In an era where cybersecurity stands as a cornerstone of digital innovation, France’s cybersecurity leaders are making significant waves across the European and global stage. LinkedIn has emerged as the definitive platform where these security veterans share their expertise, shape industry discourse, and foster valuable professional connections.
Join us as we spotlight France’s Top 10 Most-Followed CISOs who are not only protecting some of the nation’s most critical organizations but are also actively influencing the cybersecurity landscape through their thought leadership and strategic insights on LinkedIn. From pioneering zero-trust architectures to navigating complex EU data protection regulations, these leaders are setting benchmarks in the cybersecurity domain.
1. Alban Jarry – CIO & CISO, Alliance Mutualiste
1,02,190 Followers on LinkedIn
He is a LinkedIn Top Voice awardee (2016, 2017), is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of expertise in insurance, asset management, finance, and digital transformation within complex, international environments. He excels in leading teams through modernization initiatives, automating processes to optimize costs, reduce risks, and enhance client journeys. His career highlights include roles as CDO at AXA IM, Head of Solvency 2 at La Mutuelle Générale, and IT Head at Edmond de Rothschild IM, alongside leadership positions with Ecole Polytechnique d’Assurances, XBRL France, and Club Ampere. Alban is a noted speaker at HEC Paris, co-founder of #i4emploi, UNICEF Ambassador, and contributor to Forbes, HBR, and Les Echos, showcasing expertise in strategic risks, RPA, BI, CRM, and regulatory compliance.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albanjarry/
2. Stéphane Nappo – Vice President: Global Chief Information Security Officer, Groupe SEB
A global cybersecurity leader and CISO, he is an accomplished strategist and technologist with over two decades of experience across finance, energy, services, and manufacturing. Passionate about people, risk management, and digital transformation, he excels in building skilled teams, driving organizational change, and implementing innovative cybersecurity strategies. As an international keynote speaker, author, and PhD researcher, he shares his expertise globally, mentoring professionals and advancing efforts to reduce cyber risks. Guided by the belief that “knowledge grows when shared,” he remains dedicated to fostering collaboration and innovation in the fight against cybercrime.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephane-nappo/
3. Sylvain Thiry – Global CISO & Head of IT Risk Management, Societe Generale
He is a seasoned cybersecurity executive with over two decades of experience in IT risk management, digital transformation, and cybersecurity strategy. As Global CISO and Head of IT Risk Management at Société Générale since 2020, he leads cybersecurity operations for the multinational bank. Previously, he served as Group IT Infrastructure CISO and held leadership roles at SNCF, including Director of Application Integration and Group CISO for Audit and Risk Management. Starting his career at Solucom (now Wavestone), he built and led the Cybersecurity department. His expertise spans IT governance, cybersecurity, and digital risk management, driving resilience in complex global organizations.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sylvainthiry/
4. Benoît Herment – Group CISO, VINCI
He is the Group Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at VINCI, a global leader in concessions and construction with over 260,000 employees in 120 countries. As Director of Information Systems Security (RSSI), he leads cybersecurity strategies, IT transformation, and compliance with GDPR, ISO 27001, and PCI-DSS standards. A certified ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, he brings expertise in security architecture, IT audits, and managing multicultural teams, strengthening VINCI’s digital resilience and global compliance. His leadership ensures a secure, innovative environment, enabling VINCI to navigate complex cybersecurity challenges effectively.
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/herment/
5. Pierre Farjounel – CISO and Head of Future Developments, ATR
7,938 Followers on Linkedin
A professional with an atypical career focused on driving major transformation projects. With 15 years of experience in transnational environments, he is pragmatic, customer-oriented, and a skilled networker. Known for being objective, honest, open-minded, and enthusiastic, he values ingenuity over conformity. He thrives in challenges that allow him to address complex problems through creative and innovative solutions.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pierre-farjounel-10734a7/
6. Gérard Leymarie – CISO, Ministère des Armées
5,499 Followers on Linkedin
He is an experienced cybersecurity leader with a strong background in both the public and private sectors. Currently serving as CISO at the Ministry of Armed Forces, he brings over a decade of expertise in cybersecurity and risk management. Additionally, he holds the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in the Gendarmerie Nationale’s operational reserve and has played a key role in various professional cybersecurity networks. He is also an active member of the K2 Circle and the CLUSIF, and co-chairs the AGORA des RSSI. His leadership spans both strategic and operational aspects of cybersecurity, emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and resilience in high-stakes environments.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gleymarie/
7. René Thiel – CISO, Carac
With over 20 years of experience, he has had the privilege of guiding both public and private organizations through their transformation and security efforts. Throughout his career, he has led innovative strategies to develop robust security systems and establish specialized cybersecurity structures. His journey includes serving as an Information Security Officer (ISO) by delegation for several organizations, contributing to the security of strategic projects. Currently, he holds the position of ISO at Carac. Certified as a CISSP professional, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, and ISO 27005 Risk Manager, he is also a certified PECB trainer, dedicated to sharing his expertise with fellow cybersecurity professionals. He looks forward to connecting and collaborating with like-minded individuals who share a passion for cybersecurity.
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rene-thiel/
8. Romain Bottan – CISO, BoostAeroSpace
He is a highly experienced cybersecurity professional with a strong background in the aerospace and defense sectors. After earning a Master’s in Telecommunication and Computer Networks from the University of Toulouse, he began his career as a Security Engineer for Airbus ICT at CapGemini Sogeti. Over the years, he held key roles at Airbus SAS and Airbus Defense and Space, eventually becoming the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at BoostAeroSpace SAS. With over a decade of leadership in managing security activities, he holds certifications like ISO27001 Lead Implementer and CISSP, continually driving security excellence and innovation.
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/romain-bottan-91188461/
9. Olivier Caleff: CISO – Cyber Resilience & Crisis Director, Erium
He has been working internationally in the information security field since 1990, specializing in cyber-resilience, CSIRT/CERT, and the OpenCSIRT SIM3 Maturity Model. He is a certified SIM3 Auditor and Trainer and a TRANSITS Trainer. With a strong focus on leadership, he serves on the Board of Directors at FIRST.org and is a member of the ENISA Informal Expert Group, CESIN (France), and ECSO (Europe). He has also contributed as FIRST Liaison, TF-CSIRT Associate, and InterCERT France Liaison. His early work in security began in 1994 with firewalls, including DEC SEAL, TIS FWTK, and TIS Gauntlet. Additionally, he is dedicated to training, teaching, and mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/caleff/
10. Sébastien Carriere: Global Head of technology & Group CISO, Louis Dreyfus Company
With over 20 years of experience in the tech and cybersecurity sectors, he has successfully led digital transformations for multinational companies, managing multimillion-dollar budgets and teams across multiple continents. Passionate about aligning technology with business goals, he has driven significant results, from saving millions through strategic cloud migrations to enhancing cybersecurity postures. His focus is always on delivering tangible, impactful outcomes. A strong advocate for collaboration, he is eager to connect with like-minded professionals who share his enthusiasm for tech innovation and cybersecurity. Let’s turn a LinkedIn connection into a meaningful collaboration.
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sebastiencarriere/
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is based on research conducted by CXO Junction using keywords such as “Most followed CISOs in France” The primary source of this research is LinkedIn. The information provided is intended for informational purposes only and reflects the data available at the time of the research. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy. Source: LinkedIn
