Asaf Ahmad
Pacific Zone Senior Cyber Security Governance Officer
Schneider Electric Australia
As the Pacific Zone’s Senior Cyber Security Governance Officer, Asaf Ahmad is responsible for protecting and managing cybersecurity risks to Schneider Electric, its customers, and other stakeholders.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
Before Schneider Electric, I worked in private and government sectors to implement information security management systems. This includes my role as Chief Information Security Officer at Fire & Rescue NSW and my experience in the oil and gas industry, where I was involved with system engineering, digital, and advanced control in refineries.
I have also served as President of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) board of directors, among other positions, and have contributed to cyber security professional leadership and certifications to address the emerging cybersecurity needs of the industry for building a cyber-safe ecosystem.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Be proactive and transparent to win the trust of your team, stakeholders, and customers.
With disruption being a key theme of recent years, where do you see the CISO role going in the next 1-2 years?
Digitalisation and disruption go hand in hand. The adoption of digital technologies and the resulting transformation in industries are interconnected. Organisations embracing digitisation are better positioned to drive and navigate disruption, while those resisting it may find it challenging to adapt to changing market dynamics. It’s key to stay ahead of the game with digitisation and with the data and analytics that give it power.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out as a CISO?
Understand the business and get close to its stakeholders. Build a relationship of trust and get involved in helping the company evolve its strategy.
Tell us a few fun facts about yourself.
I have primarily lived in the north Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, below the Himalayan ranges and in the Ganga River basin and the Yamuna River. I love the outdoors, carpentry, and every country's cuisine.
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