Meet
Carsten
Head of Analytics & CISO
Carsten is one of kasasi's earliest employees. He has been with us for more than ten years and has played a key role in shaping kasasi's development.
kasasi was founded in 2009, and you joined shortly after – how did that come about?
I already had touchpoints with kasasi in my previous role at an IT consultancy, where kasasi was one of my clients. In consulting, you constantly have new projects and clients – it brings a lot of variety but also a certain restlessness. At kasasi, I had the feeling of truly being part of a long-term development process. That sense of identification with the company ultimately led me to make the switch.
How has your path developed with us?
At the start, there was no in-house development department – everything was outsourced. I had a blank slate to build software development and all related processes from scratch. In the early years as Head of Development, I still worked closely with external developers, but over time we built our own in-house team. Today, 100% of development is done in-house, with a team of more than twenty software developers. In 2023, the position of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) was added. In 2024, we recognised that our structure needed to adapt to our growth, so we divided Development into Engineering and Infrastructure, and created a third area – Analytics – to meet changing market and customer requirements, which I now lead.
What are your main responsibilities?
As Head of Analytics, I focus on developing and supporting data-driven solutions. Our team works on innovative projects that turn data into valuable insights for our customers. As CISO, my focus is on developing and implementing a comprehensive information security management system. I ensure that all relevant processes for protecting data and IT infrastructure are adhered to, and keep the entire team up to date on security standards and threats.
What excites you about your work?
No two days are alike! I value the variety and creative freedom I have in my position. As CISO, I've taken on an area that requires continuous learning – it's exciting and constantly challenges me to stay up to date.
What does a typical working day look like for you?
First things first: turn on the coffee machine! Then I check my emails and kick off the morning with regular meetings like our Dailys and the Scrum of Scrums. After that, I create a to-do list for the day and review deadlines. The afternoon is usually reserved for focused work – though naturally my day is often shaped by ad-hoc requests from colleagues on specific topics.
What makes kasasi special for you as an employer?
For me, the size of the company is ideal. We have flat hierarchies and direct, straightforward communication. That means I can respond pragmatically and quickly to challenges. Together with my colleague Jascha, I represent our second location in Hamburg – a cool, cosy office right in the heart of the city near Rathausplatz. Despite the distance, I have a great connection with all my colleagues. I still make the trip to the head office in Kempten once a month – because nothing beats personal contact.
Do you have any tips for applicants?
Absolutely! Personal commitment and initiative are always recognised at kasasi. There are many opportunities for development. I recommend everyone to take on responsibility and become an expert in specific areas. Communication is also crucial – asking questions and staying in exchange with others is a decisive success factor here.
Your famous last words?
Many people try to solve problems with technology alone. But the real lever is people. In IT, communication is often the key to success – not just the technical solutions.