The Consulting Report is pleased to announce The Top 50 Cybersecurity Leaders of 2021. As the threat of cyberattacks increases, so does the need for specialized professionals who can understand and safely navigate the digital world. With that in mind, the executives and consultants selected for this year’s award represent some of the most experienced and forward-thinking consulting firm leaders who have continued to make significant contributions to the cybersecurity space. We evaluated each nominee based on a series of factors, carefully weighing their demonstrated cybersecurity expertise, professional milestones, tenure in the industry, and extended capabilities in enterprise risk mitigation.
This year’s awardees include executives like Kelly Bissel, who has grown Accenture’s Security division to a $3 billion business as its Senior Managing Director and Michael LaRouche, who distinguished himself in leadership positions at Lockheed Martin and Raytheon before assuming Presidency of SAIC’s National Security and Space Sector. As we have seen in recent times, vulnerability to cyber threats is rising as more industries become digitized in the modern world. This year’s awardees are among the most accomplished leaders who continue to guide businesses and other organizations in an ever-changing landscape. Please join us in recognizing and celebrating the achievements of The Top 50 Cybersecurity Leaders of 2021.
1. Kris Lovejoy, EY
Title: Global Consulting Cybersecurity Leader
As Global Consulting Cybersecurity Leader at London-based accounting company EY, Kris Lovejoy works with clients in a broad variety of sectors to help them boost their security measures to the next level. A frequent contributor to Forbes and Fortune, as well as a speaker at RSA and infosec conferences the world over, Lovejoy is recognized as a global expert in cybersecurity in general—and compliance and governance in particular.
After building a reputation for excellence in vice presidential positions at TruSecure and Consul Risk Management, Lovejoy cut her teeth as VP of security strategies and general manager with IBM Security Solutions. Subsequent to her tenure with IBM, she was president of Acuity Solutions and CEO of BluVector, an AI-driven network security firm based in Maryland. In her current position, Lovejoy devotes a great deal of effort to increasing access to the cybersecurity world among women and other traditionally neglected groups. Lovejoy earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania.
2. Brad Medairy, Booz Allen Hamilton
Title: Executive Vice President and Cybersecurity Leader
As Executive Vice President and Cybersecurity Leader of IT consultancy Booz Allen, Brad Medairy drives the vision, strategy, investments, and delivery of complex cybersecurity and engineering programs for the company’s clients across the intelligence community, Department of Defense, federal agencies, and global commercial markets. He leads a multi-disciplinary team of cyber security, AI, and network engineers/developers to deliver next generation cyber solutions products that fuse intelligence-grade tradecraft with emerging technologies to combat complex threats.
Medairy has dedicated nearly two decades to Booz Allen, serving as a senior associate/principal and VP before filling his current role, in addition to a previous four-year stint with the firm as a software developer lead. During his year-and-a-half hiatus from Booz Allen, he worked as a lead architect for Aestix. Medairy holds a Bachelor of Science in information systems from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County; and a Master of Science in the same discipline from The Johns Hopkins University.
3. Kelly Bissell, Accenture
Title: Senior Managing Director of Accenture Security
Since 2016, renowned cybersecurity expert Kelly Bissell has served as Senior Managing Director for Accenture Security. In this role, Bissell spearheads Accenture’s Security business, which encompasses a wide swath of security services, including strategic consulting, response and remediation services, digital identity to cyber defense, proactive risk management, and managed security services. Accenture—a multinational professional services company specializing in IT services and consulting—also relies on Bissell to oversee a global cybersecurity workforce of 7,000 professionals. Since joining the Accenture team, Bissell has been directly responsible for driving the growth of Accenture Security, which is now an approximately $3 billion business.
Prior to Accenture, Bissell gained extensive knowledge of the cybersecurity landscape by spending more than 25 years in key roles at companies like Deloitte, Arthur Andersen, BellSouth, and others. Notably, in the 1990s, Bissell helped to create the Internet Protocol version 6 (IPv6), by which much of the internet runs today. Bissell holds a bachelor’s degree from DeVry University and a Master of Business Administration from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School.
4. Rocco Grillo, Alvarez & Marsal
Title: Managing Director
As the Managing Director of Alvarez & Marsal’s Disputes and Investigations Global Cyber Risk Services practice in New York, Rocco Grillo leads multi-disciplinary teams providing cyber risk and incident response services to clients globally. His 25 years of experience in cybersecurity advisory services, incident response investigations, and other technical advisory services, combined with his well-established understanding of commercial sector challenges and national security objectives, have made him influential to the development of national policy in cybersecurity—including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
Before joining the A&M fold, Grillo worked with Stroz Friedberg/Aon Cyber Solutions, serving as global leader of cybersecurity services. Previously, he was a founding member of Protiviti Inc’s Cybersecurity Practice, where he guided the development of the firm’s Global Incident Response and Forensics Investigations practice. Additionally, he was integral to the development of RedSiren Technologies (now Geotronics), a pioneering managed security services provider that evolved out of Carnegie Mellon University. Grillo is an affiliate board advisor for the Retail and Hospitality ISAC, has assisted with other thought-leadership initiatives for the FS-ISAC, and is a steering committee member for Shared Assessments. As well as being a CISSP, PCI-QSA CRMA, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, and CTPRA, Grillo earned a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University.
5. Jason Smolanoff, Kroll
Title: President of Cyber Risk
Serving as President of Cyber Risk at management consulting firm Kroll, Jason Smolanoff continues to raise the bar in risk assessment and digital security. Smolanoff is a highly decorated leader in the world of cybersecurity, boasting honors that include Outstanding Cyber Investigation by the Office of the Director for National Counterintelligence and commendations by the Los Angeles City Council and County Supervisor. Throughout his career, Smolanoff has led successful investigations into a vast array of digital criminal activities.
Previous positions held by Smolanoff include CEO at CISO Advisory & Investigations, and more than a decade as a supervisory special agent with the FBI. In addition to his many patents and his publications on cybersecurity in national periodicals, Smolanoff currently serves as commissioner of the San Manuel Gaming Commission. He earned a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from the State University of New York at New Paltz, and a Master of Science in chemistry from the State University of New York at Stony Brook.
6. Michael Coden, Boston Consulting Group-Platinion
Title: Managing Director
Michael Coden serves as Managing Director of BCG Platinion, a part of The Boston Consulting Group, which is one of the largest and most prestigious consulting firms in the world. Recognized as an authority on protecting critical IT infrastructure, Coden joined BCG Platinion in 2016, bringing with him more than three decades of experience as a cybersecurity expert. In his current role, his responsibilities span cybersecurity strategy, organization, processes, technologies, and product R&D across all industries and public sectors.
Coden is also co-founder and associate director of the research consortium for cyber security at MIT Sloan. Among his numerous recognitions and awards, he received a letter of appreciation from the White House for his involvement in the USA NIST Cybersecurity Framework process. During his prolific career, he's published numerous scholarly articles and a book, appeared on radio and television, earned 16 patents on cybersecurity technologies, and has delivered over 150 invited lectures on cybersecurity and related topics. Coden holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a master's degree in business from Columbia University, and a second master's degree in mathematics from NYU's Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences.
7. Santha Subramoni, Tata Consultancy Services
Title: Global Head of Cybersecurity Solutions
Santah Subramoni is the Global Head of Cybersecurity Solutions for Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). The firm combines technical expertise and business intelligence to provide information technology services as well as digital and business solutions to a wide range of clients around the world. Subramoni is responsible for practice revenue growth, solutions, profitability and customer engagement in the cybersecurity space.
With over twenty-three years of experience with TCS, Subramoni has held a range of senior roles, previously serving as the firm’s global head of intelligent process automation and BPM services, enterprise solutions & corporate TEG, as well as the director of delivery assurance, presales program management, and in software development and project management. Subramoni holds a Bachelor of Technology degree in electrical and electronics engineering from the College of Engineering, Trivandrum.
8. Tucker Bailey, McKinsey & Company
Title: Partner
Tucker Bailey is a Partner in the Washington, D.C. location of McKinsey’s Business Technology Office, which is part of McKinsey & Company, one of the oldest and largest management consultancies in the world. An expert on cybersecurity, Bailey’s main focus areas are security, defense, and IT issues. At McKinsey BTO, Bailey has served multiple public and private sector clients, including numerous Fortune 500 companies.
Prior to McKinsey, Bailey served as a U.S. naval officer and a special agent with Naval Criminal Investigative Service. He also co-founded Harbinger Technologies, a security technology company that was acquired by Acxiom Corporation. In addition to his work in the corporate world, Bailey is the coauthor of the book Beyond Cybersecurity: Protecting Your Digital Business (Wiley, 2015). He holds a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from Duke University, where he also played rugby and was a member of the ROTC program. Later, in 2004, Bailey received his Master of Business Administration from Harvard Business School.
10. Charles Henderson, IBM X-Force
Title: Global Managing Partner and Head of X-Force
Charles Henderson is Global Managing Partner of IBM iX, and leads IBM Security’s X-Force Red cybersecurity division. During his tenure at the helm of IBM X-Force, Henderson has significantly advanced the company’s achievements in incident response, vulnerability management, and penetration testing for large enterprises as well as small and mid-sized companies.
Before joining IBM in 2015, Henderson spent the better part of a decade in executive and director roles at security firm Trustwave. Prior to that, Henderson was a principal partner at AISecurity, and headed security consulting teams at Seculab and TÜViT in Austin, Texas. As a global leader in the world of information security, Henderson considers himself a professional hacker for the forces of good, and is frequently invited to speak on matters relating to cybersecurity, appearing at professional conferences as well as in national newspapers and broadcast media. Henderson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin.
11. Mayank Agarwal, Infosys
Title: Head of Cyber Security, North America
Mayank Agarwal is the Head of Cyber Security for Infosys North America. The company provides enterprise cybersecurity analysis, diagnosis, design, and implementation of secure-by-design systems, offering scalable solutions and pioneering cybersecurity research and development. Infosys was ranked number three on 2019 Forbes ‘World’s Best Regarded Companies’ list and has posted $2.6 billion in net profit in FY2021.
Agarwal has served in a number of roles during his sixteen-year tenure at Infosys, ranging from Regional Head of Sales, CIS, South Central Region to Strategic Planning and Marketing IT Infrastructure Services. He previously worked as a Transition Manager for Gecis and a Senior Consultant for Big Four firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Management in systems and marketing from NITIE, and a Bachelor of Engineering degree in electrical engineering from the Dayalbagh Educational Institute.
12. Sean Joyce, PwC
Title: Partner, Global & US Cybersecurity & Privacy Leader, PwC United States
Sean Joyce is a Partner, Global & US Cybersecurity & Privacy Leader, at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) United States. PwC is a global professional services firm specializing in accounting, auditing, assurance, and consulting. Joyce has provided strategic guidance and advised on incident breach response and cybersecurity to numerous clients in some of the most prolific cyber breaches.
Before joining PwC, Joyce was the chief trust officer for Airbnb, and spent over 25 years in various roles with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, including deputy director, executive assistant director of the National Security Branch, the assistant director of the International Operations Division, and the chief of the Counterterrorism Division’s International Terrorism Operations Section. In 2011 he was awarded the Presidential Rank Award - the highest civil service award in the United States. He holds a Masters of business administration from Dartmouth College’s Tuck School of Business, and a Bachelors of Science in business administration and computer science from Boston College.
13. Anthony Ferrante, FTI Consulting
Title: Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Cybersecurity
Anthony Ferrante is the Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Cybersecurity for FTI Consulting, an independent global business advisory firm. The company offers a wide variety of services crafted to assist clients across the business cycle with consultants with deep knowledge of their respective fields and a demonstrated record of success. FTI Consulting was recently named Global Turnaround Consulting Firm of the Year for its sixth consecutive year at the Global M&A Network’s 13th Turnaround Atlas Awards and posted $2.46 billion in revenue in FY2020.
Ferrante brings over 25 years of expertise in cybersecurity, incident response, and readiness planning to the firm, and previously served as director for cyber incident response at the U.S. National Security Council, the chief of staff for the FBI’s Cyber Division, and an adjunct professor of computer science at Fordham University’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, where he served as the co-director of the university’s cybersecurity research program. Ferrante received the 2019 Global Leaders in Consulting award from Consulting Magazine. He holds a Master of Science in computer science as well as a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Fordham University.
14. Jordan Kendall, Security Compass Advisory
Title: President
Seasoned marketing and sales leader Jordan Kendall is President of Security Compass Advisory, a Toronto-based provider of cybersecurity solutions and advisory services. In this current role, Kendall leverages his wide range of proven proficiencies: marketing optimization, sales performance, account management, sales coaching, and market analytics.
For over two decades, Kendall has helped consulting professionals drive growth through client acquisition and market expansion. During his career he's worked with some of the biggest firms in the world, including Deloitte, PwC, AT&T Canada, and Sprint Canada. Most recently, Kendall was the chief operating officer of Aon's Cyber Solutions, a global cybersecurity consulting business providing a range of solutions. Before Aon, Kendall was the chief marketing officer at Stroz Freidberg, a leader in the investigations, digital forensics, and incident response fields. In 2020, Kendall founded Starman Cybersecurity to help security professionals compete, thrive, and stay focused on their missions. In 1996, Kendall graduated summa cum laude from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts. In addition, he's completed post-grad work at Syracuse University.
15. Bradley Davenport, Bain & Company
Title: Practice Director, Boston
Bradley Davenport is the Practice Director for the Boston-based Bain & Company’s Enterprise Technology practice, which provides consulting services to businesses seeking to modernize systems and architecture, streamline operating models, and align technology strategy with business goals. Davenport is responsible for product and commercial development, knowledge management, and strategic and operational planning. The practice has successfully supported and overseen digital transformation projects in a multitude of industries, including healthcare, consumer products, financial services, retail, and energy & natural resources.
Previously serving in marketing roles for RSA Security and Dell EMC, he brings over a decade of experience working with Bain & Company to his role as Practice Director. Davenport was awarded a Master of Business Administration from MIT’s Sloan School of Management in 2011, graduated with honors from Boston College with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration and marketing, and holds an Associate Degree in economics from the University of London.
16. Tony Buffomante, Wipro
Title: Global Head of Cybersecurity and Risk
Tony Buffomante is the Global Head - Cybersecurity & Risk for Wipro, a multinational provider of information technology, consulting, and business process services. The company’s cybersecurity division provides services ranging from security and risk advisory, cloud and infrastructure security, digital trust, to application security. The division’s 7,500-strong force of cybersecurity professionals serve over 600 clients in over 600 countries via 16 global cyber defense centers.
Buffomante brings nearly three decades of cybersecurity experience to his role at Wipro, having previously served as a principal at KPMG, as the global co-leader and U.S. leader for cyber security services. He spent nearly a decade as a manager of Sears Roebuck and Co’s digital assets and infrastructure, and was an experienced consultant at Arthur Andersen LLP. In addition to his extensive cybersecurity experience, Buffomante is a champion racing driver, having most recently won the 2016 Trans-Am TA2. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in management and computer science from the University of Notre Dame.
17. Courtney Adante, Teneo
Title: President of Security Risk Advisory
Courtney Adante is the President of Security Risk Advisory at Teneo, a public relations and advisory company with more than 1,250 employees located in 33 offices around the world. The firm works exclusively with the CEOs and senior executives of the world’s leading companies to provide strategic counsel across a full range of issues and objectives. Adante supports Fortune 500 clients in the design and implementation of enterprise security strategies, including emergency preparedness, response, and crisis communication.
A seven-year veteran of the firm, Adante has served in a number of senior management roles, joining the firm from Accenture, where she spent eight years as a senior manager of capital markets. She previously served as VP of trading services for Instinet, director of trading services for Island ECN, senior market supervisor of fixed income trading for Eurex, and senior investigator for the Chicago Board of Trade. Adante also serves as Vice Chair on the board of directors for Girls Inc. of New York City. She holds a Master of Science in cybersecurity risk and strategy, a Master of Business Administration in finance and international business from Loyola University Chicago, and a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Miami University.
18. Tony Howlett, SecureLink
Title: Chief Information Security Officer
As Chief Information Security Officer of vendor-privileged access management firm SecureLink, Tony Howlett has a reputation for consistent excellence in driving the company’s vision and execution in the fields of infosec and compliance. Howlett contributed his considerable skills in the world of cybersecurity to the company’s successful exit for private equity owners. He regularly publishes writings on technology and security topics, and frequently speaks on these issues at national conferences.
Prior to his tenure at SecureLink, Howlett was chief technology, security, and privacy officer at Austin-based IT firm Codero, and earned considerable accolades in his 16-year tenure as CTO of Network Security Services. A fierce advocate for advancing digital security education, he is the founder and president of the Austin chapter of security awareness nonprofit (ISC)2, and has served on the GIAC’s GSNA certification advisory board for more than a decade. Howlett earned a bachelor’s degree in management information systems from the University of Houston.
19. Pierre Barnabé, Atos
Title: Senior Executive Vice President, Head of Big Data & Cybersecurity Division, and Group Security Officer
Pierre Barnabé is the Head of the Big Data & Cybersecurity Division and Senior Executive Vice President at Atos, and also serves as Group Security Officer. His company offers cloud computing, security, risk management, business integration, process outsourcing, and enterprise consulting to clients around the world. It recently announced the launch of its Terra2 mobile app, which provides the most comprehensive satellite images of Earth to date from its earth observation platform Mundi Web Services, generating data analysis that can be effectively leveraged by policymakers in the quest for net-zero emissions.
Barnabé joined Atos after its merger with Bull, where he previously served as the Chief Operating Officer. He also acted as the general manager of SFR Business, worked in the venture capital department of Thalès, and was group EVP of human resources and transformation at Alcatel-Lucent France, a position he was appointed to after rising to the position of chief executive officer. Barnabé was made a Knight of the French National Order of Merit. He is a graduate of NEOMA Business School and CentraleSupélec.
20. Al Whitmore, BAE Systems Applied Intelligence
Title: President of the Intelligence and Security Sector
President of BAE Systems Applied Intelligence’s Intelligence and Security sector since 2017, Al Whitmore brings more than three decades of experience in cybersecurity to the company’s vital military and security operations. Contributing to the safety and security of more than 6,000 employees worldwide, Whitmore is responsible for all major intelligence and cybersecurity matters for BAE I&S’ engineering and integration services for clients including the U.S. Department of Defense and the country’s major intelligence agencies.
Before leading BAE’s Intelligence and Security division, Witmore worked as senior VP of General Dynamics Information Technology and held business development and strategic leadership positions at GTE. In addition to his duties with BAE, He sits on the international board of directors for the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA). Whitmore earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering from Brown University, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University.
21. John McClurg, Blackberry Cybersecurity Consulting
Title: Chief Information Security Officer
A longtime counterintelligence professional who has served in top-level positions in both the FBI and CIA, John McClurg now holds the position of Chief Information Security Officer for Blackberry Cybersecurity Consulting. In this role, McClurg has made Blackberry an industry leader in implementing proactive, forward-thinking applications of AI and machine learning to identify and mitigate digital risks for clients around the world.
After completing his early-career work with federal law enforcement agencies, McClurg filled vice presidential and chief security officer positions at Cylance, Dell, Honeywell, and Bell Laboratories. In addition to his current duties with Blackberry, McClurg holds a senior fellowship position with Utah Valley University, and is past chair of the International Security Foundation charitable organization. McClurg holds bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and university studies as well as a master’s degree in organizational behavior studies from Brigham Young University, and earned a Juris Doctor in legal hermeneutics from BYU’s J. Reuben Clark Law School.
22. Amy Gilliland, General Dynamics Information Technology
Title: President
Amy Gilliland is the President of General Dynamics’ Information Technology division. Gilliland has long been a powerful figure at General Dynamics, having worked for nearly twenty years in leadership positions including senior vice president of human relations administration and staff vice president of strategic planning. In her current position, she has led the company to great acclaim through a growth strategy emphasizing cloud architecture, machine learning, and other cutting-edge cybersecurity market areas.
Gilliland first made her mark in the industry during her six-year stint with the U.S. Navy, having served as both a media liaison officer and Congressional liaison officer. A four-time Wash100 award winner and a recently appointed member of the BNY Mellon board of directors, Gilliland has also been named one of the most influential Virginians by Virginia Business Magazine. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the United States Naval Academy, a master’s degree in international relations and affairs from the University of Cambridge, and a Master of Business Administration from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business.
23. Prasad Jayaraman, KPMG
Title: Americas Cybersecurity Leader and Principal
For nearly a decade, Prasad Jayaraman has served as financial services giant KPMG’s Cybersecurity Leader and Principal for the American region. As an international network of audit and tax advisory service professionals, KPMG has been recognized as the fastest-growing of the Big Four accounting firms in the United States. Under Jayaraman’s stewardship, KPMG has led the industry in pursuing sustainable IT practices around the world.
Jayaraman’s accomplishments with KPMG are his most recent chapter in a long and storied career in the fields of information security and identity management. Before it was acquired by KPMG, he held a CEO position at Qubera Solutions, delivering high-quality technology solutions to clients for half a decade. Prior to his work with Qubera, Jayaraman led Mascon’s identity management practice, and was director of Fortuna Technologies for nine years before it was bought by Mascon.
24. Eileen Boettcher, MITRE Corporation
Title: Vice President
Eileen M. Boettcher is Vice President of Integration and Operations for MITRE National Security. The MITRE Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation that manages federally funded research and development centers across a broad range of fields, including aviation, defense, healthcare, cybersecurity, and homeland security. Responsible for developing and overseeing the implementation of operational policies and practices for the MITRE National Security Sector, Boettcher leads workforce engagement, program execution, financial management, and quality assurance initiatives in cooperation with the entire MITRE Corporation.
Prior to her current role, she was a technical director for the Law Enforcement and Domestic Security Program Division for MITRE’s National Security Engineering Center. Before joining MITRE, Boettcher served as a member of the technical staff at IBM, and as a technical lead for the U.S. Air Force Armament Division Automation Project at the Analytic Services Corporation. She holds two Bachelors of Science, in mathematics and computer science, from Marquette University; and a Master of Science in computer science from George Mason University.
25. Rohit Ghai, RSA
Title: Group Chief Executive Officer
Rohit Ghai is the Group Chief Executive Officer of RSA, as well as the Chief Executive Officer of NetWitness and SecurID. RSA is an industry-leading provider of cybersecurity, risk management, and fraud prevention solutions. NetWitness provides a digital platform for organizations to actively monitor, rapidly detect, and swiftly respond to targeted and sophisticated cyber attacks. SecurID offers identity, access management, and governance services. RSA recently secured a strategic equity investment from Clearlake Capital Group, L.P., making it an equal partner with shareholder Symphony Technology Group.
Before joining RSA, Ghai was the President and Chief Executive Officer of Dell EMC’s Enterprise Content Division, and held a variety of general management roles at Symantec and Computer Associates. He was listed among the Top 25 Enterprise IT Innovators in CRN’s Top 100 Executives of 2019. Ghai holds a Bachelor of Engineering in computer science from the Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee; and a Master’s Degree in the same discipline from the University of South Carolina at Columbia.
26. Michael LaRouche, SAIC
Title: President of National Security and Space Sector
Michael LaRouche has served as President of SAIC’s National Security and Space Sector since 2019. In that time, LaRouche has continually pushed SAIC to new heights, contributing to the company’s record $2.8 billion in defense contracts by the end of 2020. LaRouche’s leadership was honored this year with a 2021 Wash100 Award, which highlighted his IT modernization efforts across the sector.
Before beginning his time with SAIC, LaRouche made a name for himself in his decade-long VP position with Raytheon, leading the development and release of new products designed to address U.S. and international needs related to command, control, communication, computers, cyber, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C5ISR). He also distinguished himself in leadership positions at both Lockheed Martin and Hughes, and continues to serve on the board of directors for the Intelligence and National Security Alliance. LaRouche earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Michigan, and a master’s in the same discipline from the University of Colorado.
27. Mark Lucas, Coalfire
Title: Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer
Mark Lucas is Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer for Coalfire, a cybersecurity firm that offers information technology audits, risk assessment, application code review, IT security planning, and penetration testing services. The firm has spent over 20 years operating in the cybersecurity space, and recently released its research report, Smartest Path to DevSecOps Transformation in collaboration with a group of C-level cyber leaders and cloud security thought leaders.
Lucas has spent over 18 years in various leadership roles with Coalfire. Prior to joining the firm, he served as an application architect for Netbank Leasing and a web developer for Central Carolina Technical College. He has undertaken graduate studies in communicology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, and has a Bachelor of Science in communications and philosophy from Illinois State University.
28. John Loveland, Arete
Title: President
John Loveland is the President of Arete, a global cyber security firm that partners with clients to reduce the burden of preparing for, detecting and responding to cyberattacks. Its clients include many of the largest cyber insurance carriers and brokers, international law firms, businesses and government entities. With core skills in incident response, digital forensics, malware reverse engineering, remediation, advisory and managed services, and expert testimony, Arete’s elite team of experts have created unparalleled capabilities to address the entire cyber incident life cycle.
Loveland has extensive experience in the technology sector, having most recently served as global head of network and cyber security marketing for Verizon. He’s also filled a wide variety of executive and entrepreneurial roles, including senior managing director of forensic technology services for PwC, managing director of Navigant Consulting, senior vice president and chief client officer for Fios, Inc, and senior manager of strategy consulting for KPMG. Loveland holds a Master of Business Administration from The Anderson School at UCLA, as well as a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University.
29. Tammie Tham, Ensign InfoSecurity
Title: Group Chief Executive Officer
In her capacity as Ensign Infosecurity’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Tammie Tham is positioned to bring her considerable industry experience to bear on cybersecurity issues across the Asia–Pacific region. Tham was a founding member of Ensign at its inception in 2017, and worked for years as the head of its enterprise portfolio management division. Tham’s rise to her current position corresponded to a significant expansion in Ensign’s operations throughout its territory, adding hundreds of employees per year in addition to offering bespoke security infrastructure and threat detection services to international enterprises.
Before signing on with Ensign, Tham cut her teeth in the cybersecurity world as IBM’s security practice leader for the ASEAN region, after which she worked as vice president of BT Frontline. For six years, Tham served as founder and CEO of Singapore-based Accel Systems and Technologies. Besides her current responsibilities with Ensign Infosecurity, Tham is a member of the board of trustees for Singapore Institute of Technology and sits on the board of directors for Mediacorp.
30. Derek Han, Grant Thornton
Title: Principal of Cybersecurity and Privacy Leader
A specialist in network and systems security with more than two decades of experience in infosec, Derek Han holds a Principal position at Grant Thornton, and is Leader of the company’s Cybersecurity and Privacy department. As the firm offers a broad array of cybersecurity advising services to its auditing and tax advisory clients, Han is responsible for leading Grant Thornton security experts in assessing clients’ existing security infrastructure, identifying potential threats, and designing and implementing digital security solutions. A Certified Information Systems Security Professional, in his current role Han has successfully managed security advisory projects for more than 30 clients, many of them Fortune 500 enterprises.
Prior to his achievements at Grant Thornton, Han spent fourteen years climbing the ranks at Deloitte, moving from a senior manager position to become director in 2012. Han holds a bachelor’s degree in science from Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, as well as a master’s degree in business administration from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in management information systems from the University of Iowa.
31. Ilya Sachkov, Group-IB
Title: Founder and Chief Executive Officer
Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Singapore-based global cybersecurity firm Group-IB Ilya Sachkov leads the charge in keeping international clients secure from the latest cyber crime dangers. Sachkov has built Global-IB into a powerhouse of digital security, with the firm’s Threat Intelligence & Attribution system being hailed as a standout in the field by Forrester and IDC. Global-IB is notable for its 24/7 forensic laboratory and security center, utilized by clients as well as international partners the likes of Europol and INTERPOL.
A previous honoree of Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list, Sachkov was also named EY’s 2016 and 2015 Entrepreneur of the Year, and was recognized as one of the top 100 young economic leaders by the Institut Choiseul. In an effort to share his expertise with future cybersecurity leaders, Sachkov has served as a member of the Young Presidents Organization and the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace. Sachkov earned a master’s degree first class in information security from Bauman Moscow State Technical University.
32. Sarah Stephens, Marsh McLennan
Title: International Head of Cyber
As the International Head of Cyber for the London office of insurance giant Marsh McLennan, Sarah Stephens is responsible for developing and overseeing strategy to inform cyber risk insurance policy for clients around the world. This position is in addition to Stephens’ ongoing duties as Marsh’s Head of Cyber, Media, and Technology E&O Practice, the company’s FINPRO group in charge of offering custom cybersecurity-based insurance solutions.
Stephens built a track record for success in her more than 12 years with Aon Risk Solutions, rising from the position of account specialist to eventually serve as vice president of cyber and head of Aon’s cyber and commercial errors and omissions (E&O). After leaving Aon, she worked for four years as the head of cyber and technology E&O at U.K. insurance company JLT Group. Stephens holds a Bachelor of Arts in cultural anthropology from Duke University.
33. Terry Jost, Protiviti
Title: Managing Director, Global Security and Privacy Segment Leader
Terry Jost is the Global Security and Privacy Segment Leader; and Managing Director of Protiviti, a global consulting firm that provides leaders with solutions in finance, technology, operations, data analytics, and risk. The company recently announced the launch of an enhanced ransomware offering designed to help businesses manage the short-term crisis of a ransomware attack, ensure a rapid return to normal business operations, and build long-term resilience following ransomware incidents.
Before he joined Protiviti, Jost was the owner of STJ Group, a principal of the Dallas/Fort Worth branch of Ernst & Young, the CEO of Mycroft, CEO/owner of Talisen Group, partner at Ernst & Young/Capgemini, and client executive at IBM. Jost holds a Bachelor of Science in computer science from Missouri State University and has undertaken Graduate Programs in finance, manufacturing, and business strategy from Harvard Business School; and brand marketing from Fuqua School of Business at Duke.
34. John DeSimone, Raytheon Technologies
Title: Vice President of Cybersecurity, Training and Services
John DeSimone is the Vice President of Cybersecurity, Training and Services at Raytheon Technologies. Raytheon is a multinational aerospace and defense company based in Waltham, Massachusetts and is one of the largest defense manufacturers in the world by revenue and market capitalization. The company recently announced a collaborative partnership with IBM to perform joint research and development on quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and cryptography technologies.
DeSimone has significant professional experience in the defense and technology sectors, having served as the vice president of cybersecurity & special missions at Raytheon for over three years. He previously worked as executive vice president, delivery and operations at CSRA Inc, vp and general manager, enterprise services at CSC, vice president, public sector at IBM, and vice president of enterprise operations at Northrop Grumman Corporation; in addition to other roles in the technology industry. DeSimone holds a Bachelor of Arts in computer science from Columbia University in the City of New York.
35. Jannell Mohn, RSM US
Title: Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Director
Since 2019, Jannell Mohn has held the positions of Chief Information Security Officer and Senior Director at the Chicago office of international auditing and tax consulting giant RSM. In her role as the chief officer of RSM US’ cybersecurity team, Mohn has helped preserve the security and privacy of vulnerable data used every day in the century-old firm’s mission to grow and protect the worldwide “middle market.” Mohn and her team of security professionals are responsible for leading comprehensive, detailed security analyses of RSM’s digital architecture. Her leadership has helped win several recent awards for the company’s security achievements, including its 2021 designation as Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Third-Party Assessor Candidate by the CMMC Accreditation Body.
After beginning her career as senior IT project manager at Kroll Ontrack, Mohn held high-level information security positions at ATK, Vista Outdoor, and Imagine! Print Solutions. Mohn earned a Bachelor of Arts in business administration from the University of St. Thomas and a Juris Doctorate from the University of Northern Illinois College of Law.
36. André Årnes, Telenor
Title: Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer
Senior Vice President and Chief Security Officer of major Norwegian telecommunications firm Telenor, André Årnes is responsible for international security and digital forensics strategies. With nearly 200 million customers across Europe and Asia, Telenor has been expanding communications access to empower societies around the globe, and Årnes has led the company’s strategy of continuous monitoring and fast response. He sits on the boards of several affiliated companies, serving as Chairman of the Board for Oslo-based economy SaaS provider Cowedo for over six years.
In addition to his current position at Telenor, Årnes teaches as an associate professor at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, where he helps prepare the next generation of cybersecurity and digital forensics experts. Previously, Årnes worked as a consultant in security architecture and identity management at Oracle, and for five years he served as a special investigator in the Norwegian Police’s Computer Crime Unit. Årnes earned a PhD in telematics and security from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
37. Peter Foster, Willis Towers Watson
Title: Chairman of Global FINEX Cyber and Cyber Risk Solutions
Having served as Executive Vice President at financial services company Willis Towers Watson for over 16 years, cybersecurity powerhouse Peter Foster is also Chairman of the company’s Global FINEX Cyber and Cyber Risk Solutions division. In this capacity, Foster is charged with providing next-level technological guidance to the company’s major clients in the fields of healthcare, defense, and finance. Among Foster’s many achievements in this position is his role as the architect of Willis Towers Watson’s Financial Institution Cyber Insurance, which represents a significant step forward in shielding major financial institutions from technological threats.
Outside of his considerable contributions to designing Willis Towers Watson’s modern cyber solutions, Foster is broadly recognized as a global authority in strategic cybersecurity, and often speaks on the subject at conferences and in industry publications. Foster was named on Insurance Business’ 2021 Global 100 List, and was awarded the 2018 Toby Merrill Award for Excellence in recognition of his work in the field of cybersecurity. Foster earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Assumption College.
38. Ollie Luba, Capgemini
Title: Director of Insider Threat Solutions
Capgemini’s Director of Insider Threat Solutions Ollie Luba remains one of the top names in the cybersecurity world when it comes to analytics and insider risk assessment. With his expertise in these fields as well as data science and applied technology, Luba has steered Capgemini to great success in thwarting insider threats for international companies in a vast array of industries.
Previously, Luba worked as principal systems engineer with Leidos Cyber and at Lockheed Martin for more than 30 years. Over those decades, Luba developed a reputation for designing and modeling analytic security systems for defense and civilian clients of all sizes. An avid volunteer, Luba has worked with Plast Ukrainian Scouting Organization for more than a decade, and his writing has been published in IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine. Luba earned a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and a Master of Science in technology management from the University of Pennsylvania, as well as a Master of Science in electrical and systems engineering from Drexel University.
39. Ben Tan, BT Cyber
Title: Managing Director
Ben Tan is the Founder and Managing Director at BT Cyber, a cybersecurity service provider based in Brisbane, Australia. The firm works closely with CIOs; IT directors and managers; and security architects in the financial, insurance, and manufacturing sectors to provide network defense and risk mitigation services, leveraging a team of highly experienced cybersecurity and networking professionals. Tan himself brings over two decades of international information security experience to the company, and is a member of Australia’s Cyber Security Centre.
Before he founded BT Cyber, Tan was the founder and managing director of BT Consulting in New Zealand, a senior technical consultant for Spark Digital NZ, a technical consultant for Vodafone New Zealand, an advanced services consultant for Juniper Networks, and an Associate Director at UBS Investment Bank, among a variety of roles. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history and information systems from the University of Auckland.
40. Peter Liebert, Cerner Corporation
Title: Chief Information Security Officer, Cerner Government Services
Peter Liebert is the Chief Information Security Officer of Cerner Government Services at the Cerner Corporation, a leading supplier of healthcare information technology solutions. Appointed to the CISO role in July 2020, he has taken the lead in managing the information security strategy for Cerner’s federal clients, drawing on his many years of public sector cybersecurity experience to help secure active duty and veteran data in Cerner’s EHR platform.
He previously served as the commander of cyber operations for the California State Guard and CISO for the State of California, as well as a senior cybersecurity policy strategy analyst for the U.S. Cyber Command, in addition to roles with the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Chief of Naval Operations. Libert, a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, holds a Master of Science in international security from Cranfield University, a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School, and a Master of Science in cybersecurity from National Defense University.
41. Bhavesh Vadhani, CohnReznick
Title: Principal, National Leader, Cybersecurity, Technology Risk, and Privacy
Bhavesh N. Vadhani is a Principal and National Leader of CohnReznick’s Cybersecurity, Technology Risk, and Privacy practice. The firm specializes in providing advisory, accounting & assurance, managed services & outsourcing, and tax services to a wide variety of industries including the public sector, healthcare, real estate, and financial services. Vadhani leverages his more than 20 years of risk management, security, and privacy experience to assist companies in adopting best practices and frameworks. This is important because it allows the companies to improve day-to-day processes, enhance existing IT environments, and also assist executives with information assurance, strategy, and security initiatives.
Prior to joining CohnReznick, Vadhani worked as a partner and director for Watkins Meegan LLC, and as an IT audit & security manager for ‘Big Four’ firm Ernst & Young. He holds a variety of professional certifications, including CISA, CDPSE, CGEIT, CRISC, and PMP. Vadhani holds a Master of Business Administration in management information systems from the University of Baltimore, and a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering from the University of Mumbai.
42. Mike Del Giudice, Crowe
Title: Principal and Cybersecurity Practice Lead
Mike Del Giuidice is the Principal and Cybersecurity Practice Lead of Crowe, a public accounting, consulting, and technology firm that provides audit services to public and private entities. Del Giudice heads Crowe’s cybersecurity team, evaluating and developing solutions to improve cybersecurity capability, maturity, and governance. He is a crucial adviser to management in the definition and execution of the firm’s security strategies, and assists clients in the areas of solution design, requirements gathering, and vendor selection.
Del Giudice’s 21 years of experience in the areas of cybersecurity and data privacy make him a valued and trusted go-to in the sector. Prior to becoming a part of Crowe, he had spent time as a sports columnist for Illini Media. He has dedicated a significant chunk of his free time as an eight-year volunteer member of Old Saint Mary’s School’s Tech Committee. Del Giudice has earned CRISC and CISSP certifications, and holds a Bachelor of Science in computer engineering from the University of Illinois.
43. Jens Laundrup, Emagined Security
Title: Executive Cyber Security Engineer
Executive Cyber Security Engineer Jens Laundrup is in charge of all things related to IT security for Emagined Security’s more than 10,000 employees. A Cloud Security Alliance Research Fellow, Laundrup brings considerable knowledge of security engineering to drive success for Emagined’s clients in defense manufacturing, banking, and healthcare. In addition to leading ongoing research in risk-based security response and enterprise security infrastructure, Laundrup serves as CISO for multiple organizations, including hospitals, defense contractors, and credit unions.
Earlier in his career, Laundrup worked to develop the Enterprise for Public Key Infrastructure framework for King County, Washington, and served with distinction in the U. S. Air Force for nearly a decade. His 11-year tenure with Boeing as a systems engineer contributed to his exhaustive expertise in applied technologies. Laundrup earned a Bachelor of Science from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, and a Master of Science in information systems and information assurance from the University of Maryland College Park.
44. Edward Parsons, F-Secure Consulting
Title: Executive Vice President of Cybersecurity Consulting
After a two-year stint as the U.K. managing director of consulting for Finnish computer security software firm F-Secure Consulting, in 2020 Edward Parsons was named Executive Vice President of Cyber Security Consulting. As a CCISO and CISSP, Parsons uses his considerable experience to lead a multidisciplinary team providing security services to clients on four continents. Among the complex security issues managed by the company under Parson’s stewardship are cloud security and incident response.
Prior to his work with F-Secure, Parsons held a directorship at MWR InfoSecurity until the company’s acquisition by F-Secure, worked as senior manager of cyber security at KPMG UK, and was a management consultant with Accenture. An avid volunteer in the field of education, he currently serves as governor of The Bluecoat School, Stamford. Parsons also holds degrees in history; and countering organized crime and terrorism from the University College of London.
45. Kevin Casson, Sirius Computer Solutions
Title: Vice President of National Security Solutions
A seasoned leader with vast experience in technology leadership, Kevin Casson is currently working as Sirius Computer Solutions’ Vice President of National Security Solutions. As the head of Sirius’ highly esteemed nationwide cybersecurity consulting team, Casson helps clients advance their security methods with particular emphasis on intelligence and analytics, digital security infrastructure, vulnerability analysis, and data and application security. Thanks in part to Casson’s leadership in bringing the company’s security offerings to the next level, Sirius has recently been acquired by business technology retailer CDW for $2.5 billion.
Casson previously worked in a senior director position at Forsythe Technology, was vice president of HP business solutions and enterprise solutions with MSI Systems Integrators, and additionally filled a variety of high-level technology management positions with the Target Corporation. He began his storied career as an account systems engineer with IBM, providing hands-on support for technical and retail clients. Casson earned a Bachelor of Arts in mathematics from St. Olaf College in Minnesota.
46. Jerry Sanchez, Framework Security
Title: Founder and Managing Partner
Jerry Sanchez is the Founder and Managing Partner of Framework Security, a cybersecurity consulting firm focused on risk management, emergency response, policy development, and compliance services for the education, finance, healthcare manufacturing, real estate, and nonprofit sectors. The Marina Del Rey, California-based company was named Top B2B Provider in Los Angeles in the 2021 Clutch Leader Awards, and offers over 65 years combined experience in cybersecurity solutions.
Sanchez was the head of cybersecurity at SoftServe prior to founding Framework Security, and most recently served as the chief information officer at Planview. He was also director of IT at ALI Solutions and the director of technology services at Charles Schwab; in addition to filling senior network engineering roles at Verio and Electronic Arts. A repeat winner of the Charles Schwab Excellence In Service award, Sanchez brings over 25 years of cybersecurity and cloud computing experience to the industry, and additionally provides pro-bono consulting and volunteer services to groups focused on environmental and educational causes.
47. Doug Graham, Lionbridge
Title: Chief Trust Officer
Chief Trust Officer of translation and localization service provider Lionbridge, Doug Graham specializes in bringing next-generation technical security expertise to clients the world over. Under Graham’s guidance, Lionbridge has been pushing the future of secure, accurate translation for companies in a wide variety of industries, looking to harness AI-driven technology while maintaining top-tier data privacy as the company enters its second quarter-century of doing business. Graham also serves on the advisory board of Orca Security, and is a venture advisor at YL Ventures.
Before joining Lionbridge, Graham worked as chief security officer at Nuance Communications, spent a decade as the senior director of information security at EMC, and managed security services at companies including Blue Ridge Networks, Ubizen, and RSA Security. He launched his career in cybersecurity over three decades ago as an electronics and communications engineer with the U.K.’s Royal Air Force. Graham earned a bachelor’s degree in business and information systems, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix.
48. James Willis, QinetiQ
Title: Group Managing Director Cyber & Information
James Willis is the Group Managing Director of Cyber & Information at QinetiQ, a multinational defense technology company based in Farnborough, Hampshire, England. The company, formerly a part of the Defense Evaluation and Research Agency, provides technology products and services to government and commercial customers in Europe and the Americas. QinetiQ made news in mid-2021 as it reported a 70% revenue growth over the past five years, largely due to its well-honed alignment with customer needs in data analytics, robotics, autonomy, and sensing.
Willis joined QinetiQ after a decade-long stint as director of defense and security at Vodafone, previously serving as offshore director for Liberata Outsourcing and European process leader at GE Capital. He also served 7 years as a Royal Engineer Officer for the British Army. He holds a First-Class degree in civil engineering from the University of Leicester.
49. Leo Navarro, Softtek
Title: Information Security Global Practice Vice President and Offering Manager
Leo Navarro is Information Security Global Practice Vice President and Offering Manager at Mexican IT services provider Softtek, a company at which Navarro has set an example of dedication and innovation for nearly twenty years. In his current office, Navarro leads the company’s cybersecurity team through dedicated efforts to address application and information security, operations and project management, and IT risk management for clients throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia. He has also steered the company’s GSC initiatives via a variety of refined security and QA services.
Previous to his work with Softtek, Navarro founded children’s cancer nonprofit organization Los Leones de la Alegría and worked as a lead developer at GE. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electronic design engineering from Tecnológico de Monterrey, as well as several certifications from IPADE Business School, Clúster TIC de Nuevo León, Universidad Autónoma de Aguascalientes, and the University of Houston.
50. Mark Hughes, DXC
Title: President, Security
Mark Hughes is the President of Security for DXC Technology, a Fortune 500 global IT services provider. The company provides services focused on business process outsourcing, analytics, security, cloud, IT outsourcing, and applications. Employing over 130,000 people in more than 70 countries, DXC was recognized by Comparably -twice- winning the 2021 awards for Best Global Culture and Best CEOs for Diversity, in addition to receiving a top score of 100 on the 2021 Disability Equality Index. Hughes leads the company’s cyber defense, digital identity, secured infrastructure, and security risk management business.
Hughes came to DXC via BT, where he served as the chief executive of BT security. He was previously the commercial director at MWB business exchange, and had served in the British Army. He is currently a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Cybersecurity Board. Hughes holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Leicester, was trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, and earned advanced certificates in French and German from the University of Westminster.
