Makarand K.

I am a strategic Cybersecurity Executive with 16 plus years of experience building resilient security ecosystems for high-stakes industries. Currently serving as CISO & Deputy Vice President at ICICI Lombard, I lead the enterprise-wide evolution of cybersecurity, shifting from traditional defense to AI-powered proactive risk management and Cloud-native security architectures.My expertise lies at the intersection of innovation and protection. I specialise in enabling digital transformation by integrating security into the DNA of the business—ensuring that rapid shifts to Multi-Cloud environments and Generative AI adoption are governed by robust risk frameworks and global mandates like DORA and GDPR.Core Strategic Pillars:* AI Governance & Security: Implementing frameworks to secure AI/ML lifecycles, ensuring ethical use, and defending against AI-orchestrated threats.* Operational Resilience (DORA): Expert in aligning entities with Digital Operational Resilience Act requirements—focusing on ICT risk management, incident reporting, and third-party risk.* Cloud Security Strategy: Driving secure migrations and managing security posture (CSPM) across complex, multi-cloud infrastructures.* Global Privacy & Compliance: Expert navigator of GDPR, UK Data Protection Act, and DPDP, ensuring seamless cross-border data flows and regulatory alignment (IRDAI, NIST, ISO 27001).* Executive Leadership: Translating complex cyber risk into actionable business intelligence for CXOs and Boards to drive informed investment and strategic resilience.
Global Footprint & Impact:Throughout my career, I have delivered security excellence across the UK, Europe, US, Canada, and the Middle East. I bridge the gap between technical complexity and business objectives, having led large-scale audits (SOC 1 & 2, PCAOB), gap assessments, and enterprise-wide implementations of international standards (ISO 27017, CIS, NIST).Professional Credentials:AAISM | CISM | Certified Data Protection Officer | ISO 27001 Lead Auditor | Certified Privacy Lead Assessor | BS 10012 Lead Implementer | Certified Risk Professional