rollout with over 4,800 clients at statutory health insurance companies
Process optimization, coordination with external service providers, as well as quality assurance and an ITSM-driven approach
Introduction of new tools, strategic SLA integration, and sustainable process adjustments in line with ITIL

Mar 2018 - Sep 2019

1 year 7 months

Frankfurt, Germany

Head of IT | Interim Manager

German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB)

Management of IT operations, including personnel management, time tracking, and an access rights control system
Management of external service providers and execution of a comprehensive data center migration
Implementation of several major technical projects in office, infrastructure, and cloud environments
Integration of new technologies (Cloud, Office 365, Windows 10)
Introduction of future-oriented IT processes and establishment of a sustainable IT strategy with measurable improvements in structure, efficiency, and compliance

Sep 2016 - Feb 2018

1 year 6 months

Offenbach, Germany

Interim Manager | Project Manager for Organization and IT

HELABA (Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen) via ITC Deutschland GmbH

Strategic and operational consulting in service and partner management, with a focus on resource management, process optimization, IT governance, and compliance
Preparation and support for a BaFin audit (§44) and ECB supervision through targeted gap analysis and the structural setup of audit and security functions
Introduction of efficient resource and ITSM processes

Mar 2015 - Aug 2016

1 year 6 months

Kerpen, Germany

Interim Manager | Transition Manager for EWP Rollout (HW & SW) and transition of Gothaer Systems GmbH

Versicherung Köln via Etengo Academic Experts GmbH

Management of the business transfer according to § 613a of the German Civil Code and coordination of all subprojects
Digitization of IT structures and management of strategic and operational communication with management, stakeholders, and service providers
Planning and execution of a complex IT and organizational transition with nine subprojects
Rigorous resource and budget management, as well as sustainable realignment of governance, data protection, and IT security structures

Apr 2014 - Feb 2015

11 months

Nuremberg, Germany

Department Head | Interim Manager, IT and Organization Services Unit

Rödl & Partner GmbH

Operational and strategic leadership of IT operations and organization, including data center migration, IT infrastructure modernization, and security management
Budget control and development of efficient procurement and IT processes in a national context
Company-wide IT rollout (WIN10/WIN7, Office 365) with implementation of a national application and procurement management system and a one-vendor strategy for printing systems

Oct 2011 - Mar 2014

2 years 6 months

Cologne, Germany

Group Lead | Deputy Department Head | Interim Manager „IT Production Enterprise"

DEVK Zentrale

Leading complex projects and supporting migration processes (SAP Basis, mainframe, CICS, DB2, Oracle databases)
Creating a vulnerability analysis for the entire IT production and data center area
Optimizing and restructuring IT processes

Mar 2011 - Sep 2011

7 months

Hanover, Germany

Project Manager

Talanx Versicherung über DIS GmbH

Creating a preliminary study for DWH Finance including BI tools
Contributed to the successful IPO on October 2, 2012

Apr 2009 - Feb 2011

1 year 11 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

Project Manager

Aareal Bank / Aareon GmbH

Planning the system landscape and selection processes for new hardware, software, applications & tools

Jul 2008 - Mar 2009

9 months

Frankfurt, Germany

IT Project Manager

FI Finanz Informatik Bank

Implementing and rolling out a new time management system (X/TIME v4.6), an access control system, permission groups, and terminal authorizations
Conducting a nationwide IT rollout (infrastructure and software/applications)

Oct 2007 - Jun 2009

1 year 9 months

Eschborn, Germany

Project Manager

Abresa GmbH

Planning and executing the Windows 7 rollout (hardware and applications)
Introducing MS Office 2007

Jul 2006 - Sep 2007

1 year 3 months

Mannheim, Germany

Project Manager

Mannheimer Versicherung

Implementation of a business project management system (BPM)
Business process optimization and migration across all departments

Jan 2005 - Jun 2006

1 year 6 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

IT Controller | Overall Project Manager

Hessisches Ministerium für Inneres und Sport

E-Government master plan: survey of IT assets across the state (hardware, software/applications, licenses, leasing contracts) including all costs

Jan 2003 - Dec 2004

2 years

Frankfurt, Germany

Head of IT & Organization, Administration and Service (OUV/S)

Reisebank AG

Preparation for the merger with DZ Bank and implementation of IT and organizational processes
Cost savings through central purchasing of €400K per year
Introduction of a new payroll system (LOGA), including electronic archiving
Establishment of central and decentralized organizational units

Jan 2000 - Dec 2002

3 years

Eschborn, Germany

Head of Banking, Trade and Insurance Division

TDS Deutschland AG & Co. OHG

Harmonization of IT platforms and development of efficient organizational structures
Management of large transformation and digitalization projects
Implementation of an organizational & personnel management system
Leading the migration of a trading system solution for SEB Frankfurt
Central purchasing of IT & telecommunications services according to ITIL principles

Jan 1996 - Dec 1999

4 years

Frankfurt, Germany

Deputy Department Head and System Coordinator

Gerling Konzern | Industrieversicherung AG

Technical and disciplinary leadership of 14–18 employees
Management of the REWE & Controlling, IT & telecommunications, central services & administration departments
Management of the Europe-wide gerVAS project with integrated graphical interface and international currency conversion

Aug 1987 - Dec 1995

8 years 5 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

IT Team Leader, Application Control (AWST) and Work Preparation (AV) in the Data Center

Berlinerische Lebensversicherung

Led work preparation (Client-Server & Host/Mainframe)
Responsible for and managed a team of 9–12 employees
Implemented the management robot SAR-EXPRESS-DELIVERY + CA1 (data storage media)

Oct 1985 - Jul 1987

1 year 10 months

Wiesbaden, Germany

Head of IT | Operations Officer

Vereinigte Versicherungsgesellschaft von Amerika

Led the IT department, including information technology, organization & administration, and related projects
Responsible for 6 employees
Built the office organization, IT coordination, administration, and HR functions
Established project-oriented management with a strategic focus

Summary

"Enabling digitalization... Streamlining structures... Leading change..." My credo: Technology is only as good as the people who use it – and the leadership that makes it possible. I’m a manager who not only develops strategies but drives their efficient, agile, and cost-effective implementation.

My mission is to future-proof IT organizations. I have built IT departments in highly sensitive industries, migrated data centers, and led companies through demanding transformations. I know how to motivate employees, optimize structures, and shape IT so that it delivers real value.

With a blend of strategic vision, hands-on mentality, and excellent stakeholder management, I bring projects across the finish line. My successes are based on a charismatic leadership style, building strong teams, clear communication, and the courage to take new paths.

Skills

Professional Expertise

Many Years Of Leadership And Management Experience In Strategic And Operational It Projects, Specializing In It Operations, Infrastructure, Security Management, And Digital Transformation
Proven Success In Restructuring And Optimizing It Processes, Implementing Innovative Technologies, And Leading High-performing Teams
It Management & Digitalization: Building, Leading, And Optimizing It Departments And Projects
It Operations & Infrastructure: Application Operations, Data Center Management, System Architecture
Security & Risk Management: Compliance With Regulatory Requirements (Bafin, Bait, Bsi, Gdpr, Marisk, Vait)
Strategic It Consulting: Evaluation And Implementation Of Innovative Technologies
Provider & Vendor Management: Contract Design, Budget Control, Performance Monitoring
Process & Change Management: Development And Implementation Of New Process Landscapes
Business Continuity & Outsourcing: Transition Management, It Procurement, License Management
Project Management: It Rollouts, Migrations, Access Management, Introduction Of New Technologies

Industry Expertise

Banks & Financial Services (Development Banks, Savings Banks, Life Insurers)
It Service Providers & Software Development
Insurance & Healthcare
Industry (Materials Technology, Manufacturing)
Sports Organizations
Public Sector

Hardware & Communication Systems

Architecture & Infrastructure: Client-server Architecture (C/s), Host/mainframe (Ibm & Siemens), Cluster Systems
Data Centers & Relocations: Dc Moves Including Hw Rollout, Building Infrastructure, It Container Solutions
Networking & Virtualization: Cisco, Token Ring, Vmware, Terminal Servers (Citrix)
Operating Systems: Linux, Unix, Z/os (1.13 – 2.17), Windows Server
Email & Communication: Ms Exchange (Outlook), Lotus Notes (10.0 – 7.0), Ms-lync, Avaya, Blackberry
It Service & Management: It Service Desk, Remedy, Bpm Systems
Visual Communication: Mindjet Mindmanager (Coreldraw, Corel Painter)

Applications, Os & Software

Microsoft Environment: Windows (Win11 – Win95), Ms Office (M365, 2000 – 2025, Cloud/hybrid), Ms Project (2007 – 2023), Sharepoint
Erp Systems: Sap R/3, S/4hana (Fi, Co, Mm, Swift Clearing)
Hr/hcm: P&i, Loga, Paisy
Datev (Financial Accounting, Bookkeeping)
Process & Workflow Management: Dms, Crm, Archiving, Inventory Management Tools
Specialized Software: Murex (Trading System), Product Lifecycle Management (Life Factory), Time Tracking & Access Control (Plan Zeit), Trellix / Mcafee, Adobe, Visio (2021 – 2010)
Mainframe & Host Technologies: Novell, Opc, Ca1, Vse/esa, Cics, Asm, Rsm, Tso/ispf, Jcl Procedures, Mvs/xa Utilities

Methods, Tools & Databases

Project Management & Methods: Gpma, Pmi, Prince2, V-model, Agile (Scrum, Kanban)
It Management & Governance: Itil (V2 & V3), Itms, Itscm, Ito, Mis, Qs/qm, Risk, Cor
Change & Release Management: Change, Coordination, Config, Capacity, Asset, & Event Management
Security & Compliance: Access Management (Ad, Access Assignments, Role Concepts), Windows Security, It Procurement, License & Outsourcing Management
It Operations & Databases: Ms Sql, Oracle (Version 1.1 – 12), Db2 (Ims, Db39), Sql, Aris, Dwh (Data Warehouse), Cmdb, Bcm, Mercury System, Peoplesoft
Programming & Web Technologies: C, C++, Cobol, Assembler, Ms Visual Basic, Html, Xml, Asp

Transition Projects

Data Center Relocation, Building Management Moves & It Space Planning
Overall Coordination & Organization, Alignment, Space Planning, Dc Rack Space, Cooling Systems, Qb Officer And Safety Officer
Point Of Contact For Management, Board, Executive Management, All Affected Departments And External Providers
Transition Manager For Provider Changeover And All Related Applications
Network Architecture (Lan, Wan, Voip, Video Streaming)
Network Security (Firewall, Proxy, Load Balancer, Nac, Pki)
Hardware Platforms (Ibm System Z, X86, Ibm Power, Vmware Esxi)
Storage And Backup Infrastructure
Operating Systems (Z/os, Linux, Z/vm, Ms Windows, Solaris, Aix)
Middleware (Directory Services Ldap And Ad, Mail System Ms Exchange)
Application Server Ibm Websphere, Interfaces Ibm Mq Series, Monitoring Systems Hp Openview And Nagios
Databases (Db2 Z/os, Ms Sql, Oracle)
Transition/transformation Of It Services And Application Systems
Deployment (Software Distribution) Loading Additional Software/service Packs Via Sccm Or Other Tools

Personality

Analyst: Logical, Responsible, Organized
Doer: Committed, Action- And Result-oriented, Empathetic, Pragmatic, Innovation-driven, Digital Agility
Senior Partner: Reliable And Charismatic Presence, Strategic Vision, Resilience

Leadership Skills

Span Of Control: Led Teams Of Around 60 Employees (Internal & External)
Disciplinary And Technical Leadership: Developing It Departments, Coaching Employees
Entrepreneurial Competence: Economic Thinking And Action
Transformation & Change Management: Implementing New Technologies And Processes
Stakeholder Management: Close Coordination With Boards, Executive Management, And External Partners

Languages

German

Native

English

Advanced

Education

Technical secondary school and grammar school

Abitur · Wiesbaden, Germany

IBM Deutschland AG

IT specialist, system analyst, and programmer · Wiesbaden, Germany

Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität

Diploma in Business Administration and Diploma in Computer Science · Business Administration and Computer Science · Mainz, Germany

Certifications & licenses

Driver's licenses Class A1 and B / Class I & III

ITIL Foundation V2 & V3

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Experience

Interim Manager | Group Leader in IT Operations & Digitalization "Databases, Operations & Support" (DOS)

Landwirtschaftliche RentenBank

Interim Manager & Department Head in the End-to-End Workplace "Windows Security, MS-SQL & Package Builds, Applications"

FI Finanz Informatik GmbH & Co. KG

Interim Transition Manager

VACUUMSCHMELZE GmbH & Co. KG

Interim Department Head "Deployment, Environment & Change Management" in IT Operations IE2

SV SparkassenVersicherung Informatik GmbH

Project Manager | IT Business Analyst | ZIBE Access Management, Permission Assignment in IT Operations

SIGNAL IDUNA Gruppe & Lebensversicherung AG

Project Manager | WINDOWS 10 Rollout Management

GKV INFORMATIK

Head of IT | Interim Manager

German Olympic Sports Confederation (DOSB)

Interim Manager | Project Manager for Organization and IT

HELABA (Landesbank Hessen-Thüringen) via ITC Deutschland GmbH

Interim Manager | Transition Manager for EWP Rollout (HW & SW) and transition of Gothaer Systems GmbH

Versicherung Köln via Etengo Academic Experts GmbH

Department Head | Interim Manager, IT and Organization Services Unit

Rödl & Partner GmbH

Group Lead | Deputy Department Head | Interim Manager „IT Production Enterprise"

DEVK Zentrale

Project Manager

Talanx Versicherung über DIS GmbH

Project Manager

Aareal Bank / Aareon GmbH

IT Project Manager

FI Finanz Informatik Bank

Project Manager

Abresa GmbH

Project Manager

Mannheimer Versicherung

IT Controller | Overall Project Manager

Hessisches Ministerium für Inneres und Sport

Head of IT & Organization, Administration and Service (OUV/S)

Reisebank AG

Head of Banking, Trade and Insurance Division

TDS Deutschland AG & Co. OHG

Deputy Department Head and System Coordinator

Gerling Konzern | Industrieversicherung AG

IT Team Leader, Application Control (AWST) and Work Preparation (AV) in the Data Center

Berlinerische Lebensversicherung

Head of IT | Operations Officer

Vereinigte Versicherungsgesellschaft von Amerika

Summary

Skills

Languages

Education

Technical secondary school and grammar school

Abitur · Wiesbaden, Germany

IBM Deutschland AG

IT specialist, system analyst, and programmer · Wiesbaden, Germany

Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität

Diploma in Business Administration and Diploma in Computer Science · Business Administration and Computer Science · Mainz, Germany

Certifications & licenses

Driver's licenses Class A1 and B / Class I & III

ITIL Foundation V2 & V3

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