Toronto’s cybersecurity landscape supports major sectors such as finance, healthcare, higher education, government and energy. These sectors rely on strong security leadership to protect data, systems and public trust. The following security leaders stand out for their influence, experience and work in strengthening cyber resilience across the region.
Donna Kidwell, CISO and Deputy CIO, University of Toronto
Donna Kidwell leads security strategy for one of Canada’s largest universities. Her work covers data protection, research security and enterprise risk. She supports a complex environment that serves students, researchers and global partners.
Olivera Zatezalo, CISO and VP of Cyber and IT Security, Ontario Power Generation
Olivera Zatezalo oversees security for a major power producer. Her role covers both IT and operational technology. She helps safeguard critical systems that support millions of people across Ontario.
Maneesh Agnihotri, CISO, City of Toronto
Maneesh Agnihotri leads the cyber program for Canada’s largest city. He supports public services, municipal operations and citizen data. His work helps keep essential systems stable and secure.
Priya Sirwani, CISO, Toronto Region
Priya Sirwani is known for her leadership in enterprise security across several industries. Her experience covers governance, risk and cybersecurity strategy. She is active in the security community and supports programs that align security with business needs.
William Lu, Cybersecurity Executive and CISO
William Lu has deep experience in information security, risk and compliance. He has supported large organisations through security transformation and continues to play a strong role in Toronto’s cybersecurity community.
Adam Evans, Senior VP and CISO
Adam Evans is a long-time leader in enterprise cybersecurity. His work includes driving security strategy, managing operational teams and guiding investment in modern security programs. He is active in industry forums and public conversations on cyber risk.
Faisal Ashraf, Cybersecurity Leader and vCISO
Faisal Ashraf supports organisations across Toronto as a virtual CISO and advisor. He helps companies improve their security posture, build governance frameworks and manage risk. His flexible leadership model has become important for small and mid-sized firms.
Jeet Jariwala, VP Information Security
Jeet Jariwala leads information security functions and contributes to Toronto’s CISO community. His work covers security operations, policy development and technology leadership. He is known for supporting teams that manage complex security demands.
Nilesh Shastri, CISO, Canadian Institute for Health Information
Nilesh Shastri oversees security for a national health information organisation. His role supports privacy, data governance and protection of sensitive healthcare systems. He contributes to sector-wide discussions on health data security.
Kashif Parvaiz, CISO and RSOC Program Director, University Health Network
Kashif Parvaiz leads security operations for one of Canada’s largest hospital networks. His work includes incident response, security operations and protection of clinical systems. He plays a major role in improving cyber readiness across the health sector.
These ten CISOs highlight how Toronto continues to build a strong foundation for cybersecurity leadership. Their work supports the systems that power daily life across the region. As digital threats evolve, these leaders will remain central to strengthening security for public institutions, private companies and communities across Ontario.