Todd Covert
CISO
National General
With over 20 years of experience leading cybersecurity in highly regulated industries, Todd Covert drives transformative strategies that protect organizations and enable business growth. He specializes in integrating security across complex environments while fostering proactive, innovative security cultures. His mission is to empower businesses to confidently navigate today’s evolving cyber risks with clarity and resilience.
A fun fact about Todd, he originally planned to be a math and computer science teacher after college. He says, “It turns out, my passion for technology led me on an exciting journey beyond the classroom!”
Learn more about the Chicago CISO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I began my career in IT desktop support and advanced through various roles, gaining hands-on experience with a broad range of technologies in large, diverse environments. Earning my MBA deepened my understanding of the strategic 'how and why' behind business operations, enriching my technical expertise with valuable business insights. After navigating some challenging opportunities, I earned a promotion to my current position, reflecting my growth and commitment to continuous development.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
‘Lead by example’ is a leadership principle that I learned from my favorite football coach and has stuck with me all these years later. To me, it means demonstrating the behaviors, values, and work ethic you expect from your team.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
The greatest challenge for CISOs today is navigating a complex and rapidly changing cyber threat environment shaped by AI, regulatory pressures, and expanding attack surfaces, while evolving into strategic leaders who integrate cybersecurity into broader business objectives. Addressing this requires a combination of technological innovation, strategic communication, talent development and collaborative governance.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
I believe the key to success is deeply understanding your business – its goals, challenges, and priorities. This knowledge enables you to identify what truly matters to the organization and communicate risks and opportunities effectively to the senior management team. By aligning your insights with the company’s strategic objectives, you build credibility and become a trusted advisor who drives informed decision-making.
How do you measure success as a leader?
CISO leadership success is measured by the ability to build and maintain cyber resilience, align security initiatives with business growth and cost efficiency, demonstrate clear risk reduction through data-driven metrics, ensure compliance, foster a security-aware culture, and communicate effectively with executive stakeholders.
This holistic approach reflects the CISOs’ evolving role from technical expert to strategic business leader.
What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?
One of the biggest values from being a member of the community is peer networking, allowing me to connect with senior cybersecurity leaders who understand my challenges and priorities. This trusted network fosters candid conversations, collaboration, and the exchange of real-world strategies in a supportive environment – helping me stay ahead with insights from peers facing similar issues across different industries.
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.
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