Leadership is the backbone of any successful operation, streamlining complex processes and ensuring that teams work with clarity and direction. In the fast-evolving world of threat intelligence, where vast amounts of data must be analysed and acted upon swiftly, strong leadership becomes even more crucial. As Stephen Covey said, “Effective leadership is putting first things first. Effective management is discipline, carrying it out.” In threat intelligence, leaders not only set the strategic vision, prioritising the most critical risks—but also foster the discipline needed to execute security measures effectively. With cyber threats growing in sophistication, having skilled leaders at the helm ensures that intelligence efforts are proactive, coordinated, and impactful.
Given the complexity of the threat intelligence landscape, strong leadership is essential in guiding teams, refining processes, and ensuring effective decision-making. The following is a list of 30+ distinguished leaders in threat intelligence who have made significant contributions to the field, driving innovation and strengthening cybersecurity resilience.
Chief Information Security Officer at RiskImmune
Dr. Chelly is a pioneering cybersecurity expert who co-founded RiskImmune. She has served on the advisory board of BlackHat Asia and is a founding member of Women on Cyber, promoting gender diversity in the cybersecurity field.
Global Chief Information Security Officer at Darktrace
Since joining Darktrace in 2014, Beck developed the company’s 24/7 cyber analyst operation. As Global CISO, he oversees internal security programs, drawing on his experience with GCHQ and UK government cyber defence operations.
Chief Information Security Officer at Airtel Nigeria
Omoruku is a cybersecurity specialist with extensive experience in IT audit and security operations. At Airtel Nigeria, she designs comprehensive security strategies to mitigate business risks.
Chief Information Security Officer at Iberia
Appointed as CISO in 2019, Mérida is dedicated to information security and risk management, emphasising cybersecurity as a key component of Iberia’s strategy.
Chief Information Security Officer at Bentley Motors
With a career starting in the Royal Air Force, Robson has held senior security roles at LloydsTSB, Barclays, and The COOP Bank. At Bentley Motors, he directs IT initiatives supporting business objectives.
Senior Managing Director at Accenture
With over 25 years in technology services, Thexton leads Accenture’s Cyber Protection business and serves as Global Technology Officer for Accenture Security.
Senior Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton
Rozumalski drives innovative strategies to address critical cybersecurity challenges, including protecting critical infrastructure and enhancing government network defences.
Managing Partner at Intentional Cybersecurity
An expert in cyber risk, Colson has conducted extensive cyber due diligence on over $50 billion worth of private equity transactions, collaborating with management teams, investors, and boards.
Chief Executive Officer at Accenture Europe
Ollagnier leads Accenture’s European operations, representing revenues of $15 billion and overseeing 100,000 employees. He advocates for a European industrial renaissance, focusing on Industry 4.0 and artificial intelligence.
10. Ciaran Martin
Former Chief Executive Officer at National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)
Martin was the first CEO of the UK’s NCSC, establishing it as a leading authority in cybersecurity. He is now a Professor at the University of Oxford, focusing on public sector management and cybersecurity.
Chief Information Security Officer at European Investment Bank (EIB)
Matone is the CISO of the EIB and a founding board member of Women Cyber Force & Women 4 Cyber, promoting cybersecurity awareness and gender equality in the industry.
Managing Director at Protiviti
Stevenson leads Protiviti’s cybersecurity consulting services, assisting clients in developing robust security frameworks and strategies.
Partner at Kearney
Mosquera specialises in cybersecurity and digital transformation, advising organisations on mitigating cyber risks and implementing advanced security measures.
14. Pierson Clair
Managing Director at Kroll
Clair is an expert in cyber risk management and incident response, helping organisations navigate complex security challenges.
15. Alex Trafton
Senior Managing Director at Ankura
Trafton focuses on cybersecurity and data privacy, guiding clients through risk assessments and compliance initiatives.
Director at ScottMadden, Inc.
Bell leads cybersecurity consulting projects, assisting clients in enhancing their security postures and resilience.
Principal at Booz Allen Hamilton
Turner specialises in cybersecurity strategy and operations, supporting clients in safeguarding their critical assets.
18. Brad Medairy
Executive Vice President at Booz Allen Hamilton
Medairy leads cybersecurity initiatives, focusing on protecting clients from emerging threats and vulnerabilities.
19. Aniket Bhardwaj
Vice President at Charles River Associates
Bhardwaj provides cybersecurity consulting services, specialising in risk management and compliance.
20. Cuyler Robinson
Vice President at Charles River Associates
Robinson focuses on cybersecurity risk assessments and strategy development, assisting clients in enhancing their security measures.
Group Chief Information Security Officer at Bupa
Ivan Sanchez Lopez leads Bupa’s global cybersecurity strategy, overseeing the protection of sensitive customer health data and ensuring the company’s systems are secure from cyber threats.
22. Helen Rabe
Chief Information Security Officer at BBC
Helen Rabe is responsible for the cybersecurity framework at the BBC, ensuring that the broadcaster’s digital platforms and data are protected against emerging cyber risks and threats.
23. Matt Broomhall
Chief Information Security Officer at Lloyd’s of London
Matt Broomhall oversees cybersecurity at Lloyd’s of London, ensuring that the iconic insurance market’s data and systems are secure and protected from cyber-attacks.
24. Sarah Lawson
Chief Information Security Officer & Deputy CIO at University College London
Sarah Lawson manages both the cybersecurity and IT strategies at University College London, safeguarding the institution’s digital systems and data while also serving as Deputy CIO.
25. Kirsten Davies
CISO at Unilever
Kirsten Davies is the Chief Information Security Officer at Unilever, where she oversees cybersecurity efforts to protect the company’s global operations and digital infrastructure.
26. Rachel Laursen
CISO at JD Sports Fashion
Rachel Laursen is the Chief Information Security Officer at JD Sports Fashion, focusing on securing the company’s digital platforms and protecting customer data.
Chief Information Security Officer at EDF (UK)
Sam Rigelsford is the Chief Information Security Officer at EDF (UK), leading the company’s cybersecurity efforts to safeguard critical energy infrastructure and ensure the protection of its digital systems.
28. Alison Dyer
Chief Information Security Officer at ASOS
Alison Dyer is the Chief Information Security Officer at ASOS, overseeing cybersecurity, physical security, and fraud prevention. With a background in mechanical engineering and extensive experience in IT and cybersecurity, she brings a wealth of knowledge to her role.
29. Thomas Harvey
Chief Information Security Officer at Santander UK
Thomas Harvey is the Chief Information Security Officer at Santander UK, leading the company’s cybersecurity initiatives to protect its digital assets and customer information. Beyond his professional role, Thomas demonstrated his commitment to social causes by swimming from Spain to Africa to support Ukraine Friends’ laptop program, aiding children’s access to remote learning.
30. Richard V.
Head of Information Security at SGN
Richard V. is the Head of Information Security at SGN, where he leads the company’s cybersecurity initiatives to protect critical infrastructure and data. Before joining SGN, he served as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at National Grid Electricity Distribution and Western Power Distribution, with responsibilities including adherence to NIST, NIS-D, and global standards
31. Brian Hillegas
Senior Director, Cybersecurity Defense at McDonald’s
Brian Hillegas leads cybersecurity defense at McDonald’s, safeguarding its digital infrastructure. Recognised as Threat Intelligence Innovator of the Year in 2022, he plays a key role in industry-wide cybersecurity collaboration.
Cyber Intelligence Analyst Lead at The Walt Disney Company
Rebecca Ford serves as the Cyber Intelligence Analyst Lead at The Walt Disney Company, bringing extensive expertise in cybersecurity and intelligence analysis to protect the organisation’s digital assets.
33. Joshua Taylor
Senior Director, Global Information Security at Viatris
Joshua Taylor leads global information security at Viatris, ensuring the protection of the company’s digital assets.
These leaders exemplify excellence in threat intelligence, driving innovation and strengthening cybersecurity resilience.
In an ever-evolving threat landscape, strong leadership is the backbone of effective cyber defence. The individuals highlighted here are shaping the future of threat intelligence, ensuring organisations remain resilient against emerging risks. At Cyjax, we understand the importance of actionable intelligence and expert-driven insights in safeguarding businesses. Our team provides cutting-edge threat intelligence, helping organisations stay ahead of adversaries. Get in touch with us today to strengthen your security posture with intelligence that matters.
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