Governing Body Spotlight

Eng. Hamad Alkatheri is a seasoned cybersecurity executive with 19 years of experience in the field. Throughout their career, they have successfully built and led multiple high-impact cybersecurity programs that have fortified organizations against evolving threats. Known for their strategic vision and hands-on leadership, Eng. Hamad is also a dedicated mentor, guiding the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. 

With a proven track record of driving security initiatives that not only protect critical assets but also align with broader business objectives, their expertise spans across various domains, including threat management, compliance, and risk assessment. 

Learn more about the Middle East CISO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

I began my career as a networking engineer, which provided me with a deep understanding of the technical infrastructure that supports secure communication. As I took on more responsibilities related to securing networks, I discovered a passion for cybersecurity. This natural progression led me to fully immerse myself in the dynamic and ever-evolving field of cybersecurity, where I found a true calling.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

My leadership style is rooted in trust, collaboration, and continuous learning. I believe in empowering my team to take ownership of their work, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute. Collaboration is key; cybersecurity is a collective effort, and building strong relationships across the organization is essential to success. I also prioritize continuous learning – both for myself and my team – because the field of cybersecurity is always evolving, and staying ahead of emerging threats requires a commitment to growth and adaptation.
 

What is the greatest challenge technology leaders face today, and how are you addressing it?

The greatest challenge in my role as a CISO today is balancing the rapidly evolving threat landscape with the need to enable business innovation. Cybersecurity must protect the organization without stifling progress, especially in a time of digital transformation. 

To address this, I focus on integrating security into the early stages of business processes and projects, making it a seamless part of innovation rather than an afterthought. This involves continuous collaboration with other C-level executives, ensuring that security is aligned with business objectives. Additionally, I invest in fostering a security-first culture across the organization, where every employee understands their role in protecting our digital assets.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?

Building strong relationships is crucial for anyone aspiring to become a CISO. It's important to cultivate a network of trust and collaboration both within your team and across the organization. Beyond technical expertise, you need to elevate your vision by truly understanding the business and positioning cybersecurity as an enabler rather than a barrier. Creating a supportive and positive environment where security is seen as a shared responsibility will set the foundation for long-term success.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I measure success as a leader by the growth and performance of my team, the alignment of our security initiatives with business goals, and the overall resilience of the organization against threats. A successful leader creates an environment where team members feel empowered and motivated to excel, take ownership of their responsibilities, and continuously develop their skills. 

Additionally, success is reflected in how well security is integrated into the broader business strategy, enabling the organization to innovate and grow securely. Finally, I consider it a success when we proactively address risks and can respond effectively to incidents, minimizing impact and ensuring business continuity.
 

What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?

I’ve taken on the role of mentoring professionals and young leaders, and I find that sharing knowledge is one of the most impactful ways to give back to the community. Being part of professional networks allows me to both learn from others and pass on my experience to those coming up in the field. It’s a rewarding way to contribute to the growth of the cybersecurity community and help shape the next generation of leaders.
 

Evanta Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
 

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