Female Leaders Who Are Reshaping the Tech Industry
Female Leaders Who Are Reshaping the Tech Industry
July 20, 2023, 17 min read
Table of Contents
These women have broken barriers in a male-dominated business to contribute substantially to cyber security while advocating for diversity. W do not need to repeat how big cybersecurity is getting. But this growth gives some new responsibilities to the sector. The one that needs to be talked about the most is how much it needs to advocate for equality. Equality will only come when both sexes work for it.
Numerous of these professionals have taken their years of experience in the field to develop innovative approaches to security. Their cyber security knowledge has had far-reaching effects in the business world, facilitating the proactive encouragement of diversity in the workplace and the growth of individual employees.
Who are the Leaders in Cyber Security?
These women are working to secure systems, protect data, and create innovative solutions to ensure everyone can access a safe and secure digital world. Here are 50 female leaders in cyber security who have made extraordinary contributions to this field. Below is a list, in no particular order, which includes some of the most prominent women leaders in the cyber security sector. Let’s meet the female founders reshaping the male-dominated cybersecurity industry.
1. Summer Craze Fowler
Company: Torc Robotics Position: Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) LinkedIn:Here
As of December 2023, Summer Craze Fowler serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Torc Robotics, a company specializing in autonomous vehicle technology.
With over two decades of experience in cybersecurity and risk management, she has a proven track record of developing strategic security programs, implementing security policies, and leading teams to achieve aggressive goals.
Her notable achievements include building cybersecurity teams from the ground up and achieving ISO 27001 certification in under 10 months. In addition to her role at Torc Robotics, Summer serves on the Board of Trustees for Brentwood Bank, contributing her expertise to the financial sector.
2. Jordan Rae Kelly
Company: FTI Consulting Position: Senior Managing Director and Americas Cyber Security Leader at FTI LinkedIn:Here
At FTI Consulting, where she works as the Head of Cybersecurity for the Americas, Jordan Rae Kelly is a Senior Managing Director. Kelly has been handling cyber policy development and incident response coordination for over 15 years. About breaches, insider threats, intellectual property, crisis communications, vendor management, compliance, regulation, risk management, and forensic investigations, she provides advice to clients on a wide variety of topics.
3. Jadee Hanson
Company: Code42, Inc. Position: Chief Information Security Officer LinkedIn:Here
Jadee Hanson serves as Code42’s Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Information Officer, overseeing risk and compliance, security operations, incident response, and insider threat monitoring. With over 15 years of experience in information security, she has a track record of successfully establishing security programs. Prior to her current role, Hanson held executive leadership positions at Target Corporation, leading critical initiatives such as compliance, risk management, and insider threat assessments. She also played a pivotal role in security strategies during software development and e-commerce business acquisitions, embedding security resources into the development process. For the Target Pharmacies deal with CVS Health, she headed up security.
4. Bernadette Nixon
Company: Algolia Position: Chief Executive Officer and Board Member LinkedIn:Here
Bernadette Nixon is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Board Member at Algolia, a leading Search-as-a-Service platform that enables companies to deliver fast and relevant digital experiences. With over 32 years of experience in the technology sector, Bernadette has a proven track record of growing and scaling global businesses.
Prior to her tenure at Algolia, she was the CEO at Alfresco, an open-source content services provider, where she led the company in redefining its go-to-market strategy, launching strategic new products, and building a world-class team to scale the company’s growth. Earlier in her career, Bernadette held leadership positions at SDL PLC, OpenText, Metastorm, CA Technologies, and the United Nations in Geneva.
Under her leadership, Algolia has experienced significant growth, including a funding round in 2020 that resulted in the company closing $150 million in funding and a new valuation of $2.25 billion, almost quadrupling the company’s previous valuation.
Bernadette holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Studies and Marketing from the University of Hertfordshire. She is recognized for her entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to scaling businesses, making her a prominent figure in the tech industry.
In recognition of her leadership, Bernadette was awarded a Bronze Stevie® Award in the ‘Best Female Entrepreneur for Business Products’ category in the 19th annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business.
As of January 2024, Marnie Wilking serves as the Chief Security Officer at Booking.com, where she leads the company’s global security and fraud programs, including cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and privacy initiatives.
With over 20 years of experience in information security and risk management, Marnie has directed multi-disciplinary programs across various industries. Prior to her role at Booking.com, she was the Global Head of Security, Privacy, and Technology Risk Management at Wayfair, a global online retailer for home furnishings.
Marnie’s expertise in enhancing risk outcomes and integrating risk management without compromising speed and agility has been instrumental in her leadership roles. Under her guidance, Booking.com has strengthened its security posture, ensuring the safety and trust of its global customer base.
Dr. Lisa Su is the Chair and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), a leading semiconductor company specializing in high-performance computing and visualization.
Dr. Su earned her bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate degrees in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Before joining AMD, Dr. Su held significant leadership roles at Texas Instruments, IBM, and Freescale Semiconductor, where she made substantial contributions to the development of semiconductor technologies.
Under her leadership, AMD has experienced remarkable growth, with the company’s stock price increasing from $3 to $140 over a decade, and its market value surpassing that of Intel.
Dr. Su’s strategic vision and focus on engineering innovation have been pivotal in AMD’s rise as a formidable competitor in the semiconductor industry. In recognition of her leadership, Dr. Su was named Time magazine’s CEO of the Year in 2024.
In 2010, Elena Poincet and Laurent Oudot founded TEHTRIS. Before that, Poincet worked as an expert in the management and leadership of specialized teams for the French Ministry of the Armed Forces. Poincet learned to take charge, take action, and find purpose in service via this ordeal. She oversees TEHTRIS’s overall mission, strategy, and operations with an emphasis on countering cyber sabotage and espionage. Poincet and Oudot drew on their expertise in many forms of attack (hacking, strategic intelligence, information technology warfare, etc.) while developing their recommendations. A precursor to the modern field of Endpoint Detection and Response, TEHTRIS was one of the first publishing houses to publish in this area in 2013. (EDR). Because of their foresight, TEHTRIS is now Europe’s only XDR (eXtended Detection and Response) platform editor.
8. Jayshree Ullal
Company: Arista Networks Position: President and Chief Executive Officer LinkedIn:Here
Jayshree V. Ullal is the President and CEO of Arista Networks, a leading cloud networking company specializing in data center and campus network solutions.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from San Francisco State University and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Santa Clara University.
In 2008, Ullal took the helm at Arista Networks. Under her leadership, the company has experienced substantial growth, with revenue increasing from $139.8 million in 2011 to $5.8 billion in 2023.
Ullal’s strategic vision and emphasis on innovation have positioned Arista as a formidable competitor in the networking industry. As of 2024, Forbes estimates her net worth at $5.3 billion, ranking her among the world’s billionaires.
Ullal is recognized as one of the few female CEOs in Silicon Valley and is celebrated for her contributions to the technology sector.
9. Gal Helemski
Company: PlainID’s Position: CTO & CP0 and Co-Founder LinkedIn:Here
At PlainID, Gal Helemski is both a co-founder and the chief of innovation and product. Tel Aviv-based cybersecurity provider PlainID offers an authorization platform based on business policies. Helemski co-founded PlainID in 2015, a company that provides straightforward answers to authorization management and paves the way for more centralized management and control of digital assets.
Helemski, a well-known cybersecurity expert, directs innovation and product development for PlainID. She’s worked in the field for 14 years, during which time she’s defined solutions for clients, developed project specifications, and written technical documentation. She has also shared her knowledge of the identity and access management field by giving talks and conducting workshops.
10. Allison Arzeno
Company: Assurance IQ Position: Chief Executive Officer LinkedIn:Here
Allison Arzeno is the CEO of Assurance IQ, a Seattle-based insurance technology company that leverages data science and machine learning to provide personalized insurance recommendations. She joined Assurance IQ in 2017 as Chief Data Scientist and was appointed CEO in June 2021.
Arzeno holds a Ph.D. in Operations Research from MIT and has previously lectured on analytics and data-driven decision-making at Stanford Graduate School of Business and MIT Sloan School of Management. She has also authored articles emphasizing the importance of data skills in leadership and the role of AI in healthcare.
11. Leigh Marshall Dow
Company: Identiv Position: Marketing Vice President LinkedIn:Here
Identiv is a worldwide provider of physical security and secure identity, and Leigh Dow is the company’s Vice President of Marketing. Dow has over 20 years of experience in marketing, branding, and public relations, including 14 years in the Fortune 100. Early in her career, Dow worked in government affairs for both the press office of the Governor of Florida and for then-U.S. Senator Bob Graham. She previously held the position of director for global service delivery design at Honeywell. Before that, she oversaw the $1 billion Aerospace internet sales channel and online marketing as eCommerce Director. She got her start in the computer industry with Intel, where she managed immigration and Department of State programs for government affairs before moving on to public relations and marketing.
12. Roshni Nadar Malhotra
Company: HCL Technologies Position: Chairperson LinkedIn: Does not exist
Roshni Nadar Malhotra is the Chairperson of HCL Technologies, a leading global technology company with a market capitalization exceeding $45 billion. She is the first woman to lead a publicly traded IT company in India.
Before joining HCL, Roshni worked as a news producer at Sky News UK and CNN America. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communication from Northwestern University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management.
Roshni is also the Chairperson of the Shiv Nadar Foundation, focusing on education and healthcare initiatives in India. In 2024, she was ranked 60th on Forbes’ World’s 100 Most Powerful Women list.
13. Michelle Drolet
Company: Towerwall Position: President & CEO LinkedIn:Here
Towerwall, led by Michelle Drolet, is a cybersecurity, cloud, and virtual CISO services organization serving clients like Foundation Medicine, Boston College, and Middlesex Savings Bank. Drolet has more than 24 years of experience in the fields of network and cybersecurity and is responsible for all elements of Towerwall’s operations. She has used her expertise to establish Towerwall as a frontrunner among providers of cybersecurity services and solutions. Drolet has a solid reputation in the industry thanks to his frequent articles in national publications such as Forbes Council and IDG CSOonline.
Beyond her role at Towerwall, Michelle contributes regularly to major publications such as Forbes, CSO, and Worcester Business Journal. Her leadership and contributions have garnered notable accolades, including a place on Forbes’ “50 Over 50: Innovation” list and recognition by CIO Views as one of the “10 Most Innovative CEOs of the Year.”
14. Gily Netzer
Company: Perimeter 81 Position: Vice President of Marketing LinkedIn:Here
Perimeter 81 is a powerful and user-friendly converged networking and network security platform. It seamlessly connects all users, whether in the office or remote, to on-premises or cloud resources. As a cloud-native service, it offers advanced features like Zero Trust remote access, Internet access control, malware protection, and firewall as a service. It enables any business to build a secure corporate network over a private global backbone, without hardware, and within minutes. Netzer is a marketing guru who has helped numerous cybersecurity firms grow. With 20+ years of international B2B cybersecurity experience, she is a passionate and results-driven marketing strategist and seasoned leader. She played a key role in achieving 50%+ business growth year over year by building diverse teams, establishing new tech categories, creating an effective marketing machine, and maintaining market leadership and connections.
15. Ginni Rometty
Company: IBM Position: Former Chairman, President, and CEO LinkedIn:Here
Ginni Rometty served as the ninth Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer of IBM, becoming the first woman to lead the company. Under her leadership, IBM underwent significant transformation, including the reinvention of 50% of its portfolio, the establishment of a $25 billion hybrid cloud business, and advancements in artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
Rometty also championed diversity and inclusion initiatives, achieving record results in these areas during her tenure. In 2022, she published her memoir, “Good Power: Leading Positive Change in Our Lives, Work, and World,” sharing insights from her leadership journey.
16. Paige Barry
Company: DefenseStorm Position: Customer Solutions Vice President LinkedIn:Here
In 2019, Paige Barry joined DefenseStorm to lead the teams responsible for deploying, supporting, and improving their offerings. With over 20 years of experience in serving the financial industry’s technological needs, Barry is a trusted executive at DefenseStorm, currently serving as Vice President of Customer Solutions. DefenseStorm’s integration and automation of cybersecurity and cyber compliance for banking help financial institutions achieve cyber safety and soundness through legislation and policies.
17. Poppy Gustafsson
Company: Office for Investment, UK Government Position: Investment Minister LinkedIn:Here
Poppy Gustafsson, OBE, is a distinguished entrepreneur and cybersecurity expert, renowned for co-founding Darktrace, a leading AI-driven cybersecurity firm. Under her leadership, Darktrace achieved significant milestones, including a successful IPO on the London Stock Exchange and a substantial acquisition by Thoma Bravo.
In September 2024, Gustafsson transitioned from her role as CEO of Darktrace to become the UK’s Investment Minister. In this capacity, she is dedicated to enhancing the UK’s global investment appeal, focusing on attracting foreign investments and fostering economic growth.
Cyan Ta’eed is an Australian entrepreneur renowned for co-founding Envato in 2006, a leading online marketplace for creative assets and digital goods. Under her leadership, Envato has grown into a global platform, delivering over US$700 million in earnings to its creative community.
In 2017, Cyan founded Hey Tiger, a specialty chocolate company based in Melbourne, dedicated to producing ethically sourced chocolate and supporting cocoa farming communities in West Africa.
She also co-founded Milkshake, an app designed to help Instagram users create stylish websites directly from their mobile devices.
Cyan’s entrepreneurial journey is marked by her commitment to social impact and innovation in the digital space. She has been recognized for her contributions to business and technology, including being named Telstra Victorian Business Woman of the Year. In 2024, Envato was acquired by Shutterstock for $375.2 million, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history.
Cyan continues to be a prominent figure in the entrepreneurial community, inspiring many with her dedication to creating businesses that blend profitability with positive social impact.
19. Onur Korucu
Company: TerzionDx Position: Vice President Global Consulting Services | Advisory Board Member LinkedIn:Here
As an Information and cyber Security and Data Protection Director/Senior Consultant and Auditor, she is acutely aware of the constant cyber and data protection threats that have turned into today’s remote battleground. These risks present a major challenge to organizations worldwide, requiring a resilient approach to business risk and a global capacity to effectively combat them. She excels in providing data protection and cybersecurity services, using advanced solutions and global frameworks to safeguard client business strategies.
As a subject matter expert, she guides diverse customers through optimizing and digitally transforming their data protection and security operations, ensuring compliance with industry best practices. Through her outstanding leadership and project management abilities, I adeptly coordinate and oversee all phases of support and project-based initiatives. She excels in crafting IT security and privacy strategies, policies, and procedures that align with business objectives and influence organizational plans. With a strong commitment to bolstering cyber defense and data protection capabilities, she guides organizations through the intricate cybersecurity landscape with confidence and resilience.
20. Susan Wojcicki
Susan Wojcicki was a prominent American business executive, best known for her role as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of YouTube from 2014 to 2023. Born on July 5, 1968, in Santa Clara County, California, she became a significant figure in the tech industry, contributing to the growth and development of major platforms like Google and YouTube.
In 1998, Wojcicki became Google’s first marketing manager and its 16th employee. She played a pivotal role in the company’s early development, particularly in the creation of Google Images and AdSense. Her contributions were instrumental in Google’s acquisition of YouTube in 2006.
In 2014, Wojcicki was appointed CEO of YouTube. During her tenure, she oversaw significant growth, including the expansion of the platform’s user base and the introduction of new features like YouTube Premium and YouTube TV. She stepped down from her role in early 2023.
Susan was known for advocating for work-life balance and supporting women in the tech industry. She had five children with her husband but continued to excel at her career despite rumors claiming she will retire.
Unfortunately she passed away in 2024 due to a long battle with lung cancer. Her death was a significant loss to the tech community, with many industry leaders paying tribute to her contributions and legacy. Wojcicki’s impact on the tech industry is profound. She was a trailblazer for women in technology, known for her leadership at YouTube and her early contributions to Google’s success. Her advocacy for diversity and inclusion continues to inspire many in the industry.
21. Didem Tufan
Company: Barikat Siber Güvenlik Position: Cyber Instructional Curriculum Developer LinkedIn:Here
With more than 15 years of experience in education and technology, Didem Tufan is passionate about creating engaging online learning solutions for different types of learners. She helps individuals and organizations achieve their learning goals through user-friendly online tools. Currently, she works part-time as a teacher at Dokuz Eylul University. In addition to her teaching role, Didem Tufan also works at Barikat Cyber Security, a well-known cybersecurity company in Turkey. There, she manages the Cyber Career Program, which offers training and support to junior cybersecurity employees. She also helps identify training needs, plans and coordinates training activities and sets up orientation and compliance processes for new hires. Didem’s expertise in e-learning and cybersecurity education makes her an important contributor in these fields.
Charly Davis, currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer at Sapphire, a leading cybersecurity company in the UK. She has over twelve years of experience in cybersecurity and a focus on operational technology (OT) security. Using her knowledge of IT, OT, and IoT security, Charly leads the team in creating customized security solutions. Specifically solutions that meet each client’s specific needs and follow compliance rules. Her leadership ensures the delivery of strong security measures. While her expertise in OT security helps shape Sapphire’s overall security services. Charly’s dedication to learning is shown through her multiple certifications in information security and risk management.
23. Sheryl Sandberg
Sheryl Sandberg is an American technology executive, philanthropist, and author, renowned for her significant contributions to the tech industry and her advocacy for women’s empowerment in the workplace.
She pursued her undergraduate studies at Harvard University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Economics in 1991. Sandberg furthered her education by obtaining an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1995.
Sandberg’s professional journey is marked by influential roles in both government and the tech industry:
World Bank (1991-1993): After her undergraduate studies, she worked as a research assistant to Lawrence Summers, who was then serving as the World Bank’s Chief Economist. In this role, she focused on health projects in India dealing with leprosy, AIDS, and blindness.
U.S. Department of the Treasury (1996-2001): Sandberg served as Chief of Staff to Secretary Lawrence Summers during the Clinton administration, where she was involved in various policy initiatives.
Google (2001-2008): Joining Google Inc. as Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations, Sandberg was instrumental in developing the company’s online advertising and publishing products, including AdWords and AdSense.
Facebook/Meta Platforms (2008-2022): In 2008, Sandberg became the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Facebook, making her the company’s second-highest-ranking official. She played a crucial role in scaling the company’s operations, expanding its global presence, and spearheading its advertising strategy. In June 2012, she was appointed to Facebook’s board of directors, becoming the first woman to serve on the board. Sandberg stepped down from her role as COO in August 2022.
Sandberg’s journey reflects her resilience, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advocating for gender equality and empowering individuals to overcome adversity.
Clar Rosso, the Chief Executive Officer at ISC2 for over four years, boasts more than two decades of experience in assisting global professional associations and certifying bodies in enhancing member value. Recognized for her strategic acumen and team-building skills, Clar has proven instrumental in driving revenue growth consistently while fostering a culture of innovation and inclusivity within her teams. Her ability to foresee future industry trends and effectively translate them into actionable strategies has positioned ISC2 as a forward-thinking leader in the cybersecurity profession. Clar’s leadership style emphasizes motivation, continuous learning, and adaptability, ensuring that her organization remains well-prepared for future challenges and industry changes.
25. Dr Kiri Addison
Company: Mimecast Position: Senior Manager of Product Management LinkedIn:Here
Dr. Kiri Addison, a technology leader specializing in data science and cybersecurity, has dedicated over six years to Mimecast. Mimecast is a prominent cybersecurity company. Currently serving as the Senior Manager of Product Management, Dr. Addison brings a wealth of expertise to her role. This is all the while driving innovation and strategic direction within the organization. With a focus on leveraging data science to enhance cybersecurity solutions, Dr. Addison plays a pivotal role in shaping Mimecast’s product offerings to meet the evolving needs of clients in an ever-changing digital landscape. Her leadership and commitment to excellence have solidified her reputation as a trusted and influential figure in the field of cybersecurity.
26. Shantala Sadananda
Company: Innova Solutions Position: President LinkedIn:Here
Shantala Sadananda is a seasoned executive with a remarkable track record spanning over 27 years, boasting expertise in strategy, consulting, technology, and outsourcing, with a focus on the Banking, Financial Services, and Emerging Markets sectors. Currently serving as the President and Global Head of BFS, CME & Emerging Markets at Innova Solutions, a leading global organization with a staggering $3 billion in revenue, over 55,000 employees, and 50+ delivery centers, Shantala spearheads the transformation and innovation agenda, driving value creation and impact across diverse regions and industries.
Shantala leverages innovative solutions and high-performance teams to achieve organizational excellence. This is with a mission to foster creative disruption, sustainable strategies, and outcome-driven delivery, Her leadership has been instrumental in leading organizations to organic growth, as well as through strategic acquisitions and mergers, propelling digital agendas forward and elevating customer experiences. Beyond her professional achievements, Shantala is deeply passionate about diversity and inclusion, actively mentoring and coaching aspiring leaders in business and technology. Renowned for her insights and expertise, she frequently contributes to industry-specific events and executive management programs, sharing her wealth of knowledge and experiences accumulated over the years.
27. Tal Folkman
Company: Checkmarx Position: Security Research Team Lead LinkedIn:Here
Tal Folkman is a skilled cybersecurity expert with over seven years of experience. She’s great at finding and studying harmful code in open-source software. In 2021, Tal joined Dustico, a company focused on software security, which was later bought by Checkmarx. Before that, she spent five years in the IDF’s Cybersecurity Red Team. Now, as the Security Research Team Lead at Checkmarx, Tal and her team work hard to stop attacks on software supply chains and keep everything safe.
Jenny Radcliffe, known as “The People Hacker,” is a globally recognized Social Engineer. She is renowned for her ability to circumvent security systems using a blend of psychology, cunning, and guile. Dubbed a “burglar for hire,” she has dedicated her career to infiltrating secure locations, protecting clients from scams. Also to orchestrating simulated criminal attacks to fortify security measures and safeguard valuable assets.
Her extensive contributions to the cybersecurity field have earned her numerous accolades, including induction into the InfoSec Hall of Fame and recognition as one of the top female cybersecurity leaders by SC Magazine and IT Security Guru. Jenny’s influence extends beyond awards; her best-selling book, “People Hacker – Confessions of a Burglar for Hire,” published by Simon and Schuster in 2022, is set to be adapted into a major television series. As a sought-after keynote speaker and media personality, Jenny continues to shape the cybersecurity conversation, sharing her insights through podcasts, panels, and live events for international brands and organizations.
Conclusion
These experienced professionals lead renowned IT companies, serving both public and private clients with top-notch cybersecurity services. Their decades of expertise set them apart from competitors and enable them to address growing cybersecurity concerns across industries. They have successfully protected clients from cyberattacks and provided valuable advice on broader cybersecurity initiatives.
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