In a digital environment where cyber attacks hit organisations daily, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) takes on a role that stretches far beyond technical defence. Today’s CISOs are at the heart of shaping corporate strategy, influencing governance and ensuring operational resilience, all while handling a rising tide of cybersecurity threats.
As enterprises invest more in digital transformation, cyber risk grows. From ransomware attacks to data breaches, the pressure on cyber teams has never been greater. Board members and c-suite executives now treat information security as central to business continuity, and the CISO has become a regular presence in high-level strategy sessions.
With that in mind, Cyber Magazine has selected 10 individuals who stand out in this climate, standing at the helm of complex cybersecurity ecosystems in some of the world's most well-known companies.
10: Chris Betz
Role: Chief Information Security Officer
Company: AWS
As Chief Information Security Officer at AWS, Chris oversees the development and implementation of strategic security policies, with the objective of managing risk and ensuring the company’s security posture is aligned with business goals. He brings a unique perspective to this work, having previously been an AWS customer when in the role of CISO at Capital One. This helps to inform his approach to cloud security, the importance of Zero Trust security and the role of trust and collaboration in delivering effective cybersecurity.
9: Rich Agostino
Role: Chief Information Security Officer & Infrastructure
Company: Target
Rich Agostino, Target's SVP and CISO, leads the company's global cybersecurity efforts, safeguarding Target and its customers with a proactive, threat-driven strategy. His approach integrates in-house experts, a 24/7 Cyber Fusion Centre and custom solutions to stay ahead of evolving threats. Beyond Target, Rich shapes industry standards as Chair of the Retail & Hospitality ISAC and advisor to the PCI Security Standards Council and Google. A CSO Hall of Fame inductee, his leadership fosters robust security within Target, and across the retail and tech sectors.
8: Shazad Shafi
Role: OT Chief Information Security Officer
Company: ExxonMobil
Shazad is a seasoned security leader with more than 25 years of comprehensive experience in leading diverse technical and managerial initiatives across engineering, manufacturing, refinery, chemical plant, pipeline, information technology and midstream functions. As ExxonMobil’s OT CISO, Shazad is tasked with enhancing cybersecurity resilience to support safe and secure operations. This includes creating value by protecting critical infrastructure and sensitive data from cyber threats, and ensuring uninterrupted operations.
7: John Scimone
Role: President and Chief Security Officer
Company: Dell Technologies
As President and CSO at tech giant Dell Technologies, John directs global security and resiliency. This encompasses cybersecurity, product security, physical safety, insider risk, fraud prevention and crisis management. Reporting to Dell’s General Counsel, his role highlights the company's commitment to embedded security. Previously, as Sony's Global CISO, he navigated a major nation-state attack, shaping his emphasis on incident response and collaboration. At Dell, he champions a converged security organisation, advocating for holistic risk management across business functions.
6: Roland Costea
Role: Chief Information Security Officer - Enterprise Cloud Services, Executive VP
Company: SAP
Roland is a former national chess champion and candidate master. He is also the CISO for Enterprise Cloud Services (ECS) worldwide at SAP. In this role he is responsible for leading and driving security direction, developing and implementing the ECS information security strategy within the business, and auditing and reporting. Roland has worked in cloud security since 2009, when he secured his first private cloud at a time nobody was focused on the subject. He has previously worked at Cognizant, Microsoft, IBM, Cisco and Accenture among others.
5: Noopur Davis
Role: Global Chief Information Security Officer
Company: Comcast
Noopur Davis, EVP and CISO/Chief Product Privacy Officer at Comcast, leads cybersecurity for all Comcast Cable businesses. Her responsibilities span product security, privacy engineering, data protection and security architecture, safeguarding services for millions of customers. Previously VP at Intel Security and a Visiting Scientist at Carnegie Mellon, she brings extensive expertise. Recognised on multiple Cablefax lists and with WICT/SCTE awards, her leadership ensures robust security and privacy in the telecommunications sector.
4: George Stathakopoulos
Role: VP of Corporate Information Security
Company: Apple
George Stathakopoulos, Apple's VP of Corporate Information Security since 2016, safeguards corporate assets and customer data. His appointment coincided with Apple's high-profile battle with the FBI over iOS integrity. Previously, he held VP of Information Security roles at Amazon and Microsoft, bringing expertise in scalability and vulnerability assessment. At Apple, he focuses on protecting the infrastructure behind product design and software development. Beyond Apple, Stathakopoulos advises the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, contributing to national cybersecurity efforts.
3: Phil Venables
Role: Strategic Security Advisor
Company: Google
In March 2025, Phil moved roles from VP - Google/Chief Information Security Officer, Google Cloud to Strategic Security Advisor at Google. He has more than 25 years’ experience as a globally renowned CISO, including at multiple financial services companies before joining Google in 2020. In his CISO role he led the risk, security, compliance and privacy teams at Google Cloud. Phil is currently working in a part time role as Strategic Security Advisor, supporting the company’s executive team, customers and community while also helping the organisation’s transition for a new CISO.
2: Stephen Schmidt
Role: Chief Security Officer
Company: Amazon
Stephen joined Amazon in 2008, originally as CISO for AWS, where he built the security organisation from the ground up. Under his leadership, AWS became one of the most trusted cloud providers in the world, known for its strong focus on compliance, encryption and customer data privacy.
In his current role as Amazon’s Chief Security Officer, Stephen leads the company’s global security organisation, including cyber, physical and corporate security operations. His core responsibilities include cybersecurity and strategy operations for Amazon and AWS, threat detection and response across the business, security policy and governance, and engagement with key regulatory bodies and government panels.
Prior to joining Amazon, Stephen spent more than a decade at the FBI as a Special Agent focused on cybercrime and counterterrorism.
1: Jerry Geisler
Role: EVP and Global Chief Information Security Officer
Company: Walmart
Jerry, Walmart's SVP and Global CISO, is a cybersecurity veteran with over 30 years at the retail giant, shaping its information security from the ground up. Over his career he has transformed Walmart's security teams into a forward-thinking, technically advanced organisation focused on leading practices, innovation and business enablement.
Under his guidance, Walmart's Information Security programme has become an industry benchmark, covering IT, ICS, cloud and product security. His responsibilities include safeguarding data for 230 million customers and 2.3 million associates, overseeing strategy, engineering, operations, testing, risk and compliance globally.
Beyond Walmart, Jerry contributes to the cybersecurity ecosystem as a board member at Team8, a cybersecurity incubator and venture capital fund, demonstrating his broader impact on the industry.
Explore the latest edition of Cyber Magazine and be part of the conversation at our global conference series, Tech & AI LIVE and Cyber LIVE.
Discover all our upcoming events and secure your tickets today.
Cyber Magazine is a BizClik brand
