Governing Body Spotlight

Kees Pouw is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Questrade. With over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, Kees Pouw is responsible for shaping and executing the organization’s cybersecurity strategy, ensuring the protection of customer data and driving resilience across all digital platforms.

Before joining Questrade, Kees founded and led iSecurity Inc., where he developed the iSIEM data analytics platform, helping grow the company into a major cybersecurity provider in Ontario, ultimately leading to its acquisition by Calian. His expertise spans a broad range of industries, including financial services, healthcare and critical infrastructure. Kees holds a Master degree in Computer Science, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication.

Learn more about the Toronto CISO community here.
 

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

My journey to becoming the CISO at Questrade started during my graduate studies in engineering, where I first encountered the concepts of TCP/IP networks just as the internet was beginning to emerge commercially. Recognizing the transformative power of the internet, I immediately saw the critical need for robust security to support its growth and success. Since then, my interest in cybersecurity has only deepened, and it's been an exhilarating, never-boring journey of continuous learning and problem-solving.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

One of my guiding leadership principles is to lead by example. I believe in inspiring and coaching those around me while earning their trust through actions. Striving for excellence with compassion is also central to my leadership approach—I aim to challenge teams to perform at their best, while maintaining a supportive and empathetic environment that fosters growth, trust and collaboration.
 

What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?

One of the greatest challenges CISOs face today is developing, attracting, and retaining top cybersecurity talent. With the demand for skilled professionals outpacing supply, it's essential to create a culture that fosters growth and keeps the team motivated and engaged.

Another significant challenge is the rapid evolution of technology, business needs, and emerging threats. To address this, I focus on continuous learning, agile security practices, and incorporating productivity-enhancing tools like GenAI to streamline processes and stay ahead of the curve.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?

The key to success for someone just starting out in a C-level role, especially as a CISO, is the ability to communicate effectively with peers and build strong relationships across the organization. Cybersecurity is not a siloed function; it requires collaboration and support from other C-level roles, such as the CFO and CIO. Being able to align security goals with business objectives, while convincing and galvanizing the organization to embrace these goals, is critical for driving change and ensuring success.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I measure success as a leader by the impact I have on both the team and the organization. For me, success means empowering my team to grow professionally, fostering an environment where they feel supported, motivated, and engaged. I also look at how well we’re able to achieve our strategic goals, particularly in terms of building a resilient and proactive cybersecurity culture. Ultimately, success is about creating lasting change—whether it’s through improved security posture, stronger collaboration across departments, or the development of future leaders within my team.
 

What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?

To me, the most important value of being a member of the Evanta community is the opportunity to share experiences and learn from one another. It’s an invaluable space for gaining diverse perspectives on common challenges and discovering innovative solutions.
 

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