Guardians of Cyber Defense: Unveiling the 30 Leading CISOs in Cyber Defense.

In the dynamic realm of cybersecurity, seasoned Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) are instrumental in fortifying digital defences and steering organizations toward resilience. Here’s a concise overview of notable CISOs and their pivotal contributions:

1. Rajesh Hemrajani (Chief Information Security Officer, Paytm Payments Bank): Based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, Rajesh Hemrajani is a highly experienced cybersecurity leader with over 30 years in the field. As the Chief Information Security Officer at Paytm Payments Bank, Rajesh is responsible for spearheading information security strategy, governance, compliance, risk management, and SOC functions. His previous roles at IDFC FIRST Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland Business underscore his proficiency in driving cybersecurity initiatives and ensuring the protection of critical assets.

2. Sanjeev Kaushik (Head Cybersecurity-CISO, Adani Airport Holdings Ltd): Sanjeev Kaushik brings over 22 years of expertise to his Adani Airport Holdings Ltd role. His leadership ensures cyber resilience and business continuity across 8 locations in India. With a strong IT and Cybersecurity management background, Sanjeev spearheads strategic initiatives that align with the company’s business goals, safeguarding critical infrastructure and data.

3. Vikas Singh Yadav (CISO, Flipkart): With over 20 years of cross-domain experience, Vikas Singh Yadav oversees cybersecurity at Flipkart, ensuring the security of the Flipkart Group. His innovative approaches and highly skilled team contribute to maintaining a robust cybersecurity posture. Vikas’s leadership and strategic vision are crucial in protecting Flipkart’s customers, employees, and partners from evolving cyber threats.

4. Cdr Praveen Kumar (Chief Information Security Officer, Nykaa): Cdr Praveen Kumar, based in Delhi, India, is a passionate cybersecurity transformation specialist with over two decades of rich experience in IT and cybersecurity leadership roles. He is currently serving as the Chief Information Security Officer at Nykaa. His expertise includes next-generation SOC, security product conceptualization, vulnerability analysis, risk assessment, and mentoring teams. Praveen holds certifications like CISSP, AWS Security Specialist, and an M Tech in Computer Science from IIT Kanpur.

5. Swati Anuj Arya (Leader, CISO office, Amazon pay): Swati Anuj Arya, hailing from Delhi, India, is a seasoned information security professional with a diverse skill set. As a Financial Services Compliance Specialist at Amazon Web Services, she leads various customer compliance requirements, including cloud compliance, ISMS, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Her extensive experience at ISACA New Delhi Chapter and BT Global Services highlights her dedication to training, awareness, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

6. Anshuman Pund (Chief Information Security Officer, Suryoday Small Finance Bank Ltd): Based in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, Anshuman Pund brings over 24 years of expertise in Information Security across diverse sectors. Currently steering cybersecurity initiatives at Suryoday Small Finance Bank, he excels in cybersecurity, Information Risk Management, and Service Delivery, fostering resilient security postures in the banking sector.

7. Amit Jaokar (Chief Information Security Officer, Sharekhan): Amit Jaokar, based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, is a seasoned IT professional with over two decades of experience. Known for his innovative approach, Amit specializes in IT strategy, enterprise architecture, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digitization. His ability to solve real enterprise issues with creative solutions has earned him recognition in the industry.

8. Ratan Jyoti (Chief Information Security Officer, Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited): Ratan Jyoti, based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, brings over 22 years of experience in the financial sector as a Chief Information Security Officer. He oversees enterprise security for Ujjivan Small Finance Bank, focusing on security operations, incident response, and leveraging next-generation cybersecurity technologies. Ratan is known for his expertise in information security frameworks and his contributions to digital innovation.

9. Agnidipta Sarkar (Vice President CISO Advisory, ColorTokens Inc.): Based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, Agnidipta Sarkar is the Vice President of CISO Advisory at ColorTokens. With over 30 years of cybersecurity experience, he specializes in breach-ready cyber defense solutions. Agnidipta advocates for zero-trust and digital resilience principles across complex systems and contributes as an expert to industry forums and standards bodies.

10. Prashant Dhanodkar (Chief Information Security Officer, SBI General Insurance): Prashant Dhanodkar, located in Mumbai, India, is a highly qualified cybersecurity professional with over 22 years of BFSI experience. Currently serving as the Chief Information Security Officer at SBI General Insurance, Prashant is instrumental in establishing and nurturing security governance, infrastructure, and processes. His contributions and adaptation of cutting-edge technologies demonstrate his commitment to improving security.

11. Sameer Ratolikar (Executive Vice President & CISO, HDFC Bank): Based in Mumbai, India, Sameer Ratolikar boasts over 22 years of experience in cybersecurity. As EVP & CISO at HDFC Bank, he leads pioneering efforts to fortify the bank’s security posture and achieve industry certifications like ISO 27001. Ratolikar is a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, advocating for enhanced information security practices.

12. Ravinder Arora (Global Chief Information Security & Data Protection Officer, Infogain): With years of experience in SOC management and cybersecurity technologies, Ravinder Arora, stationed in Delhi, India, fortifies Infogain’s security posture. Arora’s unique approach involves implementing advanced security technologies like DLP, SIEM, and SOAR, as well as thorough risk assessments and incident response plans. His leadership drives Infogain’s commitment to data protection and security excellence.

13. Amarjeet Khanuja (Chief Information Security Officer, Star Health and Allied Insurance Co. Ltd): With over two decades of experience, Amarjeet Khanuja, stationed in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India, is a seasoned cybersecurity leader. Spearheading comprehensive security functions at Star Health, his strategic vision ensures alignment between security architecture and business strategies, fortifying digital resilience in the insurance sector.

14. Gunjan Mody (Chief Information Security Officer, PNB Housing Finance Limited): With extensive experience spanning several years, Gunjan Mody, based in New Delhi, India, is a senior cyber risk professional. Currently serving as the Chief Information Security Officer at PNB Housing Finance Limited, Gunjan brings expertise in information security consulting, IT & IS audits, project management, and resource management. His tenure at Deloitte and Barclays underscores his commitment to implementing robust information security controls and driving organisational security transformations.

15. Rishi Mehta (Chief Information Security Officer, HCL Technologies): Based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, Rishi Mehta brings a pragmatic approach to cybersecurity leadership. His tenure at HCL Technologies and Target demonstrates his prowess in driving security transformations, emphasizing user experience alongside robust security measures, and shaping the future of enterprise engineering.

16. Ambuj Bhalla (Chief Information Security Officer, BharatPe): Ambuj Bhalla is a seasoned cybersecurity leader with over 20 years of experience across various sectors. He has been recognized with prestigious awards and specializes in information and cybersecurity program management, governance, risk, and compliance, Cyber Defence, and Security Operations. Ambuj prioritizes creating inclusive work environments and navigating new challenges in cybersecurity.

17. Sachinraj Shetty (Chief Information Security Officer, OLA): with over two decades of Information Security expertise, assumes the pivotal position of Chief Information Security Officer at Ola, a leading mobility platform based in Bengaluru, Karnataka. With a career spanning various security leadership roles, Shetty spearheads the Information Security program for Ola group companies, underscoring his commitment to safeguarding digital assets amidst evolving cyber threats.

18. Anuprita Daga (Group CISO, Angel One): Anuprita Daga, operating from Mumbai, Maharashtra, is a seasoned information security leader with extensive experience in financial institutions. Her strategic guidance at Angel One ensures robust information security governance, aligning with risk and compliance objectives. Daga’s proactive approach to cybersecurity underscores her commitment to safeguarding sensitive data.

19. Prajal Kulkarni (Chief Information Security Officer, Groww): Prajal’s extensive experience in cybersecurity, including vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, plays a vital role in securing Groww’s digital assets and customer data. His expertise in identifying and addressing vulnerabilities ensures that Groww remains resilient against evolving cyber threats. Prajal’s commitment to excellence and proactive cybersecurity approach make him a valuable asset in safeguarding Groww’s interests and maintaining customer trust.

20. Satish Kumar Dwibhashi (CISO, KreditBee): With three decades of experience, Satish Kumar Dwibhashi leads Cyber Threat Intelligence and GRC at KreditBee. His extensive knowledge and leadership skills drive the development and implementation of effective cybersecurity strategies. Satish’s commitment to excellence and dedication to cybersecurity make him an invaluable asset to KreditBee’s security initiatives.

21. Makesh Chandramohan (Group CISO, Aditya Birla Capital Ltd.): Based in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Makesh Chandramohan boasts 19 years of experience in cyber security, data privacy, and business continuity. As the Group CISO, he strategically aligns security measures across Aditya Birla Capital’s subsidiaries. Chandramohan’s approach focuses on a holistic view of cybersecurity, integrating strategies for risk management, compliance, and operational resilience.

22. Tirthankar Dutta (Head of IT & CISO, Disney Star | Disney India): With over 16 years of experience, Tirthankar Dutta is a visionary leader based in Mumbai, Maharashtra. As Head of Enterprise IT & CISO, he spearheads digital transformation initiatives at Disney Star, driving innovation and operational excellence. Dutta’s collaboration with industry bodies like PCI DSS and FS-ISAC underscores his commitment to advancing cybersecurity standards.

23. Mayank Mehta (Chief Information Security Officer, Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance): Mayank Mehta, located in Pune, Maharashtra, India, brings over 15 years of experience to his role as the CISO at Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance. His focus on compliance and risk management assures robust information security. Mehta’s expertise lies in implementing ISO standards and PCI-DSS certifications, ensuring the highest assurance to customers and the organization.

24. Priya Gangwani (Chief Information Security Officer, Fractal), a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 14 years of experience, embarks on her new journey as Chief Information Security Officer at Fractal, a global leader in AI and analytics. Gangwani’s multifaceted proficiencies in cyber risk management and threat intelligence position her as a valuable asset to Fractal’s leadership team, emphasizing her dedication to fortifying cyber defences in today’s interconnected landscape.

25. Ajeet Parmar (Chief Information Security Officer, Balancehero India): Based in Gurugram, Haryana, India, Ajeet Parmar boasts 14 years of expertise in Cyber Security and Risk Management. As CISO at Balancehero India, he orchestrates robust security frameworks, ensures regulatory compliance and effective risk mitigation strategies, and safeguards financial services with utmost diligence.

26. Guru Patnaik (Chief Information Security Officer, Embibe): With over 14 years of experience, Guru Patnaik, situated in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, is a seasoned Information Security professional. Currently driving security initiatives at Embibe, his expertise spans information risk management, security incident response, and IT governance, and he is contributing significantly to the education technology sector.

27. Sandeep Jain (Chief Information Security Officer, Kotak Life): With over 13 years of experience, Sandeep Jain, located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, is a proficient Information Security leader. Currently at Kotak Life, his expertise in ISO 27001, Compliance Management, and Business Continuity Management ensures resilient security frameworks, bolstering the insurance sector against emerging threats.

28. Himanshu Kumar Das (Chief Information Security Officer, CRED): Himanshu Kumar Das, situated in Bengaluru, Karnataka, brings over 12 years of expertise to his role as CISO at CRED. His tenure at Grab, Flipkart, and eBay reflects his ability to build and scale comprehensive cybersecurity programs. Das’s innovative approach to fraud detection and engagement with global CTF events highlight his commitment to cybersecurity excellence.

29. Dinesh Singh (Chief Information Security Officer, Leena AI): With over a decade of expertise in cybersecurity and privacy, Dinesh Singh, based in Gurugram, Haryana, India, leads cybersecurity at Leena AI. Singh’s proactive approach involves creating and implementing comprehensive security and privacy frameworks, adhering to ISO standards and regulations. His extensive experience enables him to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape with assurance.

These professionals exemplify the dedication and expertise required to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, safeguard digital assets, and ensure resilience against cyber threats.

Disclaimer: The selection process for candidates in this news article involves rigorous evaluation by researchers, considering parameters such as industry influence, online reputation, experience, contributions, education, accolades, and followership. However, subjective criteria may lead to outcome variations, and assessments may not capture every aspect of candidates’ profiles. Selection as winners does not imply endorsement or guaranteeing future performance. Feedback is welcomed for process enhancement as we continuously strive to improve our evaluation methods.