Aviation relies on seamless coordination and real-time information, making cybersecurity essential to protecting passengers, operations, and global networks. The CISOs highlighted here lead efforts to secure critical airline infrastructure, digital systems, and sensitive operational data. Their work ensures safety, regulatory compliance, and operational resilience, while enabling innovation and customer-focused services in one of the most complex and highly regulated industries in the world.
Deborah Wheeler — CISO, Delta Air Lines
Deborah Wheeler leads Delta Air Lines’ cybersecurity and digital risk programs, ensuring global operations remain secure and resilient. With a focus on collaboration, she builds cross-functional teams that integrate security into business processes while enabling operational excellence. Deborah is skilled in developing privacy and regulatory compliance frameworks, risk management strategies, and enterprise security programs. Her leadership emphasizes a culture of problem-solving and proactive defense, supporting Delta’s mission to leverage technology as a competitive advantage in the aviation sector.
Deneen DeFiore — VP & CISO, United Airlines
Deneen DeFiore drives United Airlines’ cybersecurity and digital resilience initiatives, safeguarding critical aviation infrastructure worldwide. She serves on advisory boards, including the NIAC, advising the White House on national infrastructure security. Deneen mentors emerging cybersecurity leaders while leading enterprise-wide risk management, threat intelligence, and operational security programs. Her strategic approach blends technology, policy, and collaboration to strengthen operational continuity and protect United’s global operations from evolving threats.
Ganesh Jayaram — Chief Digital and Information Officer, American Airlines
Ganesh Jayaram oversees American Airlines’ digital and cybersecurity strategy, aligning technology investments with business priorities. He drives customer-centric initiatives, operational improvement, and enterprise risk management, ensuring secure and seamless experiences across global operations. With 27 years of experience in digital transformation, mergers, and operational optimization, Ganesh emphasizes human-centric design, robust cyber defense, and scalable infrastructure to safeguard American Airlines’ critical systems.
Carrie Mills, CISSP — VP & CISO, Southwest Airlines
Carrie Mills leads Southwest Airlines’ cybersecurity threat intelligence, incident response, and risk management teams. She has developed advanced endpoint security measures, aircraft cybersecurity programs, and enterprise-wide compliance frameworks. With prior experience at Brinker International, Carrie brings expertise in operationalizing information security strategy across large organizations. Her leadership emphasizes building resilient systems, fostering security awareness, and aligning cybersecurity initiatives with business objectives to protect Southwest Airlines’ global operations.
Naby Diaw — CISO, VP Cyber Security and IT Cross Functional Processes, Lufthansa Group
Naby Diaw oversees Lufthansa Group’s cybersecurity, IT risk management, and compliance programs. Experienced in the airline and telecommunications sectors, he leads initiatives in security operations, business continuity, and enterprise architecture. Naby focuses on integrating security into organizational culture, implementing advanced threat detection, and fostering cross-functional collaboration to protect global aviation infrastructure while supporting operational efficiency.
Nicole Keeley — Director of Cyber (CISO), British Airways
Nicole Keeley leads British Airways’ cybersecurity strategy, designing technical solutions, governance frameworks, and operational security programs. With a focus on problem-solving, leadership, and customer experience, she integrates security into the airline’s IT infrastructure and digital services. Nicole emphasizes building resilient systems, fostering awareness, and mentoring security teams to mitigate risks in a highly regulated aviation industry.
Naresh Sharma — Head of IT Risk and Cybersecurity, Cathay Pacific Airways
Naresh Sharma directs Cathay Pacific Airways’ IT risk and cybersecurity programs, including policy development, governance, and proactive defense initiatives. With over 20 years of experience, he has led cloud and data center transformations, cyber culture improvements, and automation projects. Naresh emphasizes balancing innovation and security, creating a risk-aware culture, and ensuring regulatory compliance while protecting critical aviation operations.
Matt Biber — Group CISO, Qantas
Matt Biber brings 30+ years of cybersecurity and IT leadership to Qantas, specializing in security management, architecture, consulting, operations, and governance. He integrates security practices with business objectives, enabling innovation while maintaining resilience. A mentor to global cybersecurity professionals, Matt builds high-performing teams and establishes scalable security frameworks that protect Qantas’ operations and infrastructure in the aviation sector.
Tom Stewart BSc CISSP CISM CEH — Director of Cyber Security, Ryanair
Tom Stewart leads Ryanair’s cybersecurity operations, managing technical programs across IT, aviation, and financial systems. Certified in CISM, CISSP, and CEH, he emphasizes operational security, risk mitigation, and incident response. Tom develops strategies that safeguard Ryanair’s systems while ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency, positioning cybersecurity as a strategic enabler for the airline.
Navigators of Aviation Cybersecurity
In aviation, CISOs safeguard the systems that keep airlines and passengers moving safely around the globe. They integrate cybersecurity into operational strategy, protect critical infrastructure, and anticipate evolving threats in a highly regulated and dynamic environment. These leaders ensure airlines can innovate, expand, and operate with resilience, maintaining both customer trust and national security in an interconnected world.