Mark Alvarado

With more than 20 years in Information Technology and cybersecurity, I’ve dedicated my career to understanding digital risk, data privacy, and the infrastructure that keeps modern businesses moving. Each step—across manufacturing, oil and gas, legal, and retail—has strengthened my belief that cybersecurity isn’t just a technical discipline; it’s a mission to safeguard people, empower organizations, and build trust in an increasingly digital world. As the Executive Director of IT Security & IT Compliance (CISO) at Academy Sports + Outdoors, I have the privilege of leading a global team committed to protecting the company’s most critical assets. Together, we design and execute strategies that not only defend the business but help it operate with confidence, resilience, and agility. My work spans cybersecurity leadership, risk assessment, incident response, and compliance with frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, SOX, and PCI-DSS. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on building programs that don’t just meet requirements—they elevate the organization. From strengthening vulnerability management to advancing AI-driven automation and maturing enterprise risk frameworks, I strive to push the boundaries of what a modern cyber program can achieve. Supported by advanced degrees in Cybersecurity, IT, Business Management, and Cyber Law, I remain committed to continuous learning and to helping our industry grow. Being recognized as one of the Top 100 Global CISOs is an honor, but what inspires me most is contributing to advisory boards, mentoring rising professionals, and helping shape the future of cybersecurity and digital risk.