Canada’s automotive sector is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, and with it comes a new breed of cybersecurity risk. Connected vehicles, telematics, OTA updates, and cloud-based supply chains have made cybersecurity not just an IT function, but a strategic business imperative. In this environment, the leaders who can align security with innovation while protecting customer data and operational continuity are the ones to watch.
The leaders below represent a mix of OEMs, tier-one suppliers, fleet operators, and automotive technology organizations. Some carry the formal CISO title, while others lead security through broader roles. What they share is a commitment to modernizing security, enabling mobility innovation, and driving measurable business impact.
Jeff Hewitt — Director, Connected Digital Experience & CISO, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp.
Jeff Hewitt’s 24-year career at Hyundai Auto Canada is built on translating complex business ecosystems into executable strategies. He leads major digital transformations including CRM modernization, Microsoft 365 migration, SAP S/4HANA, and Canada’s connected-car platform, including telematics, OTA, V2X, and cybersecurity. Jeff is a strong example of a security leader who understands the full value chain from customer experience to enterprise architecture.
Robert Knoblauch — Chief Information Security Officer, Element Fleet Management
As the inaugural CISO of Element Fleet Management, Rob Knoblauch leads security for the world’s largest pure-play fleet management company. His 25+ years of global cybersecurity leadership includes enterprise security strategy, incident response, regulatory compliance, and security transformation across complex, high-risk environments. He is a prominent voice in operationalizing security across fleet mobility, a sector increasingly critical as vehicles become more connected.
Scott Corneil — Head of Cybersecurity & GRC (CISO role), TI Automotive
Scott Corneil serves as CISO for TI Automotive, a $5.5B tier-one supplier operating in 26 countries. He leads enterprise security and compliance across manufacturing, engineering, and corporate operations, driving ISO 27001 certification, Zero Trust adoption, and global cyber defense. His work reflects the reality that automotive supply chains now face the same cyber risks as major tech and financial enterprises.
Peter Elliott — Vice President, Information Security, Risk & Compliance, Magna International
Peter Elliott leads cybersecurity strategy and risk management for Magna International, one of Canada’s largest automotive suppliers. He oversees global security programs, enterprise risk, and compliance across a $40B organization operating in 29 countries. Peter’s role highlights the importance of security governance and operational resilience across a global automotive supply chain.
Andre Abayof — Head of Security — Canada, Stellantis
Andre Abayof leads security for Stellantis in Canada, overseeing advanced security functions and risk mitigation across auto manufacturing. With over 11 years of automotive security experience, Andre’s work supports a major OEM’s operational integrity, from plant security to workforce safety and physical-cyber convergence.
Jason Leake — Manager, Enterprise Security, Toyota Canada Inc.
Jason Leake leads enterprise security at Toyota Canada, supporting one of Canada’s largest OEMs. His background includes building security programs, penetration testing, cloud security, incident response, and risk management. While not titled “CISO,” Jason’s leadership role makes him a key player in Toyota Canada’s security posture and digital transformation journey.
The Next Generation of Automotive Security Leaders
The Canadian automotive industry is no longer just about manufacturing and sales; it’s now a data-driven mobility ecosystem. These leaders are at the forefront of defending that ecosystem, building security programs that enable innovation without sacrificing safety or resilience. Whether they carry the CISO title or not, they are the professionals shaping how Canada’s automotive future will stay secure, connected, and competitive.