Australia’s startup ecosystem is seeing a surge of cybersecurity leaders shaping the future of business resilience. This list highlights security executives at the helm of growing tech firms and startups, as well as formal CISOs driving enterprise-grade strategies. Some lead traditional security teams, while others are entrepreneurial leaders bridging innovation, risk, and strategy, each making cybersecurity a strategic enabler of growth.
Gursimran Tiwana — Head of Cyber Security, Lumus Imaging
Gursimran views cybersecurity as a business imperative rather than a purely technical challenge. As Head of Cyber Security at Lumus Imaging, he drives strategy, risk management, and governance while closely collaborating with executive leadership and the board. He emphasizes building a resilient security ecosystem that protects assets, customers, and reputation. A people-focused leader, Gursimram fosters mentorship and a security-first culture, advocating cyber innovation and thought leadership through global forums and industry discussions.
Ryan Saunders — Chief Information Security Officer, RMIT University
Ryan brings over 18 years of experience delivering cybersecurity strategy and transformation for organizations across Australia, including critical infrastructure. As CISO at RMIT University, he manages all key cyber services, balancing leadership, compliance, and technical delivery. Known for his pragmatic approach to cost versus risk, Ryan ensures security services not only meet but exceed business expectations while driving continuous improvement and strategic insight.
Kirk Stephen — Head of Cyber Security, Baby Bunting
Kirk is a seasoned information security executive with a strong track record in program implementation, risk management, and large-scale projects. Formerly CISO at EBOS Group, he now leads security at Baby Bunting, bridging technical and business teams to inform executive decisions. Experienced across NIST, ISO27001, COBIT, SOX, PCI-DSS, and Australian Government frameworks, Kirk combines technical expertise with leadership, governance, and strategic planning to drive secure business growth.
Andy Curtis — Cyber Security Specialist / CISO, Federal Government Clients & Gadget Access
Andy delivers tangible results in security architecture and posture uplift, balancing hands-on technical capabilities with business acumen. From piloting security and infrastructure programs for federal clients to leading Gadget Access as CISO, he develops secure control frameworks, remediates legacy systems, and aligns compliance programs with organizational needs. Andy is recognized for founding a consultancy that secured major contracts across security, app development, content management, and eCommerce solutions.
Chirag D Joshi — Founder and CISO, 7 Rules Cyber
Chirag is a globally recognized, award-winning CISO, author, and board advisor. At 7 Rules Cyber, he leads strategic advisory services that align security with business value. Co-founder and Chief AI Officer of Critical Front, Australia’s first dedicated AI governance platform, he translates complex cyber risks into actionable strategies for executives and boards. Chirag has pioneered frameworks like the 7 Rules Framework and scenario-driven Cyber Risk Quantification, helping organizations build confidence, resilience, and trust in a digitally risky world.
Robert Turney — Chief Information Security Officer, auDA (.au Domain Administration Ltd.)
With 28 years of experience in information security, Robert brings enterprise-level leadership and pragmatic approaches to building resilient cyber teams and business-aligned strategies. As CISO at auDA, he focuses on delivering security programs that create tangible business value while engaging stakeholders at all levels. His emphasis on aligning security initiatives with organizational objectives ensures cyber risk is managed in a way that strengthens trust and operational resilience.
Jason Murrell — Entrepreneur in Residence Cyber Lab, Fusion Growth Labs
Jason combines three decades in startups, cybersecurity, and strategy to help organizations cut through complexity and build scalable capability. At Fusion Growth Labs, he leads a CISO-backed Cyber Lab turning enterprise security challenges into investable ventures with global potential. Jason’s expertise spans machine-verifiable third-party trust, AI-assisted incident response, OT visibility, and workforce effectiveness. He connects founders, investors, and enterprises to derisk procurement, drive commercial traction, and accelerate cybersecurity innovation in Australia.
Cyber Leadership Driving Australia’s Startup Security Future
These leaders exemplify how cybersecurity is evolving beyond technical operations into strategic business enablement. Whether in enterprise roles or startup ventures, they are shaping culture, governance, and innovation, ensuring that cyber resilience and business growth move hand in hand. As Australia’s startup ecosystem continues to scale, these CISOs and security leaders stand out for their ability to translate risk into opportunity, building the next generation of secure, high-growth technology ventures.