Across Europe, cybersecurity leadership continues to evolve alongside increasingly complex regulatory, financial, and critical infrastructure environments. This group of female cybersecurity leaders reflects the depth of expertise across banking, aviation, energy, fintech, and advisory—combining technical strength with enterprise risk leadership and strategic influence at the highest levels.
Jelena Zelenovic Matone — Chief Information Security Officer, European Investment Bank
Jelena Zelenovic Matone serves as Chief Information Security Officer at the European Investment Bank, where she leads cyber risk, operational risk, and information security strategy for one of Europe’s most important financial institutions. Her role spans defining risk appetite, implementing cyber risk measurement frameworks, and ensuring compliance across internal systems and external partners. Recognized as CISO of the Year in Luxembourg and across Europe, she is also active in global cybersecurity communities including the World Economic Forum, and is known for building strong governance frameworks and promoting cybersecurity awareness at scale.
Ewa Pilat — Chief Information Security Officer, International Air Transport Association (IATA)
Ewa Pilat is Chief Information Security Officer at IATA, where she leads cybersecurity strategy for the global aviation industry. With nearly three decades of experience across financial services, telecom, and technology, she has held senior global CISO roles at organizations including FNZ, DWS Group, and Willis Towers Watson. Pilat is known for driving large-scale cyber transformation programs and aligning security with business resilience, regulatory requirements, and global operations across complex, multi-country environments.
Justyna Larkowska — Chief Information Security Officer, everywhen
Justyna Larkowska is Chief Information Security Officer at everywhen, bringing a strong background in security operations, incident response, and cyber defense across multinational organizations. Her experience includes leadership roles at The Ardonagh Group and Clyde & Co, where she focused on building and scaling security operations and improving cyber resilience. She is recognized for her hands-on leadership across security delivery and operational risk in fast-moving enterprise environments.
Polly Cameron — Chief Information Security Officer, National Gas
Polly Cameron serves as Chief Information Security Officer at National Gas, where she leads cybersecurity for critical national infrastructure in the UK. With over 25 years of experience across military, financial services, and telecommunications sectors, she brings a unique blend of intelligence, operational security, and cyber expertise. Cameron is known for her focus on threat intelligence, crisis management, and security culture transformation, helping organizations operate securely in high-risk, high-impact environments.
Bronwyn Boyle — Chief Information Security Officer, PPRO
Bronwyn Boyle is Chief Information Security Officer at PPRO, where she leads cybersecurity for a global fintech platform. Her background spans leadership roles at Mambu, Open Banking, and Lloyds Banking Group, with a focus on security transformation, regulatory risk, and digital innovation. Boyle combines deep technical knowledge with strategic oversight, particularly in fast-scaling fintech and payments ecosystems where security must keep pace with rapid growth.
Sarah Armstrong-Smith — Member, UK Government Cyber Advisory Board & Executive Director, Secure Horizons
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is a leading voice in cybersecurity resilience and crisis management, serving on the UK Government’s Cyber Advisory Board while leading Secure Horizons. Her career spans executive roles at Microsoft, London Stock Exchange Group, and Fujitsu, with a focus on business continuity, incident response, and organizational resilience. A published author and frequent speaker, she is known for emphasizing the human side of cybersecurity and helping organizations prepare for and respond to large-scale disruptions.
Women shaping Europe’s cybersecurity landscape
As part of our Women’s History Month series, these leaders highlight the growing influence of women across Europe’s cybersecurity ecosystem—from financial institutions and global aviation to critical infrastructure and fintech. Their work continues to shape how organizations manage risk, build resilience, and secure digital economies at scale.
Explore more women making a mark in cybersecurity in our Women’s Month tag.