Hi, I’m Max Mehl.

Open Source has always been more than code to me. I deeply care about its principles such as collaboration, transparency, and pragmatic problem-solving.

I work at Deutsche Bahn on Open Source strategy, governance, and team enablement. The goal is to help the organisation use and contribute to Open Source effectively. This includes co-founding the OpenRail Association for sector-wide collaboration and advancing software supply chain practices, especially around SBOMs and Cyber Resilience Act compliance.

With a background in political and administrative science and a strong technical foundation, my work often bridges technology and strategy. The focus is always on practical, long-term solutions that balance compliance, security, and efficiency.

Previously, I was with the Free Software Foundation Europe, leading licensing and compliance initiatives such as REUSE and campaigns like Public Money, Public Code. Before that, I founded a small, client-focused IT consultancy offering website development and system administration.

Outside of work, most of my time goes into family life with two kids. As a self-taught software developer, some of the rest goes into maintaining Open Source projects — and a little less than I’d like into climbing walls without ropes.

Once in a while I blog about things that keep me busy. You can contact me via email, messenger, or any of the platforms listed below. See the contact page for more details.