In the DACH region’s IT landscape, LinkedIn has become a vital stage for transformation. But who are the leaders truly driving the conversation?
On LinkedIn, Confare founder and CEO Michael Ghezzo recently launched a personal series to spotlight these digital pioneers. As we head toward the Confare CIOSUMMIT in Vienna (March 25–26), we’ve brought the series together in this post.
As the initiator of numerous leading awards for IT decision-makers across the DACH region, my LinkedIn network has a clear focus. It consists primarily of people who actively shape IT and digital transformation — individuals I am proud to count among my network, my friends, and my nearly 12,000 LinkedIn connections.
CIOs are not necessarily social media enthusiasts. Yet when they share their experiences, insights, and perspectives, the content is almost always relevant. IT and digitalization are shaping our economic and societal future to an extent that can hardly be overstated. All the more valuable are the public insights from those who carry responsibility.
In this personal LinkedIn series — ahead of our gathering in Vienna on March 25–26 for the Confare CIOSUMMIT — I would like to highlight CIO and IT-related profiles that consistently stand out in my feed through thoughtful and substantive contributions. Profiles worth following.
Today’s focus is on winners of the Confare CIOAWARD and the Confare ImpactAward.
Criteria: active as a CIO or Managing Director of corporate IT, regularly publishing on LinkedIn, and recipient of a Confare distinction.
Here is my selection of the “most social CIOs” from my network who meet these criteria:
1. Alec Joannou, Confare CIOAWARD
In recent months, Alec’s profile had been somewhat quieter. Over the past days, however, this highly respected and humble Global CIO of a world-leading corporation (ABB) has brought an inspiring leadership concept to LinkedIn: Ubuntu. Not the operating system, but the philosophical approach from his South African roots – grounded in human dignity, compassion, and respectful coexistence.
2. Stefan Latuski, Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit), Confare ImpactAward
As CIO of Germany’s largest federal authority, Stefan is a driving voice on the Confare stages – including as keynote speaker at the Confare CIOAWARD on March 26 in Vienna. On LinkedIn, he shares insights into the digital transformation of an organization with enormous societal relevance.
3. Andreas Kranabitl, SPAR ICS, Confare CIOAWARD, Confare CIO of the Decade
Anyone interested in how digital transformation is steered within a long-established Austrian retail group will gain direct insights from Andreas. Salzburg is more than just a location – it is a laboratory for the future of retail.
4. Milan Kumar, ZF Group, Confare Swiss TopCIO
Milan is one of the most visible CIO voices in the AI discourse. Author, pioneer, and profound expert in the field. He regularly publishes thoughtful assessments and updates on Artificial Intelligence – analytical, practical, and strategically grounded.
5. Bernd Preuschoff, CodeCamp:N, Confare ImpactAward
Author, former professional dancer, and executive leader with a distinctive perspective. Bernd connects management, society, and personal development. His feed addresses complex and often controversial topics with nuance and reflection.
Be part of the Best! Now is the time to submit for the Confare Swiss CIOAWARD 2026, the ImpactAward, and the Livin IT Trophy. Apply now!
6. Martin Fluch, REWE, Confare CIOAWARD
Driving transformation within a global corporation of this scale is demanding. Martin’s posts demonstrate how change can succeed when teamwork and reliability are consistently lived values.
7. Astrid Zöchling, ORF, Confare CIOAWARD
Astrid uses LinkedIn as a space for dialogue. She asks questions, takes positions, and actively engages in exchange. This is how meaningful digital discourse develops.
8. Christian Hürter, Deutz AG, Confare ImpactAward
Christian’s feed illustrates how a traditional industrial company in engine manufacturing is strategically evolving – with a clear focus on sustainability and e-mobility. Exchange and professional networking play a central role.
9. Anke Sax, Confare ImpactAward
Anke (CIO and CTO at KGAL) emphasizes the societal responsibility of leadership and makes clear that IT extends far beyond corporate performance metrics. Her commitment to AI literacy and her engagement during challenging times are clearly reflected in her posts.
10. Hansruedi Born, CIO of the Canton of Zurich, Confare ImpactAward
Those interested in understanding how digital transformation is implemented in public administration will find concrete insights here. Courage and innovative thinking are tangible in his contributions.
10. Horst Ulrich Mooshandl, Austrian Post (Österreichische Post AG), Confare CIOAWARD
Horst regularly shares how proud he is of his team and the high standards the Austrian Post IT organization sets in international benchmarking. Numerous recognitions – from the Confare CIOAWARD to the Livin IT Trophy – reflect this performance.
Next week in “Most Social CIOs”: speakers and partners of the upcoming Confare CIOSUMMIT whom you should definitely follow on LinkedIn. Follow Confare and Michael Ghezzo for more!