AHAD, a cybersecurity, digital transformation, and risk management company, has announced the appointment of Somnath Sarkar as its Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). With over 30 years of extensive experience in the BFSI sector and a proven track record in spearheading cybersecurity initiatives for renowned institutions, Somnath brings unparalleled expertise to AHAD’s Board & Leadership team. On joining AHAD, Somnath Sarkar expressed, “Joining AHAD as the Chief Information Security Officer is a thrilling opportunity for me. Drawing on my extensive experience in the BFSI sector across Asia, Middle East, and Africa, both as a CISO and CIO, I'm excited to contribute to AHAD's cybersecurity and data protection capabilities.”

Somnath Sarkar Roles and Responsibilities

In his new role, Somnath will leverage his strategic insights and profound industry knowledge to enhance AHAD’s commitment to delivering the highest standards of digital security to clients across the META & APAC region. As Executive VP and CISO at Mashreq Bank, Somnath provided singular accountability for all information security and privacy standards globally. He envisioned and implemented effective digital resilience, system designs, and data controls that positioned the bank as a market leader in cybersecurity. Prior to joining Mashreq Bank, Somnath held key roles as CIO and CTO in multinational banks and insurance companies across Asia and Africa, where he led security transformation programs and launched digital banks. His tenure at Citigroup saw him pioneering smart banking architecture and driving IT virtualization Initiatives, resulting in substantial cost savings. Somnath’s key competencies lie in strategic alignment of technology with business and regulatory requirements, compliance frameworks, data protection and privacy program management, security and risk-based audit lifecycle management, third-party risk management, IT strategy, enterprise architecture, and business continuity management. Throughout his distinguished career, Somnath has held pivotal leadership roles and served as CISO for renowned institutions such as Mashreq Bank, Citigroup, and Citibank. Commenting on the appointment, Rohan Daniel Nair, Founder & COO of AHAD stated, “Somnath’s appointment comes at a right time for AHAD as we continue to expand our cybersecurity offerings and strengthen our commitment to providing unparalleled security solutions to our clients across the META & APAC region.” Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

In today's digital age, where data breaches and cyber threats loom large, the role of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) is more critical than ever. PayPal, a global leader in digital payments, has taken a significant step forward in fortifying its cybersecurity posture with the appointment of Shaun Khalfan as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer.

With over 20 years of extensive experience in information security and risk management across various industries, Khalfan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his new role at PayPal. His appointment underlines PayPal's commitment to ensuring the security and protection of both its own and its customers' data, digital assets, and payments.

Shaun Khalfan: Industry Leadership

Before joining PayPal, Khalfan served as the Senior Vice President and CISO for Discover Financial, where he led the information security organization, implementing enhanced strategies to monitor and mitigate current and emerging risks. His tenure at Discover Financial, along with previous experience as the Managing Director and CISO at Barclays International, has equipped him with invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of cybersecurity within the financial sector. Khalfan's journey to becoming a leading figure in cybersecurity began with his education at the University of Maryland, where he honed his skills in information security. He furthered his academic pursuits with an MBA from the George Washington University School of Business, which provided him with a solid foundation in business management and strategy. In addition to his professional achievements, Khalfan's commitment to cybersecurity extends beyond his corporate roles. He serves on the board of the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), a vital platform for collaboration and information sharing among financial institutions to combat cyber threats effectively. Furthermore, Khalfan's dedication to nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals is evident through his role as an adjunct professor at Carnegie Mellon University. By sharing his knowledge and experiences, he contributes to shaping future leaders in cybersecurity, ensuring a robust talent pipeline to address the evolving challenges in the field. As an Army combat veteran, Khalfan understands the importance of leadership and resilience in the face of adversity, qualities that are invaluable in the realm of cybersecurity. His military background, coupled with his extensive expertise, allows him to approach cybersecurity challenges with a strategic mindset and unwavering determination.

Credentials and Expertise

Khalfan's credentials speak volumes about his commitment to excellence in cybersecurity. He holds certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), demonstrating his proficiency in safeguarding information systems and networks from malicious threats. Additionally, his graduation from the Department of Defense Executive Leadership Development Program underscores his leadership capabilities honed through rigorous military training. Beyond his professional endeavors, Shaun Khalfan is deeply engaged in the cybersecurity community. He advises several companies, ranging from Series A to D funding rounds, on go-to-market strategies and opportunities to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. His insights and guidance are instrumental in preparing these companies for eventual acquisitions and ensuring their continued success in an increasingly digital world. In his new role at PayPal, Khalfan is poised to lead the charge in strengthening the company's cybersecurity defenses on a global scale. His vision, coupled with his extensive experience and expertise, will play a pivotal role in safeguarding PayPal's infrastructure and maintaining its reputation as a trusted payments provider. In a statement on LinkedIn, Khalfan expressed his excitement about the new challenge, highlighting his admiration for PayPal's leadership team and growth strategy. "I am excited to embark on a new challenge as SVP, Chief Information Security Officer at PayPal! I am inspired by the leadership team, growth strategy, and look forward securing a digital company on a global scale," said Khalfan. With Khalfan at the helm of cybersecurity, PayPal is well-positioned to navigate the complex landscape of cybersecurity threats and emerge stronger than ever before. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.

Mitel, a leading provider of business communications solutions worldwide, has announced the appointment of Bill Dunnion as its new Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).

In his new role, Dunnion will spearhead Mitel’s information security strategy, oversee security architecture, and ensure compliance with security standards. His responsibilities also include assessing, developing, and implementing industry best practices for security across the organization.

Bill Dunnion Expertise and Experience

Bringing over two decades of progressive experience across various industries, Dunnion boasts a comprehensive understanding of IT, cybersecurity, and risk management. His expertise encompasses cybersecurity trends, adherence to security standards and frameworks, as well as emerging business risks. Mitel's Chief Information Officer, Jamshid Rezaei, emphasized the critical importance of security in today's digital landscape. Rezaei highlighted that in an era where secure, reliable, and compliant digital tools are paramount, Dunnion's leadership and experience in implementing cybersecurity policies and procedures will greatly benefit Mitel. “In today's world, providing secure, reliable, and compliant digital tools, including communications and collaboration solutions, for our employees, partners, and customers is more crucial than ever. Bill’s proven leadership, combined with his considerable experience in implementing and operationalizing cybersecurity policies and procedures, is a great asset for Mitel," said Rezaei. Expressing his enthusiasm for his new role, Dunnion highlighted the ever-evolving nature of security threats faced by businesses today. He stressed the necessity for organizations to adopt agile solutions that prioritize the confidentiality, residency, and protection of critical data. Dunnion expressed his eagerness to collaborate with the combined Mitel and Unify teams to develop a cohesive and comprehensive security program for all stakeholders. "After 25 years, I am very excited to be returning to Mitel where the people are as amazing as I remember. The company's continued growth and 51-year legacy are incredible testaments to the leadership and employee commitment to excellence. I am looking forward to helping the excellent security team manage and mature the security program at Mitel," reads Dunnion's LinkedIn post.

Bill Dunnion's Professional Journey

Prior to joining Mitel, Dunnion held notable IT and cybersecurity leadership positions at esteemed organizations such as Calian Ltd, 2Keys Security Solutions, and Bell Canada. In his most recent role as Senior Director of Corporate Cybersecurity at Calian, he played a pivotal role in developing, implementing, and operationalizing the company's cybersecurity program. Dunnion ensured alignment with industry standards such as NIST, ISO, and SOC2, demonstrating his commitment to enhanced cybersecurity practices. Dunnion holds a degree in mechanical engineering from Queen's University in Kingston, Ontario, and actively contributes to the cybersecurity community as the volunteer chair of the Canadian Cyber Forum in Ottawa. Media Disclaimer: This report is based on internal and external research obtained through various means. The information provided is for reference purposes only, and users bear full responsibility for their reliance on it. The Cyber Express assumes no liability for the accuracy or consequences of using this information.