Ken Townsend
Global CISO
Ingredion
Kenneth Townsend is a proven results-oriented CISO with a successful track record of delivering business value by leveraging technology and leading transformational cybersecurity strategies. Kenneth’s understanding of the digital technology stack across the enterprise and cyber risk management has allowed Kenneth to successfully operate in a variety of industries and become a highly respected leader in Financial Services, Retail & HealthCare and Manufacturing.
As the Global CISO for Ingredion, Kenneth is responsible for establishing and executing a cyber strategy to manage risk across the corporate and manufacturing environments. He brings a deep understanding of cybersecurity threats, regulations, and best practices to the role to build a strong security culture.
Beyond his core responsibilities, Kenneth is a dedicated thought leader in the cybersecurity community. He is a cyber product advisor, active speaker at various industry events, and volunteers time to support and mentor youth in STEM fields.
In his spare time, he likes to play basketball, cycling and travelling. A fun fact about Kenneth, he doesn’t eat chocolate.
Learn more about the Chicago CISO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
In the beginning of my career, I held numerous IT positions including infrastructure, networking, etc. I made a mid-career pivot to cyber security and started security consulting within a large firm. In this role, I worked on various projects across all industries and helped clients develop cyber strategies. After consulting, I wanted to lead security programs, and I became a CISO for a healthcare company. Ingredion is my second CISO role.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Have a shared vision, operate with integrity, empower others, and be adaptable and open to change.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
It’s challenging to understand the business and determine what’s really at risk for the organization so we can prioritize efforts.
I address it by staying engaged in the business, participating in various committees and building relationships with key stakeholders to understand the details of the business and what cyber risk we may be facing. Doing this helps me to build and validate my strategy.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
You need to be assertive (start your own engine), have a sense of urgency, be strategic, and be able to delegate.
How do you measure success as a leader?
I look at it from three areas:
- Delivering business outcomes and HOW you deliver the outcomes
- Creating opportunities for others
- Accountability
What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?
Peer networking.
Gartner C-level Communities' 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.