10 CISOs to Watch in Santiago, Chile — Leaders Driving Cybersecurity Excellence

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In today’s digital landscape, strong cybersecurity leadership is essential. CISOs not only protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data but also ensure organizations remain resilient against evolving threats. The following leaders are making waves in the industry through strategic vision, risk management, and innovative security programs. Here’s a closer look at 10 CISOs and cybersecurity executives whose work is shaping the field in Santiago, Chile.

Robinson Cáceres Rebolledo — Grupo Security

Robinson Cáceres Rebolledo brings deep expertise in implementing security controls and organizational cybersecurity programs. As Corporate CISO and Head of Security & Cybersecurity at Grupo Security, he has led initiatives to educate and engage employees across the organization, ensuring security policies are effectively communicated and implemented. Over the past five years, he has managed risk assessments for new projects and services, developed the company’s security roadmap, and established robust awareness and training programs that strengthen the security culture across the organization.

Mailow Contreras Cortes — Scotiabank Chile

Mailow Contreras Cortes oversees the information security strategy at Scotiabank Chile, protecting critical systems, data, and networks. He ensures compliance with regulations while leading efforts to mitigate risks and safeguard sensitive information. His responsibilities span cybersecurity, logical access control, IT risk, governance consulting, and regulatory compliance, all while managing change initiatives across the bank. In his leadership role, Contreras Cortes ensures the organization is prepared for emerging cyber threats in a highly regulated industry.

Pablo Emanuel Flores Córdova — Detacoop Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito

Pablo Emanuel Flores Córdova is a senior cybersecurity executive with over 15 years of experience in financial services, airlines, and retail. Currently the CISO at Detacoop Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito, he has successfully implemented cloud security, governance, and risk programs across AWS, Azure, and GCP environments. He has a proven track record of reducing cyber risk by up to 40% and improving incident response times by 70%, delivering resilient security architectures tailored to highly regulated industries.

Víctor Arriaza — Gildemeister Chile

Víctor Arriaza currently serves as CISO at Gildemeister Chile and is also a cybersecurity instructor at AIEP. He brings extensive experience in developing and managing security programs, focusing on both operational and strategic aspects of cybersecurity. By sharing his expertise through teaching, Arriaza is helping to cultivate the next generation of cybersecurity professionals while leading initiatives to protect corporate assets and critical information systems.

Felipe Fuentes — Central Bank of Chile

Felipe Fuentes specializes in information security management systems (SGSI), audits, and cybersecurity project implementation. At the Central Bank of Chile, he managed the bank’s business continuity and resilience plans, developing security awareness programs and disaster recovery strategies. His work includes creating internal and external simulation exercises, maintaining DRPs, and ensuring organizational preparedness against cyber threats.

Cristian Krauss Vásquez — Klap

Cristian Krauss Vásquez is the CISO and Information Security Officer at Klap, where he leads initiatives to safeguard company data and systems. Known for his analytical approach and ability to perform under pressure, he combines technical knowledge with strong interpersonal skills to align security programs with organizational objectives. His role includes defining security policies, overseeing incident response, and managing cybersecurity risks in dynamic environments.

Patricio Leyton Roque — Coordinador Eléctrico Nacional

Patricio Leyton Roque directs cybersecurity and critical infrastructure operations at Chile’s National Electric Coordinator. With expertise in operational continuity and industrial cybersecurity, he has led initiatives to protect essential services in energy, mining, and telecommunications. Roque is experienced in SOC operations, threat intelligence, incident response, and international cybersecurity standards compliance, strengthening both organizational and sector-wide resilience against complex cyber threats.

Rodrigo Martins — Falabella

Rodrigo Martins brings over 15 years of cybersecurity experience across consulting and telecommunications. As CISO at Falabella, he leads the Cyber Security Defense Center, managing complex systems and diverse teams across multiple business lines including retail, financial services, and digital platforms. Martins has developed fraud prevention models and security frameworks that protect critical business operations in a large multinational environment.

Carlos Antonio Landeros Cartes — Banco Ripley Chile

Carlos Antonio Landeros Cartes combines engineering and cybersecurity expertise with management of large-scale IT operations. He has served as Cybersecurity Manager at WOM Chile and currently leads information security and business continuity at Banco Ripley Chile. His work includes overseeing major IT projects, implementing enterprise security programs, and managing multidisciplinary teams, ensuring robust protection for critical financial and telecommunications systems.

Jose Manuel Villa Catalan — Ministerio de Salud

Jose Manuel Villa Catalan serves as CISO for Chile’s Ministry of Health, where he leads the governance of information security in the public health sector. He has implemented comprehensive security strategies to protect patient data and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. Villa Catalan has also developed multidisciplinary teams, risk assessment frameworks, and awareness programs to strengthen cyber defenses across the health sector.

Driving Cybersecurity Leadership in Santiago

These ten CISOs are shaping the future of cybersecurity in Santiago, Chile. Through strategic planning, operational oversight, and leadership in risk management, they are protecting critical infrastructure, financial systems, and public sector data. Observing their work provides insight into how Chilean organizations are navigating the increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape and building resilience for the digital age.