Cybersecurity leadership is evolving fast. Today’s most effective CISOs aren’t just protecting infrastructure; they’re shaping strategy, influencing boards, and translating cyber risk into real business outcomes. The following rising leaders stand out for their ability to operate at that intersection of technology, governance, and executive decision-making. Each brings a distinct perspective, but all share one trait: they’re building the future of security leadership in real time.
Henrik Parkkinen — Information Security Officer, WirelessCar
A globally recognized security leader from Sweden, Henrik Parkkinen brings more than two decades of experience spanning both offensive and defensive security. His career has moved fluidly from hands-on technical roles to senior leadership, giving him a rare, holistic view of today’s digital ecosystem and threat landscape. At WirelessCar, Parkkinen leads the cybersecurity GRC function, driving the development and alignment of the company’s security strategy and roadmap. Known for his clear communication with everyone from engineers to board members, he is widely respected for his strategic thinking, analytical rigor, and leadership presence.
Maryam Bechtel — General Manager & Chief Information Security Officer, TAL Australia
Maryam Bechtel is a globally experienced cyber leader with more than 17 years in information security across consulting and in-house executive roles. Now CISO at TAL Australia, she is responsible for protecting critical systems that support millions of customers. Her background includes senior leadership at AGL Energy and NBN Co, as well as over a decade advising C-level executives through Deutsche Telekom and Deloitte. Bechtel’s career reflects deep international exposure and a consistent focus on transforming organizations into cyber-resilient, business-aligned operations.
Temi Adebambo — GM Security (CISO), Microsoft Gaming
Temi Adebambo oversees security for one of the largest gaming ecosystems in the world, safeguarding hundreds of millions of users across franchises such as Xbox, Call of Duty, Minecraft, and World of Warcraft. With two decades of experience across technology, gaming, life sciences, and financial services, he has led enterprise-scale transformations from strategy through execution. His expertise spans cloud security, identity, application security, and incident response, underpinned by deep knowledge of frameworks such as NIST, FedRAMP, and ISO 27001. Adebambo is also a long-time writer and speaker, shaping industry conversations around modern cyber leadership.
Nada Noaman — Chief Information Security Officer & SVP, The Estée Lauder Companies
Nada Noaman brings more than 20 years of experience across cybersecurity, management consulting, and public-sector leadership. At The Estée Lauder Companies, she leads global security strategy for a complex, consumer-facing enterprise. Her background includes extensive work within the Intelligence Community and Department of Defense, as well as advising Fortune 500 boards and even the U.S. Senate. Known for bridging strategy and execution, Noaman excels at building and transforming security programs grounded in modern risk management and performance measurement.
Zach Tisher — Chief Information Security Officer, USIS, Equifax
Zach Tisher serves as CISO for Equifax’s USIS business, bringing years of institutional knowledge and operational leadership to one of the world’s most data-intensive organizations. Based in Atlanta, he plays a critical role in shaping security strategy and execution across a highly regulated environment. His progression within Equifax reflects a deep understanding of both enterprise risk and the operational realities of securing sensitive consumer and commercial data at scale.
Diego Souza — EVP & Chief Information Security Officer, PROG Holdings
Diego Souza is known for his ability to translate complex cybersecurity challenges into clear, board-level business risk discussions. As EVP and CISO at PROG Holdings, he has built security organizations that function as business enablers rather than standalone control functions. His leadership style emphasizes executive communication, strategic alignment, and the transformation of cybersecurity into a driver of trust and resilience across the enterprise.
Noopur Davis — Global CISO & Chief Product Privacy Officer, Comcast
Noopur Davis leads cybersecurity and product privacy for Comcast and Sky, overseeing everything from security operations and incident response to privacy engineering and identity management. In addition to her executive role, she serves on multiple boards and advisory councils, including Regions Financial and Entrust, and is a former visiting scientist at Carnegie Mellon University’s Software Engineering Institute. A strong advocate for diversity in tech, Davis is also an executive sponsor and advisory board member for initiatives supporting women in technology.
Kevin Novak — Chief Information Security Officer, Old National Bank
Kevin Novak is a seasoned security and risk executive with deep expertise in financial services, operational risk, and regulatory compliance. At Old National Bank, he leads the institution’s information security strategy, drawing on extensive experience in SOX, HIPAA, fraud, and forensic analysis. Known for his ability to communicate risk clearly and drive organizational buy-in, Novak combines transformational leadership with disciplined execution in highly regulated environments.
Lucia Milică Stacy — Global Chief Information Security Officer, Stanley Black & Decker
Lucia Milică Stacy is a widely respected technology and security leader with over 20 years of experience across information security, data privacy, IT governance, and infrastructure. As Global CISO at Stanley Black & Decker, she oversees security at an international industrial enterprise while remaining deeply engaged in policy and industry leadership. Her roles on advisory boards, policy councils, and national task groups reflect her influence beyond the enterprise, shaping cybersecurity discourse at an industry and governmental level.
Ejona Preci — Group CISO, LINDAL Group
Ejona Preci represents a new generation of security leaders focused on human-centric cybersecurity. With more than a decade of experience, she has built her career around connecting advanced technology with usability and organizational culture. As Group CISO at LINDAL Group, Preci emphasizes ergonomic, practical security strategies that enable the business while reducing friction. Her work highlights how modern security leadership increasingly blends strategy, design, and empathy.
The Next Generation Is Already Leading
What unites these CISOs isn’t just their age; it’s how they approach the role. They communicate fluently with boards, operate comfortably across technology and business, and view security as a strategic enabler rather than a constraint. As cyber risk continues to rise in complexity and consequence, this new generation of leaders is already redefining what effective CISO leadership looks like.