Professional sports today are major cyber risk targets, from ticketing and fan apps to operational IoT systems in arenas. As the game becomes more connected, the security stakes rise, and the people protecting these ecosystems often sit beyond the stadium walls. Many of the leaders below may not have “CISO of a sports team” in their title, but they influence the ecosystem that sports teams, leagues, and partners depend on for secure operations and data protection.
Dave Monroe — Senior Vice President, Information Technology & Security, National Hockey League (NHL)
Dave Monroe oversees IT and security for the NHL, one of the most prominent sports leagues impacting Canadian teams and fans. His role spans the league’s digital infrastructure, ensuring secure fan experiences, data protection, and operational resilience across one of North America’s most visible sports ecosystems.
Matthew Charette — Chief Information Security Officer, Payments Canada
Although not directly in sports, Matthew Charette leads cybersecurity for Payments Canada, whose systems underpin the financial transactions used in sports ticketing, merchandising, and sponsorship programs. His influence on national payment security makes him a key figure in the broader sports cybersecurity landscape.
Vaughn Hazen — CISO, CN
Vaughn Hazen leads cybersecurity for CN Rail, one of North America’s largest transportation and logistics companies. CN’s network security supports the movement of goods that feed into sports supply chains and event logistics — a crucial part of the behind-the-scenes operations for major sporting events and venues.
Shakeel Sagarwala — Chief Information Security Officer, Canadian Tire Bank
With over 25 years of leadership in information security, Shakeel Sagarwala drives enterprise-wide security strategy at Canadian Tire Bank. Sports sponsorships and fan loyalty programs often tie directly into financial systems like those at Canadian Tire Bank, making his role significant for the security of fan experiences and event partnerships.
Brian Cullen — CISO & VP, Global Operations, Rakuten Kobo
Brian Cullen leads cybersecurity for Rakuten Kobo, a global digital content platform. In the sports world, securing fan data and content delivery systems is essential for media, digital publications, and subscription platforms that support sports coverage and fan engagement.
Kashif Parvaiz — Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), RSOC Program Director, University Health Network
While university sports may not be professional, campuses host major sporting events and support sports technology research. Kashif Parvaiz’s leadership in cybersecurity and operational resilience at the University Health Network positions him as a notable figure in the broader Canadian sports ecosystem.
The Final Whistle: Security Isn’t Just a Team Sport
In a world where sports organizations are as digitally complex as they are competitive, cybersecurity leadership has become essential to maintaining trust, continuity, and fan experience. Whether they work inside a league, support event infrastructure, or protect the financial systems behind the fan journey, these Canadian security leaders are shaping the future of sports protection, and they’re the ones to watch as the game evolves.