Cybersecurity has become a board-level priority. As threats grow more complex, organizations need security leaders who can balance technical depth with business judgment. Melbourne is home to a strong community of CISOs and senior security leaders driving change across retail, education, logistics, finance, and enterprise technology.
Below are notable CISOs based in Melbourne worth watching for their leadership, visibility, and impact.
Jason Murrell
Role: Cybersecurity Leader and CISO-level Executive
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-murrell-melbourne/
Jason Murrell is a well-known cybersecurity voice in Australia. He regularly shares insights on cyber resilience, leadership, and threat awareness. His work focuses on practical security fundamentals and executive-level communication around risk.
Amit Achrekar
Role: Chief Information Security Officer
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/amitachrekar
Amit Achrekar leads enterprise information security programs with a strong focus on governance, risk management, and compliance. His background spans security operations and strategic risk oversight.
Ben Grobler
Role: Chief Information Security Officer
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/ben-grobler-ba8384a
Ben Grobler is known for building security programs that prioritize culture, awareness, and people alongside technology. His leadership approach emphasizes sustainable and scalable security practices.
Ryan Saunders
Role: Chief Information Security Officer, RMIT University
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/ryansaundersaustralia
Ryan Saunders leads cybersecurity strategy at RMIT University, protecting academic systems, research environments, and student data. His role spans governance, incident response, and hybrid infrastructure security.
Marc Bown
Role: Chief Information Security Officer and Enterprise Technology Leader, REA Group
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/marcbown
Marc Bown brings deep experience in enterprise security leadership and large-scale technology environments. His work focuses on aligning security strategy with business growth and platform reliability.
Adam Cartwright
Role: Chief Information Security Officer, Australia Post
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/adam-cartwright-5344966
Adam Cartwright oversees cybersecurity for one of Australia’s most critical logistics and postal networks. His responsibilities include incident response, fraud prevention, and securing large national infrastructure.
Jamie Rossato
Role: CISO and Technology Security Leader
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/jamie-rossato-gaicd-1561a34
Jamie Rossato has held senior security leadership roles across complex organizations. His expertise includes cyber strategy, risk assurance, and executive governance.
Kirk Stephen
Role: Chief Information Security Officer
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/kirkstephenau
Kirk Stephen is an experienced security executive with a track record of building resilient security programs across enterprise environments.
Michael Karakinos
Role: Chief Information Security Officer, SafeID
LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/michaelkarakinos
Michael Karakinos leads security advisory and delivery for organizations across Australia and New Zealand. His work covers security strategy, compliance, and risk transformation.
Melbourne-based CISOs are managing growing exposure across cloud platforms, supply chains, identity systems, and critical infrastructure. These leaders stand out for their ability to translate cyber risk into business terms and drive real security outcomes.
