Eddie Borrero
VP, Chief Information Security Officer
Blue Shield of California
Eddie Borrero is vice president, chief information security officer at Blue Shield of California, a nonprofit health plan with $21 billion in annual revenue serving 4.6 million members in the state's commercial, individual and government markets. Borrero drives Blue Shield’s IT security strategy to enable the growth and digital transformation of Blue Shield of California, maintain and build trust amongst consumers, and accelerate a secure shift to a digital business model.
With a strong focus on integrating security controls through a “DevSecOps” strategy of automation and development integration, he leads the organization in proactively identifying and mitigating information security risks to their business.
In addition, he is a core leader in Blue Shield’s corporate executive diversity council, as well as the internal Hispanic and veterans groups. In his community, Borrero is committed to being a role model by supporting Hispanics and veterans in pursuing careers in technology. He also volunteers with organizations that support homeless people and survivors of domestic violence.
He understands highly structured and regulated cultures, as well as more dynamic and innovative cultures. He has held roles in engineering, sales support, product development, IT and operations within financial services, entertainment, professional services, biotech, healthcare and gas and power companies, including Intuit, Robert Half, Pacific Gas & Electric, Electronic Arts, Workday, Amgen, and Blue Shield of California.
His experience as a leader in a variety of industries gives him a unique perspective as a business leader and in partnering with corporate boards.
In addition, he enjoys dancing Salsa with his wife of 28 years.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I started my career in the Navy, where I used my GI Bill to pursue my education. I developed a passion for technology and decided to make it a career goal. I gained valuable experience as a consultant and secured my first corporate leadership role.
I then transitioned to the security domain and worked as the CISO at Robert Half, a global staffing firm. I also held senior security positions at several well-known companies, such as Intuit, PG&E, Electronic Arts, Workday, Amgen and Blue Shield of California.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
I am a servant leader that values relationships over success.
What is the greatest challenge your particular C-level role is facing today, and how are you addressing it?
Dealing with third-party and healthcare provider risks is the greatest challenge. It’s important to invest in ways to reduce impacts when ransomware brings a third-party and or a provider offline.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out in your C-level role?
The key to success is to build relationships and over communicate.
How do you measure success as a leader?
I’m still working on that one.
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
Community problem solving is what I get out of Evanta gatherings.
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