Human Firewall Conference

Ranga Yogeshwar

Science journalist

Ranga Yogeshwar is one of Germany’s leading science journalists. He is regarded as the “knowledge broker of the nation” and an expert on all topics relating to artificial intelligence. He presents complicated issues in a practical, understandable and passionate way.

Yogeshwar (*1959) grew up in Luxembourg and India, studied piano in Luxembourg and experimental physics at RWTH Aachen University. He then conducted research in Geneva at CERN and at the nuclear research center in Jülich.

He has worked as a journalist since 1983, initially for various publishing houses, then in radio and television. In 1987, Yogeshwar began working as a science editor at WDR Cologne and was involved in numerous programs, including “Wissenschaftsshow”, “Kopfball”, “Bilder aus der Wissenschaft” and “W wie Wissen” and developed numerous TV formats. From 1995 to 2001 he was deputy head and from 2001 to 2005 head of the science television program group at WDR. Since 2008, Yogeshwar has worked as an independent journalist and author.

Yogeshwar regularly contributes to leading newspapers and is a welcome expert on numerous talk shows. His books “Sonst noch Fragen?”, “Ach so!” and “Nächste Ausfahrt Zukunft” have become bestsellers and have been translated into numerous languages.

Philipp Westermeyer

Founder and CEO, OMR

Philipp Westermeyer is the founder and CEO of OMR, Europe’s leading platform for the digital economy. Its portfolio includes content, events and technology. Every year, around 70,000 people gather in Hamburg for the OMR Festival, one of the largest events in the global digital industry. OMR subsidiary Podstars produces over 100 podcast formats, including the OMR Podcast, hosted by Westermeyer with guests from business, sport and pop culture. The episodes reach more than 100,000 listeners. Prior to OMR, he co-founded two digital marketing companies that were sold to Bertelsmann and Zalando. His book “Digital Unplugged” reached the SPIEGEL bestseller list in 2021.

Aya Jaff

Tech founder, author, and coder

Aya Jaff, an Iraqi-born entrepreneur who sought refuge in Germany, is a renowned Forbes 30under30 honoree, keynote speaker, and author of the acclaimed book “MONEYMAKERS.” As Tradity’s voluntary CTO for five years, she attracted 5,000+ members across 80 schools, providing engaging finance education. A self-taught programming and trading expert, Aya’s commitment to learning earned her multiple tech scholarships.

Anna Hartl

Product Owner Global User Awareness, Allianz Technology

Anna began her career in economics and business administration, equipping her with analytical skills and a strategic mindset. She transitioned to consulting where she honed her ability to dissect and optimize business processes within the dynamic automotive industry. Her career took a pivotal turn when she entered the insurance industry, focusing on Infrastructure & Information Security.

Anna developed a profound understanding of the human element in cybersecurity, becoming an advocate for empowering individuals as the first line of defense. As Product Owner for Global User Awareness at Allianz, she leads a global strategy to strengthen the human firewall, equipping teams worldwide with the knowledge to protect their digital landscape.

Her leadership goes beyond disseminating information; she fosters a culture of security awareness embedded in the company’s ethos. Anna’s initiatives resonate globally, ensuring vigilance and responsibility against cyber threats are embraced by all employees.

Andrea Szeiler

Global CISO, Transcom

Andrea Szeiler is a passionate IT Cyber security expert working as a global CISO of Transcom today. She is also a mentor and the proud president of Women4Cyber Hungary Chapter and serve as a role model for the next generation. She is active members of several security initiatives and associations. Her passion is to help motivated women to land their dream role in IT security by mentoring them and guiding them through potential challenges which they may face along this journey.

She is a regular keynote speaker in international cyber security conferences and round table discussions. She helps organizations and senior executives to protect the services provided to their clients by defining the appropriate controls according to the risk portfolio without spending more than is required. She also partners and builds strategic cooperations with stakeholders and business leaders to define global IT Security Governance Frameworks by also working together with SMEs and local compliance teams without wasting time on recurring adjustments.

During her career she built high performing teams to deliver on critical business projects under extreme pressure by providing emotional security, professional guidance, supporting teamwork and communicating clear expectations and involving them in solution design and having a customer first approach. She believes cybersecurity is vital for all companies, independently / regardless of their sizes. Therefore, she helps organizations to achieve the required level of security for their operations and clients.

Frank Schätzing

Best-selling author

Frank Schätzing, born in 1957, is a renowned German author best known for his groundbreaking eco-thriller “The Swarm,” which has sold over 4.5 million copies since its publication in 2004 and has been translated into 27 languages. Schätzing made his literary debut in 1995 with “Death and the Devil” and has continued to captivate audiences with a series of bestsellers, including “Limit” (2009), “Breaking News” (2014), and “The Tyranny of the Butterfly” (2018). In addition to his fiction, Schätzing has written two bestselling nonfiction books: “Notes from an Unknown Universe” (2006) and “What If We Just Saved the World?” (2021). His contributions to literature have earned him numerous awards, and his works have collectively sold some 9 million copies worldwide. Schätzing’s unique blend of scientific intrigue and complex storytelling has established him as a major figure in contemporary literature.

Carsten Thoma

President of Celonis

Carsten is the President of Celonis, the global leader in process mining. He has founded and scaled SAP Hybris, served as an advisor to La Famiglia/General Catalyst, and has been a long-standing investor and entrepreneur.

Julius van de Laar

International Political Campaign & Strategy Consultant; former Manager in Obama Campaign

Julius van de Laar is a campaign and strategy consultant with extensive experience in political and NGO campaigns. He served as Regional GOTV Director for Barack Obama in the pivotal swing state of Ohio during the 2012 U.S. presidential election and previously worked on Obama’s 2008 campaign. Since then, he has advised on German federal elections and various European campaigns, helping organizations develop integrated communication and mobilization strategies. Julius regularly provides political analysis for major media outlets and lectures on campaigning and digital strategy at institutions like the Hertie School, Harvard, and Oxford.