In a world where cybersecurity is central to digital transformation, Toronto’s cybersecurity leaders are making a significant impact on the global stage. As a thriving hub for finance, technology, and innovation, Toronto is home to some of the most influential Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in the industry. LinkedIn has become the go-to platform for these experts to share their knowledge, influence industry trends, and build meaningful connections across the city’s tech landscape and beyond.
Join us as we highlight Toronto’s Top 10 Most-Followed CISOs, who are not only securing their organizations but also shaping the future of cybersecurity through their thought leadership and invaluable insights on LinkedIn. Stay tuned for a closer look at the leaders who are driving change and setting new standards in the cybersecurity field.
1. Ayhan Tek – CISO, Electra
He is a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with expertise in information security and cybersecurity, specializing in cyber risk, compliance, and privacy. He holds industry certifications such as CISSP and CISM, with extensive experience in aligning security strategies with organizational goals and advising the Board of Directors on critical cybersecurity initiatives. He is proficient in managing security architecture, conducting Threat Risk Assessments (TRA), and implementing frameworks like ISO 27000 and NIST for comprehensive security measures. He is skilled in IoT security, cloud security, and application security, with a strong focus on safeguarding enterprise IT ecosystems. He is experienced in managing security budgets and selecting cutting-edge cybersecurity technologies to enhance organizational resilience.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayhantek/
2. Octavia N. Howell – CISO, Equifax Canada Co.
She is recognized as the 2024 Canada CISO of the Year and one of Canada’s Top Women in Cybersecurity, serves as Equifax Canada’s Chief Information Security Officer. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Computer Science and Mathematics from Spelman College and multiple industry certifications, she has spent her career protecting some of the world’s largest financial institutions from cyber-attacks. She is also a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, the International Information Systems Security Consortium (ISC2), and co-chairs the CISO Forum for the Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF). She sits on the Advisory Board of siberX and believes in the power of strong leadership, holding that “A team is only as strong as their leaders.” Guided by the philosophy “Lift while you climb,” she enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and supporting her children in competitive dance and track and field.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/octaviahowell/
3. Zaki A. – CISO, Brookfield Asset Management
He is an accomplished Information Security and Technology leader with a proven ability to develop and align strategies with business priorities, establishing strong, trust-based partnerships across executive teams and key stakeholders. With extensive experience in the insurance, real estate, banking, infrastructure, energy, investment management, and IT services sectors, he has led small and large teams, both direct and indirect, dispersed globally, with a focus on security governance, risk, compliance, and operations. Prior to joining Brookfield Asset Management, he served as the Assistant Vice President – Information Security & IT Planning at Economical Insurance. Before Economical, he worked as an Information Security Officer at Great-West Life for over eight years and as an Information Security Advocate at IBM for ten years.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zaki-abbas/
4. Manas Giri – CISO, WestJet
He is a leader in Information Security, Cybersecurity, and IT Risk Management with over 19 years of experience in leadership, program management, consulting, auditing, and assessments. He holds certifications including CISA, CISSP, CCSP, CISM, CEH, and ISO 27001 ISMS Implementation. In his current role, he heads the Information Security function and team at a leading airline in the aviation industry. His previous experience spans areas such as Identity and Access Management, Wholesale Payments Security, Supplier Security Assessments, Security Architecture, Risk Management, Consulting, and Audits based on frameworks like SOX, SSAE16/SOC2, PCI, and ISO 27001.
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manas-giri-1aa3212/
5. Mike Melo – CISO, LifeLabs Medical Laboratory Services
He is an award-winning business executive with over 10 years of experience in post-breach transformational security and information security management, specializing in rebuilding customer trust, driving security strategy, and ensuring the alignment of IT operations with security objectives. Currently serving as CISO & VP of IT Shared Services at LifeLabs, he has successfully strengthened internal customer trust by 850%, implemented leadership programs, and improved team impact through service reliability engineering. Known for his strategic, analytical approach, he excels in risk assessment, breach prevention, security awareness, and incident response, delivering high-quality results on time and under budget while fostering collaboration and continuous improvement across cross-functional teams.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cisomike/
6. Robert Knoblauch – CISO, Element Fleet Management
He is a seasoned CISO leader with 25+ years of experience in global information security. He has developed enterprise security solutions for major banks and financial institutions, including Tangerine Bank and the Toronto Stock Exchange. Rob has led cybersecurity strategies that improve efficiency and reduce costs, such as lowering cyber insurance and tooling expenses. He has managed high-profile cyber incidents involving nation-state attackers and criminal organizations. With expertise in global security programs, international regulations, and board-level experience, Rob is also an evangelist in cybersecurity, speaking at conferences and supporting startups.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertknoblauch/
7. Sanjay Sharma – CISO, Zafin
With over 20 years of experience, he has dedicated his career to helping companies enhance their cyber defenses and navigate complex risk landscapes. As the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Zafin, he leads comprehensive risk management initiatives, overseeing security operations, incident response, and vulnerability management. His work in expanding cybersecurity services and developing a pioneering threat intelligence program has strengthened defenses and contributed to significant revenue growth. He excels in leading teams, optimizing processes, and building strategic partnerships that improve service delivery and customer satisfaction. His unique blend of technical expertise and strategic vision ensures that security initiatives align with business objectives, driving growth while maintaining strong protection.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanjaysharmaca/
8. Olivera Zatezalo – CISO, Ontario Power Generation
She is a critical infrastructure cybersecurity leader with over 25 years of experience in the Canadian telecommunications and energy industries. Known for her collaborative leadership style and agile execution, she has built and secured networks for major Canadian enterprises. With expertise in cybersecurity operations, strategy, governance, risk, compliance, and project management, Olivera also contributes to the cybersecurity community through advisory roles with the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity and Canadian Women in Cybersecurity. In 2020, she was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 20 Women in Cybersecurity by IT World Canada and WISECRA.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliverazatezalo/
9. Bobby Singh – Global CISO, Manulife
He is responsible for global information security strategy, technology risk management, information protection, and compliance. He leads a multidisciplinary team across the U.S. and Europe, overseeing Vulnerability Assessments, Cloud Security Operations, and Security Operations Centers. With over 20 years of experience in information security, he has developed an exceptional understanding of the cyber threat landscape and is known for guiding organizations in making informed, balanced risk decisions. In 2018, he expanded his role to lead enterprise technology, focusing on Cloud, digitization, and automation with technologies like Machine Learning. Prior to TMX Group, he served as the Global Business Information Security Officer at TD Bank, where he worked with business units to ensure operational security and resilience and led the bank’s cyber incident response.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/singhbobby/
10. Jeff Stark – CISO, Fasken
He is responsible for overseeing the firm’s security, risk, and compliance frameworks. With over 30 years of experience, he is a trusted leader known for aligning security strategies with business goals, managing billions in assets, and safeguarding sensitive client data. Jeff has held executive roles at multinational banks and a Crown agency, specializing in secure network design and cutting-edge technology solutions. His expertise, leadership, and affiliations with top financial institutions make him a key figure in driving innovation and resilience in cybersecurity.
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffstark/
Disclaimer: The content of this blog is based on research conducted by CXO Junction using keywords such as “Most followed CISOs in Toronto” 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
