Governing Body Spotlight

Carlo Schreurs is the CISO at FrieslandCampina (14 BIO Diary multinational with 22k employees), as the leader for cyber security within the company and towards the outside world. With 25 years of experience, he helps employees and leadership maximize the benefits that technology can bring in a safe and responsible way. He is specialized in driving large scale transformations with a good balance on technology, process and people changes.

Learn more about the Benelux CISO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

Being an aeronautical engineer and having an academic degree in political science, I started my career in IBM in project management. I developed myself towards leading departments and large programs. After 17 years in consultancy in various leadership roles, I joined FrieslandCampina in 2012. As technology leader and BU CIO, I drove technology and digital transformations before I was appointed CISO in February 2023, where I continue to lead the cyber security program. 
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Learn to "dance" and lead by example. I think you can only be a successful leader if you show yourself how to drive transformations and lead. A good leader accelerates by showing how to work and build relationships. A good leader is also vulnerable and admits mistakes and how to learn from them. Show how to "dance" with the business, leading the way without becoming unnecessarily forceful or losing each other.
 

With disruption being a key theme of the past few years, where do you see your role as a CISO going in the next 1-2 years?

Becoming a change agent and taking the organization by the hand on the advantages of technology will be key. Doing that in a safe and acceptable way will lead to what I call the Transformational CISO as a key leadership role towards the board, senior leadership and employees.
 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the role as a CISO?

Go fast and stay authentic, Find a mentor and learn from peers and peer companies.
 

Tell us 3 fun facts about yourself.

1. I’ve been doing martial arts kickboxing with some pauses for 30 years. A great way to canalize the energy and keep fit! Furthermore, I think martial arts can also give you a great development as a person.
2. I never aspired to become an IT leader/CISO [who does ;-)] I wanted to become a fighter pilot from a young age. When I finally was old enough to apply, I got far in the process but at the end they found a small deviation in my eye which was not allowed. I then became an aeronautical engineer and eventually ended up in an IBM trainee program.
3. I have broad interests. Next to being an aeronautical engineer, I also have a degree in political science  
4. Bonus: Although I try live a healthy lifestyle, the only thing to keep away from me is chocolate. 
    

What is the value of joining an Evanta community?

I like being part of the Evanta community. It provides useful and inspiring examples from peers. There are no commercial interests, just peers wanting to help each other and grow together in a trusted environment.
 

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