“We are delighted that we have been able to recruit Mr. Kreft, a proven expert from within our own ranks, for this key position. With his many years of experience and deep understanding of the challenges of modern information security, he will make a significant contribution to further developing the digital resilience and security of the Group,” explains Lars Felderhoff, Chairman of the Management Board of the Merkur Group.

Manuel Kreft has been with the Group since 1997, when he started as the first dual student from East Westphalia. After completing his studies with a degree in business informatics, he held various positions at the group-wide IT service provider Beit GmbH. Most recently, he served there as an authorised signatory and Head of IT Infrastructure & Operations. 

The Minden native has been involved in all aspects of information security for more than 25 years and played a key role in establishing an information security management system in accordance with ISO 27001. He gained international experience implementing global IT and security projects at various companies within the Merkur Group. In his new role, he reports to CEO Lars Felderhoff and works closely with the entire Management Board.

Among other things, the 49-year-old will be responsible for setting up the company's own competence centre for information security. In addition to a Group-wide information security strategy, he will also implement uniform global standards within the 15,000-employee corporation. The aim is to identify and assess potential risks to data and information technology at an early stage and minimise them through targeted measures, thereby securing the Merkur Group's competitiveness and innovative strength in the long term. 

“Information security is not a final state, but an ongoing process. Together with my colleagues, I want to help strengthen the digital resilience of the Group and actively shape its future,” says Manuel Kreft.