Johann Balaguer
VP, Global CISO
Hard Rock International
Johann Balaguer is the Vice President and Global Chief Information Security Officer for Hard Rock. He has extensive global technology knowledge covering all aspects of information security experience in his 25+ year career with Fortune 500, private companies, and the Department of Defense. He is also an Adjunct Professor teaching advanced information security courses for the University of Maryland Global Campus and is a United States Marine Corps veteran. He also holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA), BS degree in Business Management of Information Systems (MIS), AS degree in Network Engineering, and Executive Leadership Certificates from Columbia University, MIT, and Yale. In addition, he has an extensive number of professional IT and Cybersecurity certifications.
Johann is also a founding member and leader of the Cyversity South Florida Chapter, which continues to expand on the important mission of achieving the consistent representation of women, underrepresented minorities, and all veterans in cybersecurity.
Learn more about the Florida CISO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I have always been passionate about IT, cybersecurity, and mentorship. The journey has been amazing.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Transparency.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
The greatest challenges are balancing securing an organization while maintaining operations and always ensuring that you have a security first mindset, while balancing and managing risk appropriately.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
Lead by example!
How do you measure success as a leader?
Seeing employees grow and be successful in their careers through the actions you take to allow them to do so is the ultimate measure of success.
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
Community engagement and collaboration.
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
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