Butzbach, August 3, 2026 – RIEDEL Networks, a provider of customized IT security and network services, is expanding its executive team: Axel Wehrle, an experienced technology and transformation manager, is taking on the role of Chief Customer & Technology Officer (CCTO).
In his new role, he will further develop the company’s technology strategy and focus on customer-centric innovations, the targeted use of artificial intelligence, and the continuous enhancement of the product and service portfolio.
“With Axel Wehrle, we are gaining a leader who combines technological expertise with a deep understanding of our customers’ needs,” says Gudrun Scharler, CEO of RIEDEL Networks. “His experience will help us further expand our innovative capabilities and strengthen our position as a reliable partner for customized network and security solutions.”
Axel Wehrle has more than 20 years of experience in senior management roles. During this time, he successfully led international teams and complex organizations through transformation processes, digital migrations, and organizational change. Throughout his career, he has held leadership roles at companies such as Amazon, General Motors Europe, 1&1 Versatel, and most recently Virgin Media O2. At these companies, his responsibilities included establishing and further developing customer-centric service organizations, managing international contact centers, and —as Chief Operating Officer—overseeing the operational strategy of a telecommunications company.
His focus has always been on improving the customer experience, optimizing service processes, and successfully implementing digital transformations. Most recently , he has been deeply engaged in exploring how companies can strategically leverage artificial intelligence to make service processes more efficient, reduce the workload on employees, and sustainably improve the customer experience.
In his new role at RIEDEL Networks, Axel aims to leverage this experience in a targeted manner. His primary focus is on consistently aligning technological decisions with the individual needs of customers. At the same time, he views AI as an opportunity to support employees and make companies more productive despite the growing shortage of skilled workers. He made a conscious decision to move to a mid-sized company because innovations can be implemented more quickly here and there is significantly more creative freedom than in larger corporate structures.
“For me, innovation always starts with the customer. Technology must solve specific challenges and create measurable added value,” says Axel Wehrle, CCTO at RIEDEL Networks. “At the same time, I’m convinced that AI doesn’t replace people, but rather empowers them to achieve more. Especially in medium-sized companies, short decision-making paths and ample creative freedom provide the best conditions for quickly putting innovative solutions into practice together with customers and employees.”
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About Riedel Networks
Riedel Networks is a globally active, privately held provider of customized network solutions, as well as network and IT security solutions. In the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Global WAN Services, we are listed as a niche provider specializing in international mid-market companies as well as the media and events industries. With our own global backbone, we help companies stay connected worldwide. Our service portfolio includes Internet connectivity, MPLS, SD-WAN, SASE, Cloud Connect, security solutions, and much more. Our customers come from a wide variety of industries and value quality, security, and reliability. Riedel Networks is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Riedel Communications Group, headquartered in Wuppertal, and is entirely privately owned by Thomas Riedel.
For more information about Riedel Networks, visit www.riedel-networks.net.