Cybersecurity in media and entertainment has quietly become one of the most complex risk environments in Australia. These organisations operate always-on digital platforms, manage enormous volumes of consumer data, protect high-value intellectual property, and increasingly sit at the intersection of national infrastructure, real-time broadcasting, and global streaming ecosystems. The result is a threat landscape that blends traditional enterprise risk with public-facing, reputational, and regulatory pressure.
The leaders on this list reflect that reality. Some hold the CISO title today, others lead security under different banners, and a few have moved between sectors, but all are shaping how Australian media and entertainment companies think about resilience, trust, and cyber maturity. Together, they represent a cross-section of experience that goes well beyond tools and controls, extending into governance, culture, and executive-level decision-making.
Garry Bentlin — Group Director, Cyber Security (CISO), Nine
With more than two decades of experience across critical infrastructure, energy, transport, financial services, government, and major sporting events, Garry Bentlin brings a uniquely broad perspective to Nine’s cyber strategy. His background spans national cyber roles, large-scale transformation programs, and executive advisory positions, making him well-suited to the complexity of a modern media conglomerate. At Nine, Bentlin oversees cybersecurity across broadcasting, publishing, and digital platforms, where uptime, trust, and public scrutiny are non-negotiable.
Hank Opdam — Former Chief Information Security Officer, The Star Entertainment Group; Chief Information Security Officer, Ausgrid
Few security leaders understand the operational intensity of entertainment environments like Hank Opdam. During his tenure as CISO at The Star Entertainment Group, he led cyber resilience for a business that never closes, balancing regulatory demands, customer experience, and evolving threats. Now at Ausgrid, Opdam continues to apply a governance-driven, execution-focused approach, shaped by deep experience engaging boards, executives, and complex vendor ecosystems. His career underscores how entertainment security leadership often translates directly into critical infrastructure resilience.
Keyur Lavingia — Head of Security, Village Roadshow
Keyur Lavingia brings more than 20 years of experience in cyber operations, governance, identity, and business resilience to one of Australia’s most recognisable entertainment brands. As Head of Security at Village Roadshow, he is responsible for protecting a diverse portfolio spanning film distribution, theme parks, and live experiences. Known as a trusted adviser to senior leadership, Lavingia’s work reflects the growing need for security programs that align with both creative industries and rigorous international standards like NIST and ISO.
Peter Farrelly — BISO, Foxtel Group (News Corp)
Peter Farrelly’s career spans sovereign cloud infrastructure, highly regulated environments, and now subscription-based media. As Business Information Security Officer at Foxtel Group, he plays a critical role in aligning security strategy with business outcomes across streaming, broadcasting, and customer platforms. Previously, as CISO at AUCloud, Farrelly helped build a secure-by-design cloud provider trusted by government and defence clients. His transition into media highlights the increasing convergence between cloud security maturity and entertainment platforms.
Theodore Malanos — Group Head of Information Security, EVT (Entertainment | Ventures | Travel)
At EVT, Theodore Malanos oversees information security across a portfolio that includes cinemas, hospitality, live entertainment, and travel. His role reflects the expanding digital footprint of experience-driven brands, where security must support both operational technology and customer-facing platforms. Malanos’ work focuses on enabling growth while managing risk across diverse business units, each with distinct threat models and regulatory considerations.
Greg Muir — Head of Information Security, oOh!
As Head of Information Security at oOh!, Greg Muir is responsible for securing one of Australia’s largest out-of-home media networks. Digital signage, data-driven advertising, and real-time content delivery create a unique attack surface that blends physical and cyber risk. Muir’s long tenure at oOh! reflects the increasing importance of sustained, programmatic security leadership in media organisations that operate at a national scale.
Neha Sharma — Chief Information Security Officer, The Star Entertainment Group
Neha Sharma currently leads cybersecurity at The Star Entertainment Group, overseeing security in a highly regulated, customer-centric entertainment environment. Her role encompasses governance, incident readiness, and operational resilience across digital and physical systems. Sharma’s appointment signals the continued elevation of cybersecurity as a core executive function within Australia’s major entertainment operators.
Stephen Watson — Disaster Recovery Specialist, Sportsbet
While not holding a traditional CISO title, Stephen Watson’s work at Sportsbet highlights the critical role of resilience and recovery in digital entertainment. With a background in enterprise security leadership and risk management, Watson focuses on ensuring continuity in an always-on, high-transaction environment. His career illustrates how modern security leadership in entertainment increasingly extends beyond prevention to operational survivability.
Why These Leaders Matter Now
As media and entertainment companies become more digital, more regulated, and more exposed, cybersecurity leadership is no longer a supporting function; it is foundational. The executives on this list demonstrate how security roles are evolving to encompass business strategy, customer trust, and long-term resilience. Whether holding the CISO title or operating under a different mandate, each of these leaders is helping redefine what strong cyber leadership looks like in Australia’s media and entertainment sector.