Manfred is the inaugural Chief Information Officer (CIO) of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). He commenced his position at NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium on September 1, 2021. His principal responsibility is to realize the Allies’ vision for Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in support of NATO’s purpose to guarantee the freedom and security of its 31 member nations. Under the mandate of the North Atlantic Council, and under the delegated authority of the NATO Secretary General, he is tasked with facilitating ICT coherence across NATO’s 41 civil and military bodies with 25,000 users. He also performs the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) function as the Single Point of Authority for all cybersecurity issues.
From 2010 until 2021, Manfred directed all global computing and information technology systems for Sierra Wireless in Vancouver, Canada. The company provides Internet of Things (IoT) solutions that empower businesses to thrive in the interconnected global economy. Prior to assuming this role, he spent eight years at Hewlett-Packard (HP) IT in Business Intelligence and Strategy & Planning leadership roles. From 1993 to 2002, he oversaw Supply Chain systems at Compaq’s Latin America Division in Houston, Texas and São Paulo, Brazil. Prior to that, he supported material planning processes at Compaq’s European Headquarters in Munich, Germany and Gorinchem, The Netherlands.
Manfred has an MBA from Duke University, Durham, North Carolina. He also holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and a Master of Science in Research from the University of Reading, UK.