Leading Netherlands Cybersecurity Leaders Shaping the Future of Security
In a world where digital threats evolve daily, strong leadership in cybersecurity has never been more critical. The Netherlands is home to a thriving information security ecosystem, with leaders driving resilience across government, enterprise, and international cyber policy. These executives aren’t just protecting networks; they’re shaping the cybersecurity profession and influencing how organisations defend against ever‑advancing threats.
This list highlights prominent security leaders, many holding or formerly holding Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) roles, who are worth watching as the country continues to lead in cyber readiness and digital trust. From award‑winning CISOs in public and private sectors to strategic voices in European cybersecurity policy, these professionals embody the leadership that keeps organisations and citizens safe.
Jeroen Schipper — Chief Security Advisor, DEFION Security; Former CISO, Municipality of The Hague
Jeroen Schipper is widely recognized in the Netherlands cybersecurity community as a driving force for digital resilience and professionalisation of the CISO role. As CISO of the Municipality of The Hague, he led cybersecurity strategy for one of the country’s largest municipal organisations, managing a 30‑person Security Expertise Centre and advising executive leadership on risk and incident response. His holistic, inclusive approach earned him the coveted CISO of the Year 2024 Award, presented at the inaugural CISODAY event, where his vision for strategic leadership was celebrated among peers.
In 2025, Schipper transitioned to DEFION Security as Chief Security Advisor, where he now partners with boards and C‑level executives to tackle complex security challenges across sectors with a focus on sustainable resilience rather than commercial interests. With over two decades in cybersecurity, including experience with the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Schipper remains a respected voice in both national and international dialogue on strengthening organisational cyber posture and collaboration.
Tim Timmermans — Chief Information Security Officer Netherlands, ON2IT Cybersecurity
Tim Timmermans serves as Chief Information Security Officer Netherlands for ON2IT Cybersecurity, a global provider of managed cybersecurity services rooted in Zero Trust principles. In this role, Tim engages deeply with enterprise clients to understand their security challenges, driving proactive strategies and practical solutions for complex IT infrastructures. His work focuses on bridging the gap between threat insights and actionable security practices.
Beyond his primary CISO role, Tim contributes to thought leadership in the Dutch cybersecurity community by sharing insights and research with peers, helping influence how organisations prioritise resilience and threat readiness. His hands‑on approach to security strategy and engagement with clients underscores his commitment to advancing industry‑wide best practices and raising the bar for cyber defence.
Hans de Vries — Chief Cybersecurity and Operational Officer, ENISA
Hans de Vries brings a powerful blend of national and international cybersecurity leadership to his role as Chief Cybersecurity and Operational Officer at the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). In this position, he guides operational strategy and represents the agency in key European cybersecurity forums such as the NIS Cooperation Group and the EU Cyber Crisis Liaison Organisation Network (EU‑CyCLONe). His focus on implementing EU‑wide security frameworks reflects his commitment to strengthening collective resilience across member states.
Prior to ENISA, de Vries spent nearly a decade as Director of the Dutch National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC‑NL), where he significantly expanded operational capabilities and fostered collaboration across public, private, and academic sectors. His longstanding contributions earned him the Cybersecurity Achievement Award at CISODAY, recognising his influence on the Netherlands’ cyber security ecosystem and beyond.
Vincent Thiele — Co-Founder & COO, Modat; Owner, CISOFocus
Vincent Thiele is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with a strong background in strategic security advisory and interim CISO roles across multiple organizations. As Co-Founder and COO of Modat, a European AI-powered, research-driven cybersecurity company, he helps deliver advanced solutions like Modat Magnify, providing unparalleled access to the world’s largest Internet “Device DNA” dataset. His work focuses on enabling security professionals to outpace adversaries and proactively address evolving threats.
In parallel, Vincent continues to operate CISOFocus, where he takes on interim CISO assignments, advises on cybersecurity strategy, and helps organizations implement security roadmaps while building capable security teams. His dual roles reflect a commitment to both operational leadership and community empowerment, demonstrating the breadth of expertise required to lead in today’s complex cybersecurity environment.
Why These Leaders Matter in a Connected World
The individuals featured here represent the diversity of leadership necessary to face modern cybersecurity challenges, from municipal threat readiness and enterprise risk management to cross‑border policy coordination. If you’re assembling a list of CISOs to watch in the Netherlands and beyond, these experts are worthy inclusions not only for their titles but for the influence they exert on strategy, community, and resilience.
Their work underscores a central truth: strong cybersecurity leadership doesn’t just protect systems; it enables organisations to thrive in an increasingly digital world where trust is paramount.