Rainer Rodler has over 40 years of experience, at ZF Friedrichshafen AG, where he currently serves as the Head of Production IT Security. In this role since September 2017, he focuses on mitigating IT security risks in the context of IoT and Industry 4.0. His responsibilities include developing security concepts, revising guidelines and processes, and leading a global team of specialists. He also conducts awareness campaigns and technical training sessions across production plants to equip staff with the necessary skills to address emerging challenges. Prior to this position, Rainer worked as a Project Manager for Production IT Security at ZF Friedrichshafen AG from February 2013 to August 2017, where he performed similar duties. With a background as an IT Project Manager and System Administrator spanning from April 1988 to January 2013, he led various IT security projects, including hard disk encryption, PKI implementation, security patch management, and antivirus operations. Rainer began his career as a Maintenance Engineer (NC Electronics) at ZF Passau GmbH, where he worked from 1983 to 1988.

ZF is a global technology company supplying advanced mobility products and systems for passenger cars, commercial vehicles and industrial technology. Its comprehensive product range is primarily aimed at vehicle manufacturers, mobility providers and start-up companies in the fields of transportation and mobility. ZF electrifies a wide range of vehicle types. With its products, the company contributes to reducing emissions, protecting the climate as well as enhancing safe mobility. Alongside the automotive sector – passenger cars and commercial vehicles – ZF also serves market segments such as construction and agricultural machinery, wind power, marine propulsion, rail drives and test systems. With some 168,700 employees worldwide, ZF reported sales of €46.6 billion in fiscal year 2023. The company operates 162 production locations in 31 countries.