In an era where cyber threats evolve daily, the role of the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) has never been more critical. These leaders not only defend organizations against breaches but also embed security into business strategy, foster resilient cultures, and drive innovation across technology platforms. While Fortune 500 companies often dominate headlines, there’s a growing cadre of CISOs at other publicly traded companies making a significant impact, shaping secure digital futures across industries from healthcare to SaaS, finance, and beyond.
Russell Koste — Biogen
A pioneer in integrating cybersecurity into highly regulated life sciences operations, Russell leads Biogen’s enterprise security strategy. He focuses on building a culture of empowered leaders, strengthening cross-functional collaboration, and deploying security programs tailored to both the company’s research-driven innovation and operational infrastructure.
Noopur Davis — Comcast
Oversees Comcast and Sky’s entire cybersecurity and product privacy functions, including security architecture, threat intelligence, incident response, identity management, and technical fraud prevention. Noopur combines deep technical expertise with advocacy for diversity in tech, serving as Executive Sponsor for Comcast TechWomen and leading product privacy initiatives across millions of customers globally.
Mandy Huth — Ultra Clean Technology
Leads global information security and compliance for a high-tech manufacturing company, developing strategic, risk-based roadmaps that align security programs with business goals. Mandy is known for creating inclusive, high-performing teams and translating complex security concepts into actionable insights for all employees, fostering a company-wide security culture.
Michael Baker — DXC Technology
With over two decades of cybersecurity leadership, Michael transforms enterprise risk management across aerospace, defense, and global consulting clients. He specializes in building high-performing teams, integrating cyber risk into business strategy, and fostering proactive defenses against evolving threats.
Frank Aiello — Maximus
Leads enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy for a global government services partner. Frank is recognized for building proactive, innovative security programs that protect critical infrastructure and sensitive data. He emphasizes empowering teams, aligning security with organizational goals, and driving digital resilience at scale.
John McClure — Sinclair Inc.
Responsible for Sinclair’s cybersecurity, enterprise infrastructure, and cloud initiatives, John ensures operational reliability while advancing technology innovation. He collaborates with executive leadership to embed security into business processes and strengthen the company’s resilience across broadcasting, media, and technology platforms.
Eric Pickersgill — FINRA
Oversees FINRA’s enterprise cybersecurity and information security programs, including cloud governance, risk management, and secure deployment of core enterprise platforms. Eric has a proven track record in both public and financial services sectors, building security programs that balance compliance with operational efficiency.
Arno Van Der Walt — Marriott International
Leads Marriott’s global security and technology initiatives, integrating cloud, network, and cybersecurity platforms into a seamless, scalable infrastructure. Arno focuses on enabling secure digital transformation, empowering teams, and protecting the company’s global hospitality ecosystem.
Atticus Tysen — Intuit
Oversees product security, fraud prevention, and risk management across Intuit’s financial and SaaS solutions. Atticus integrates cybersecurity into product strategy, ensuring secure, reliable experiences for customers while safeguarding sensitive financial data.
Esteban Gutierrez — New Relic
Leads New Relic’s information security strategy across its SaaS platform, focusing on threat prevention, detection, and response. Esteban ensures secure operations at scale while fostering a culture of awareness and accountability among global teams.
Jill Rhodes — Option Care Health
Brings a unique combination of legal, intelligence, and security expertise to healthcare cybersecurity. Jill focuses on enterprise-wide governance, people, process, and technology, creating a culture of security awareness and ensuring robust protection of patient data and operational systems.
Kris Burkhardt — Accenture
Secures one of the world’s largest consulting enterprises, protecting employee, client, and organizational data. Kris oversees global infrastructure hygiene, advanced security operations, behavioral programs, and client data protection processes, while staying closely aligned with emerging threat landscapes and compliance requirements.
Derek Dixon — Fresenius Kabi
Guides global security programs for a leading healthcare company. Derek is recognized for fostering a security-aware culture, aligning IT strategy with business objectives, and implementing robust cybersecurity programs that mitigate risk across international operations.
Bruce Coffing — City of Chicago
Leads municipal cybersecurity efforts, securing critical city infrastructure, data, and services. Bruce develops strategic initiatives to protect public-facing systems, internal operations, and emergency response technologies.
Daniel A. Mayer — Morningstar
Oversees enterprise security strategy, incident response, and risk management at a global investment research firm. Daniel builds resilient programs that protect client data while enabling secure digital innovation.
Darin Hurd — Rate
Leads cybersecurity for a major retail mortgage lender, integrating security into technology platforms and customer-facing applications. Darin focuses on operational resilience, regulatory compliance, and building enterprise-wide security awareness programs.
Scott Roberts — UiPath
Manages end-to-end information security, including governance, risk, compliance, product security, incident response, and field security enablement. Scott represents security to the Board and guides responsible AI initiatives, ensuring the company’s automation platforms remain secure and compliant.
Beyond Firewalls: CISOs Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity Through Leadership and Culture
These CISOs exemplify leadership that goes beyond firewalls and incident response. Their strategic vision, ability to integrate security into the core of business operations, and commitment to cultivating empowered teams set the standard for cybersecurity leadership today.
As threats grow more sophisticated, these executives are proving that strong leadership and a culture of security are just as important as technology in safeguarding the organizations of tomorrow.