Munich Security Conference Strengthens Board with Two New Appointments
Munich, September 21, 2026 – The Munich Security Conference (MSC) has announced significant reinforcements to its operational leadership with two key appointments. Silke Mülherr is set to assume the role of Director of Communications on October 1, 2026, succeeding Andreas Block. Jochen Stechert, meanwhile, has already commenced his duties on September 15, 2026, in the newly established position of Director of Information Technology & Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
Silke Mülherr to Lead MSC Communications
Silke Mülherr will take over as Director of Communications for the MSC on October 1. She succeeds Andreas Block, who has transitioned to a new role as Head of the Management Staff in the Federal Press Office. Mülherr most recently served as Co-CEO of the Alfred Landecker Foundation, an organization dedicated to promoting democracy, Holocaust remembrance, and combating antisemitism. In this capacity, she collaborated with governments, ministries, and a wide array of national and international partners from academia and civil society, including entities such as the German Marshall Fund, the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD), and the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP).
Prior to her work at the Alfred Landecker Foundation, Mülherr spent many years as a journalist specializing in foreign and security policy for the WELT Group. As an EU and NATO correspondent in Brussels, she reported on crucial European and transatlantic developments. Later, as Head of the Foreign Policy Department, she was responsible for editorial planning and the development of new news formats. In her new role, Mülherr will lead the MSC’s communications department, overseeing strategic communications, media relations, and digital communications.
Jochen Stechert Appointed Director of Information Technology & CISO
Jochen Stechert commenced his role as Director of Information Technology & Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for the MSC on September 15. In this capacity, he will head the MSC’s newly created, independent IT directorate, a move designed to significantly expand the organization’s IT and cybersecurity structures. This decision reflects the MSC’s continued growth, increasing digital complexity, and an evolving threat landscape.
Stechert joins the MSC from Dehner, one of Europe’s largest garden center chains, where he served as Chief Information Security Officer for the past five years. In that role, he held overall responsibility for information security, encompassing governance and risk management, technical safeguarding of the company’s IT infrastructure, incident management, and ensuring operational continuity. At the MSC, Stechert will play a pivotal role in shaping the organization’s technological and security strategic direction. The new directorate, in collaboration with the existing team, aims to strengthen IT operations, IT security, and innovation management.
Leadership’s Vision for Enhanced Effectiveness and Security
Benedikt Franke, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Munich Security Conference, commented on the appointments: “With Silke Mülherr and Jochen Stechert, we are strengthening the MSC in two central areas. Silke combines profound foreign and security policy expertise with journalistic experience and strategic communication. Jochen brings extensive cybersecurity expertise and experience in building modern technology and security infrastructures. Both will contribute to making the MSC even more effective, relevant, and secure in the future.”
Further News from MSC
- September 14, 2026: Press Release – Helga Maria Schmid and Jens Stoltenberg to Become Co-Chairs of the MSC
- September 9, 2026: News – Application Phase for Side Events at MSC 2027 Has Begun
- September 7, 2026: Event Report – The Fourth Edition of the MSC “European Defense Roundtable” Series Takes Place in Rome
- September 3, 2026: Press Release – Appointment of Nina Warken as a Member of the Board of Trustees of the Munich Security Conference
Source: Munich Security Conference
