6 CISOs to Watch in Real Estate & Property Management

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The real estate and property management sector faces growing cybersecurity challenges as organizations handle sensitive tenant, financial, and operational data across global portfolios. Leading these efforts are CISOs who not only protect information but also align security strategy with business growth, compliance, and operational resilience. From global real estate investment firms to property management leaders, these executives are shaping the next generation of cybersecurity in an increasingly complex and digital industry landscape.

Erik Hart – CISO, Cushman & Wakefield

Erik Hart leads enterprise-wide cybersecurity initiatives at Cushman & Wakefield, protecting sensitive data and ensuring compliance across global operations. He brings deep expertise in CEH, CRISC, and authentication frameworks, and has spearheaded major transformations including EOP2 migrations, advanced logging strategies, and threat detection modernization. Erik collaborates with global teams to align security with business goals while mentoring future cybersecurity leaders. His initiatives have improved detection capabilities, reduced breach risk by over 40%, and he’s a frequent speaker at industry conferences such as Crowdstrike Fal.Con and Zenith Live.

Stuart McDonald – Global CISO, Colliers

Stuart McDonald is a seasoned technical leader with extensive international experience, driving enterprise cybersecurity while aligning technology with corporate mission and operational performance. Adept at IT governance, M&A integration, and process improvement, Stuart excels at improving profitability through strategic planning, vendor management, and organizational change. His leadership spans corporate governance, telecommunications, digital media, and program management. Stuart is recognized for his ability to build high-performing teams, drive transformational initiatives, and deliver measurable business impact through technology alignment.

Sean Nealon – Senior VP, Global Head, Cyber & Information Security, Brookfield Properties

Sean Nealon leads global cybersecurity at Brookfield Properties, overseeing IT security for 25+ offices, 19,000 personnel, partners, and tenants. He advises business executives on security considerations for acquisitions and new initiatives while driving enterprise-wide programs in data privacy, governance, risk, compliance, identity and access management, and threat intelligence. Sean has elevated Brookfield’s security maturity from 1.3 to 2.9 on the NIST CMMI scale, automating processes and improving incident response, cost efficiency, and team productivity. Certified as C|CISO, CISSP, CEH, and CPT, he brings over 20 years of experience across multiple industries.

Sue Lapierre – VP, IT Governance, Information Security Officer, Prologis

Sue Lapierre leads IT governance and information security at Prologis, integrating GRC, vendor management, finance, and project oversight into a holistic strategy. She’s known for shaping resilient, people-first cultures, building security organizations from the ground up, and guiding teams through complex change and high-stakes incidents. Sue emphasizes trust, clarity, and service while elevating security awareness and protecting both business and personnel. Her leadership has earned multiple recognitions, including the 2025 CISOs Connect Top 100 CISOs in North America and Colorado=Security CISO Award for Most Admired CISO.

Adam Fletcher – Senior Managing Director, Chief Security Officer, Blackstone

Adam Fletcher oversees global security strategy for Blackstone, having progressed from Senior VP & Deputy CISO to Senior Managing Director and Chief Security Officer. His career spans network and security architecture design, global consulting, and large-scale IT and security transformations. Adam combines technical depth with advanced project management and international business experience, enabling him to lead enterprise-wide initiatives across Blackstone’s global operations. He specializes in security assessment, architecture, implementation, and troubleshooting, ensuring that complex security programs align with organizational objectives.

Brian Palmer – Director of IT Security and Infrastructure, Ventas, Inc.

Brian Palmer manages IT security and infrastructure at Ventas, Inc., leading geographically dispersed teams to deliver scalable, secure, and efficient IT solutions. His expertise includes enterprise IT infrastructure, data center and network management, SDLC, incident response, disaster recovery, and business continuity. Brian drives process improvements, cost reductions, and operational efficiency while ensuring high service quality. He balances strategic planning with hands-on oversight, cultivating strong vendor relationships and team performance in a complex, global real estate environment.

Guardians of Property Security

In the dynamic world of real estate and property management, these CISOs are the strategic guardians of digital assets, ensuring that global operations remain secure, resilient, and compliant. Their leadership not only protects sensitive tenant and business data but also enables innovation and growth across complex property portfolios. By blending technical expertise, operational insight, and people-focused leadership, these executives are setting the standard for cybersecurity excellence in the real estate sector.