“I am thrilled with the success of the institute and see the great growth potential ahead of us. Artificial intelligence, data protection, cybersecurity, and digital platforms are only going to continue to increase in importance and must be researched and taught on an ongoing basis. DSI has bridged the gap between technology and society to bring these very topics closer into focus. I am very much looking forward to continuing and expanding the institute’s expertise in these fields,” says Heli Tiirmaa-Klaar.

Tiirmaa-Klaar has several decades of expertise in cybersecurity. Prior to her time as Estonian cyber ambassador, she was responsible for cyber policy and cybersecurity issues at the European Union External Action Service, including the development and implementation of the cybersecurity strategy for the EU. 

Tiirmaa-Klaar follows Martin Schallbruch, who had been with DSI since May 2016 and is taking on the position of the CEO and member of the board at govdigital eG, a cooperative of 21 public IT service providers jointly developing digital services for the German administration. Heli Tiirmaa-Klaar will be supported in her role by co-director Sandro Gaycken, a founding member of the DSI management team. 

“We are delighted to have such a renowned and experienced international expert as Heli Tiirmaa-Klaar join DSI. Heli is the right candidate to continue its success, focusing on executive education and leading its expansion in Europe,” says Jörg Rocholl, president of ESMT. “I would like to thank Martin Schallbruch for his great service to DSI and wish him all the best in the future.” 

About The Digital Society Institute  

The Digital Society Institute (DSI) is an interdisciplinary research institute of ESMT Berlin, founded in 2015 with the support of leading global companies. It accompanies the economic and social design of digitalization through strategic research and development – with a strong focus on cybersecurity.