Canada’s real estate sector is no longer just about buildings and leases; it’s now a complex network of digital systems, tenant data, smart infrastructure, and operational technology. As property portfolios become more connected and data-driven, cybersecurity has moved from an IT afterthought to a strategic business imperative.
In an industry where a breach can disrupt thousands of tenants, compromise sensitive financial data, and impact critical building systems, these security leaders are shaping how Canadian real estate companies defend against the next generation of threats. Not everyone on this list holds the formal “CISO” title, but each plays a senior security leadership role that closely aligns with the responsibilities and impact of a CISO.
Zaki Abbas — Senior Vice President & Chief Information Security Officer, Brookfield Asset Management
Zaki Abbas is a seasoned cybersecurity and technology executive with over 20 years of experience building enterprise security programs across complex, global organizations. His work spans multiple sectors, such as insurance, banking, infrastructure, energy, investment management, and real estate, giving him a broad, strategic perspective on securing critical assets at scale. At Brookfield Asset Management, he leads global information security, identity and access management, IT risk and compliance, and solution architecture. Zaki’s career includes senior roles at Economical Insurance, Great-West Life, and IBM, and he holds CISM, CISSP, CISA, and CRISC certifications.
Sandra Liepkalns — VP, Information Security & Data Governance, Choice Properties REIT
Sandra Liepkalns is a highly experienced leader in information security, data privacy, and risk management with more than 25 years of experience. At Choice Properties REIT, she provides leadership and governance for information security programs and helps shape the organization’s secure architecture, compliance, and risk strategy. Her work is critical in a sector where tenant data, financial systems, and property operations must be protected from evolving threats.
Paul Min — Vice President, Technology Operations and Security, Cadillac Fairview
While not always labeled a CISO, Paul Min’s responsibilities closely align with the role, as he leads security strategy and transformation, information security operations, compliance, governance, identity and access management, incident response, and breach management. His risk-based approach helps business leaders understand and address cybersecurity risks across Cadillac Fairview’s extensive real estate portfolio.
Aamir Bhaijiwala — Senior Director, Information Security, Chartwell Retirement Residences
Aamir Bhaijiwala brings deep experience in managing information security programs, with expertise in policy development, risk management, secure architecture, vulnerability management, supplier risk, and incident response. As Senior Director of Information Security at Chartwell Retirement Residences, he supports one of Canada’s largest seniors’ housing providers, an organization where cybersecurity directly impacts resident safety, operational continuity, and regulatory compliance.
Nicole Galang — Director, Information Security, BGIS
Nicole Galang serves as Director of Information Security at BGIS, leading major security initiatives and acting as ISMS Program Manager. With over 20 years of IT risk and compliance experience, she holds certifications including CISSP, CISA, CRISC, and ISO27001 Lead Auditor. BGIS is a major global facility management and real estate services firm, and Nicole’s role supports security across property operations, workplace systems, and client-facing service delivery, making her an essential figure in the CRE security ecosystem.
The Real Estate Cybersecurity Leadership Shift
Real estate is no longer just about buildings; it’s about systems, data, and operational resilience. The professionals highlighted here represent a growing trend: cybersecurity leadership is becoming central to real estate strategy, whether through formal CISO roles or closely aligned senior security leadership. Their work is shaping how Canadian real estate companies protect tenant data, secure critical systems, and manage risk in an increasingly digital environment.