Australasia’s digital ecosystem is expanding rapidly, with organizations across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific navigating unique cybersecurity challenges. From critical infrastructure and financial services to payments platforms, transportation, and education, the region requires security leaders who can balance innovation with resilience.
These nine CISOs are at the forefront of securing Australasia’s digital landscape, protecting critical systems, enabling business growth, and ensuring that regional operations meet international cybersecurity standards.
Arun Singh — Chief Information Security Officer, Tyro Payments
Arun Singh brings extensive experience in implementing ITIL-aligned processes and structures for operational delivery and support. At Tyro Payments, he drives cybersecurity initiatives that enable business objectives while mitigating risk. Singh is recognized for his ability to communicate effectively across all levels of an organization, using technology as a business enabler and ensuring that solutions meet corporate and technology performance goals.
Doug Hammond — Chief Information Security Officer, Uniting
Doug Hammond has over 25 years of technology leadership with a focus on risk management and information security. At Uniting, he oversees security strategy, operational delivery, and team leadership across multiple functions. Hammond’s approach emphasizes strong stakeholder relationships, strategic influence, and operational excellence, delivering measurable outcomes while safeguarding critical business processes.
Darren Kane — Chief Security Officer, nbn™ Australia
Based in Melbourne, Darren Kane leads security for Australia’s largest infrastructure project. He oversees the continuous monitoring and protection of facilities, personnel, and information systems. Kane develops and enforces security policies and standards across all operational areas, maintains relationships with law enforcement and government agencies, and ensures the integration of security best practices across nbn™ Australia.
Dane Maslen — Chief Information Security Officer, Kami
Dane Maslen has extensive experience leading global cybersecurity initiatives. At Kami, he safeguards data for over 40 million users while managing security policies, audits, and compliance across multiple countries. His career includes roles at 2degrees, Southern Cross, and Spark, where he focused on security architecture, compliance (PCI-DSS, SOX), and cloud transformation. Maslen excels at translating complex security concepts into actionable strategies for stakeholders and teams.
Akash Mittal — Chief Information Security Officer & Group Security, Sumitomo Australia
Akash Mittal leads enterprise-wide cybersecurity initiatives across Sumitomo Australia. A former Board Chair of the Australian Information Security Association (AISA), he combines technical depth with strategic business insight, driving digital transformation and regulatory compliance. Mittal is recognized for developing robust governance frameworks, leading high-performing teams, and advancing cybersecurity practices in collaboration with government and industry bodies.
Aaron McKeown — Chief Information Security Officer, NGM Group
Aaron McKeown focuses on elevating cybersecurity for critical infrastructure providers undergoing digital transformation. At Vector Limited, he led programs spanning cyber security, cloud, and architecture, extending these capabilities to the wider utilities sector through Equalise. McKeown is also an experienced speaker and advisor, sharing insights across Australasia and the United States to strengthen sector-wide cyber resilience.
Darren Beattie — Head of Information Security, Tower
With over 30 years of experience in security, infrastructure, and service operations, Darren Beattie drives value-focused security initiatives at Tower. He has built and scaled teams to deliver operational excellence, ensuring cost-effective and resilient cybersecurity programs. Beattie is passionate about service delivery, team development, and aligning security operations with business needs.
Christophe Demoor — Head of Security & GM Technology Operations, Auckland Transport
Christophe Demoor leads Auckland Transport’s cybersecurity efforts, focusing on protecting critical transportation infrastructure. He is rebuilding trust, fortifying defenses, and guiding the organization through a pivotal period of security transformation. Demoor combines technical leadership with operational insight to strengthen the resilience of public-facing and backend systems.
Aaron Bailey MCyber — Co-Owner & Chief Information Security Officer, The Missing Link
Aaron Bailey MCyber specializes in strategy, management, sales, architecture, consulting, engineering, solutions, and professional & managed services. His leadership extends across multiple cybersecurity disciplines, providing organizations with strategic guidance, operational oversight, and technical expertise. His previous certifications include CISSP, PRINCE2 Practitioner, CCSA, CCSE, NSA, SCSA, and SCE, reflecting decades of hands-on experience in securing complex digital environments.
Why Australasia’s CISOs Matter
In Australasia, the stakes are high: national infrastructure, banking, and public services rely on robust cybersecurity to maintain trust and operational continuity. These leaders are not only safeguarding networks—they’re shaping regional cyber policy, driving digital transformation, and building resilience that spans countries and industries.
As Australasia continues to grow as a hub for technology and innovation, these CISOs exemplify the region’s commitment to secure, forward-looking, and strategically aligned digital operations. Their work ensures that businesses, government entities, and communities can thrive in a connected world while staying protected against evolving cyber threats.