Aus Alzubaidi
Group CISO
MBC Group
Aus Alzubaidi is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and a Group Director of IT & Media at MBC Group, leading cybersecurity and media management for the largest media organisation in the Middle East. He has over 19 years of experience in IT, cloud, and cybersecurity, and managing large teams. A fun fact: I am a passionate off-roader and love exploring the desert landscapes of the GCC during my free time.
Learn more about the Middle East CISO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I started my career at MBC Group two decades ago, gradually rising through the ranks in IT and media management roles. I combined my technical expertise with leadership capabilities, overseeing large-scale IT transformations. I earned a Master's in Information Technology Management and have continuously developed my knowledge in cybersecurity, AI, and cloud technologies. My commitment to innovation and security paved the way for my current dual CISO/CIO role.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
One of my guiding leadership principles is to lead by example while empowering my team to take ownership of their work. I believe in managing both upwards and downwards. That means building strong relationships with senior leadership to align goals, while also fostering an environment where my team feels trusted to innovate and excel. As Simon Sinek said, "Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge." Creating a culture of trust and growth at all levels is key to long-term success.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
The most significant challenge I face is managing the expanding attack surface due to digital transformation, coupled with the explosion of AI applications that provide both attackers and defenders new capabilities. To address this, I focus on integrating cybersecurity deeply into our business strategy by aligning with key stakeholders across the organisation to enable agile transformation while ensuring security remains an enabler, not a blocker. We adopt a defence-in-depth approach, ensuring layered security across our entire infrastructure. Strategic partnerships with leading providers and investing in continuous upskilling for my team ensure we’re always evolving and adapting to both current and emerging threats.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
The key to success is to never stop learning and remain curious and open-minded. In the age of AI, things can shift in real-time, so it’s crucial to stay agile and adaptable. Be prepared to pivot your strategy quickly when necessary and embrace change as a constant. The ability to continuously evolve and think critically will set you apart and enable you to navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing landscape.
How do you measure success as a leader?
I measure success by how well my team grows and performs, how resilient our systems are, and how closely our cybersecurity efforts align with the business's overall goals. When my team feels empowered to innovate and achieve their best, and when we maintain security while still driving the business forward, I know we're heading in the right direction. Success, for me, is about striking that balance between protection and progress.
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
As a member of multiple groups, I see the value in collaboration. If attackers are sharing tactics, CISOs must do the same. Evanta provides a platform for real-world exchanges and actionable insights, helping unify our efforts to strengthen defences and learn from each other’s experiences.
Evanta Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.
by CISOs, for CISOs
Join the conversation with peers in your local CISO community.