#USA #Cyber Defense #Ascensus #Alex Petrow #Dreshser

Ascensus CISO Alex Petrow Named 2025 Top Global CISO

In a notable recognition of excellence in cybersecurity, Ascensus' Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) Alex Petrow has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Top Global CISO Award by Cyber Defense Magazine. This esteemed distinction celebrates leaders who demonstrate unparalleled innovation and effectiveness in protecting their organizations from cyber threats.

Transformative Leadership in Cybersecurity

Since joining Ascensus in 2011, Petrow has played a pivotal role in shaping the company's global cybersecurity framework. Under his leadership, the organization successfully navigated 40 acquisitions while simultaneously addressing the complexities of increasing technological advancements. His strategic initiatives have led to achieving significant global security certifications and advancing industry standards through rigorous external assessments, showcasing an impressive commitment to cybersecurity.

Petrow's instrumental leadership is further highlighted by his position as a founding member of the SPARK Data Security Oversight Board (DSOB), where Ascensus collaborates with fellow recordkeepers to establish and implement best practices aimed at elevating industry standards for data security.

Acknowledgment from Leadership

In response to this recognition, John Schroeder, Ascensus' Chief Information Officer, emphasized the considerable impact of Petrow's leadership on enhancing the company's security initiatives. He noted, "This honor reflects Alex's unwavering commitment to safeguarding our organization and driving innovation in cybersecurity. His leadership and vision have been instrumental in building a resilient security posture that protects our clients, partners, and associates."

The Top Global CISO Awards annually honor only a select group of cybersecurity executives from around the world. Petrow was chosen from a competitive pool of thousands of candidates based on his significant contributions and the elevation of Ascensus' security program amidst a challenging period of growth and development.

About Ascensus

Ascensus stands as a leading independent technology and service platform, dedicated to empowering savings plans throughout America. With over 16 million individuals relying on its services, Ascensus specializes in a variety of financial solutions that collectively manage more than $919 billion in assets. The company boasts a workforce exceeding 5,000 associates as of September 30, 2025.

In its mission, Ascensus offers a wide array of retirement plan solutions, third-party administration, and fiduciary services. By operating at the junction between savers, investment managers, and financial advisors, the company leverages its platforms and insights to boost the growth of its partners and clientele through co-branded efforts and collaborative partnerships.

For more details on Ascensus and its offerings, visit ascensus.com.