CIO & CISO Think Tank

A multi-lingual Global Head of Information & Cyber Security professional with a proven track record in coordinating, managing and delivering IT security projects through the full lifecycle. Demonstrates excellent time management and prioritisation to manage project workstreams, anticipate problems and implement action plans in highly regulated ISO environments. Confident communicating at all levels, including liaison at stakeholder management level and building relationships with external service providers. Remarkably composed and professional with the ability to remain calm under pressure, manage multiple priorities and support all phases of Information Security Plans and Policies. Recognised as an influential leader with an exceptional logical and inquisitive approach to problem-solving, through risk management, investigation and practical application, utilising a cross-functional skillset. An executive leader who aims to utilise over a decade of global experience and strategic planning to drive efficiency and profit for a forward-thinking business. Education/qualification: Information Security B.A. and Masters for Information Security at Royal Holloway, University of London, with thesis Protecting Users from Ransomware.

Khadir Fayaz is a progressive Cyber Security Digital Executive Leader with more than 18 years of experience in driving large scale digital security initiatives, cyber resiliency programs and business information security engagements. Delivered successfully global digital security transformational programs with multi-million dollar investments. Transformed security as an enabler and accelerator for the business through frictionless services to meet both compliance & privacy requirements such as PCI DSS and GDPR. Dynamic, metrics-driven leader of international and virtual teams’ adept at integrating people, business processes, and technology assets into effective risk reduction strategies to elevate organizational security posture from external and internal threats. Significantly improved the risk culture and security maturity in some of the world’s largest PropTech, Learning, FMCG, Financial, Manufacturing, Technology Consulting, Hospitality & Travel companies. Built strong customer and business partner relationships, effective teams across the full spectrum of information security services. Hired and developed global talent, and operated truly globally having extensive hands-on experience in Asia Pacific, UK and USA. A highly sought-after speaker who has contributed immensely to the industry through tech start-up mentoring and holding non-executive director roles.

Fox Ahmed is the Global Head of Cybersecurity and Technology Regulatory Engagements at BNP Paribas. He has over 25 years’ experience working for Tier 1 banks with global responsibilities. Fox is currently responsible for ensuring the Group has an effective risk based approach in integrating Governance, Compliance and Regulatory requirements into programmes and digital initiatives with focus on Cybersecurity and Technology Risk Management. He is playing a crucial role in supporting the key digital strategies of the Group by enabling the management of risk at the speed and scale required in today’s digital world.

Aditya K Sood (Ph.D) is a security practitioner, researcher, and consultant. With over 17 years of experience, he provides strategic leadership in information security, encompassing both products and infrastructure. He is experienced in propelling the business by making security a salable business trait. He directs the development and implementation of application security policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure security controls are deployed in line with business strategies. He works effectively with cross-functional teams to execute information security plans, compliance, risk management, secure development, penetration testing, vulnerability assessments, and threat modeling. Dr. Sood is interested in cloud security, malware automation and analysis, application security, and secure software design. He has worked on several projects related to product/appliance security, networks, mobile, and web applications while serving Fortune 500 clients for IOActive, KPMG, and others. He has authored several papers for various magazines and journals, including IEEE, Elsevier, CrossTalk, ISACA, Virus Bulletin, and Usenix. His work has been featured in several media outlets, including the Associated Press, Fox News, The Register, The Guardian, Business Insider, and CBC. He has been an active speaker at several industry conferences, presenting at notable events such as Black Hat, DEF CON, Hack In The Box, RSA, Virus Bulletin, OWASP, and many others. Dr. Sood obtained his Ph.D. in Computer Science from Michigan State University. Dr. Sood is also the author of "Targeted Cyber Attacks," “Empirical Cloud Security,” and "Combating Cyberattacks Targeting the AI Ecosystem' books. He obtained his GC under EB-1A (Alien of Extraordinary Ability) criteria.

Established in 2012, Grainger is a residential property owner, manager and developer. They are based in Newcastle, United Kingdom.

Eric has worked at Marsh for 19 years and specialises in bringing risks to ‘life’. • He is responsible for Marsh Corporate & Commercial sectors Cyber & AI engagement and delivers internal and external training on both subjects. • He has worked across a wide range of industry sectors, covering both public & private sectors. • He has a deep passion for technology and focuses on both its risks and rewards. • Eric works to make technology understandable for all and enjoys looking at both current and future technological trends and their potential impacts on organisations. • He specialises in the emergent technologies and speaks regularly on the emergence of AI and the move to AGI. • He focusses on both the transactional and broader risks potentially associated with AI/AGI as these services continue to evolve. • Eric has a strong desire to learn and enjoys discussing and debating what the technological world may look like.

Founded in 1902, British American Tobacco (BAT) is a multinational tobacco and cigarette manufacturing company. BAT has operations in countries worldwide, with its headquarters in London, England.

Blackstone Inc. is an alternative asset management firm specializing in real estate, private equity, hedge fund solutions, credit, secondary funds of funds, public debt and equity and multi-asset class strategies.

I am an experienced software and systems security engineer with over 15 years experience in various industries including health, consulting and internet services. I am interested in working on challenging software design and implementation problems within the areas of web technologies, mobile computing, big data and general distributed systems. I am proficient in Java, C# and JavaScript (including Node.js) and I can quickly pick up any new technology. I have worked on various implementations of data driven systems that utilise databases such as MySQL, MS SQL Server, MongoDB, Redis and Casandra. My specialities include software architecture design. security analysis, programming, application of agile methodologies and data extraction algorithm design.