NetDiligence Unveils 2026 Toby Merrill Award Winners at Cyber Risk Summit
On October 7, 2026, the annual Cyber Risk Summit held in Philadelphia was the backdrop for the prestigious Toby Merrill Awards, presented by NetDiligence®, a prominent leader in cyber risk readiness and response. With the aim of celebrating excellence in the cyber insurance sector, these awards honor the legacy of Toby Merrill, whose impact on the industry has been profound and lasting.
The Toby Merrill Awards comprise three main categories: the Toby Merrill Award for Excellence, the Rising Star Award, and the Community Spirit Award. Each of these accolades recognizes the invaluable contributions made by individuals in various capacities within the cyber insurance landscape.
The Toby Merrill Award for Excellence is reserved for established leaders who have demonstrated significant influence in the field of cyber insurance. This year, Gwenn Cujdik, serving as the Incident Response Cyber Services Lead for North America at AXA XL, garnered this distinguished award. With expertise in incident response, Gwenn guides AXA XL and its clients on matters of cyber preparedness and crisis management. Her impressive background includes roles as a cyber attorney and homicide prosecutor, showcasing her multidimensional experience in handling complex cyber and privacy issues.
The Rising Star Award aims to spotlight emerging talents within the sector. This year, it was awarded to Martin Leicht, the US & Canada Cyber Brokerage Leader at Marsh. With 13 years of dedicated experience, Martin has progressively risen through the ranks, taking on critical leadership roles that have contributed to his firm’s strategic growth in cyber insurance.
Lastly, the Community Spirit Award was presented to Carolyn Purwin Ryan, a Senior Partner with Mullen Coughlin. Carolyn is recognized for her dedication to strengthening community ties within the cyber insurance sector through collaborative leadership. Her practice focuses on defending organizations in privacy-related litigation, and she plays an active role in educating peers through various speaking engagements.
Mark Greisiger, President of NetDiligence, expressed the significance of the awards: "Toby believed deeply in the value of bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and helping others succeed. That spirit is what these awards are meant to carry forward." His comments underscore the ethos of the awards, which celebrate individuals who are not only leaders in the field but also foster collaboration and growth within the cyber insurance community.
In addition to recognizing outstanding individuals, NetDiligence supports the Toby Merrill Scholarship Fund, which aims to further the education of students who embody the ideals of leadership and kindness that Toby Merrill championed. This initiative aligns with their commitment to cultivating a new generation of leaders in cyber risk management.
Photos from the awards ceremony, along with further details about the nominees and winners, can be accessed on the NetDiligence website. With a rich history spanning over two decades, NetDiligence continues to innovate in the field of cyber risk management, providing essential resources and services to the insurance industry. The celebration of these awards not only honors individual achievements but also highlights the ongoing importance of resilience and community in navigating today’s cyber landscape.
Toby Merrill Awards Overview
The Toby Merrill Awards comprise three main categories: the Toby Merrill Award for Excellence, the Rising Star Award, and the Community Spirit Award. Each of these accolades recognizes the invaluable contributions made by individuals in various capacities within the cyber insurance landscape.
The Toby Merrill Award for Excellence is reserved for established leaders who have demonstrated significant influence in the field of cyber insurance. This year, Gwenn Cujdik, serving as the Incident Response Cyber Services Lead for North America at AXA XL, garnered this distinguished award. With expertise in incident response, Gwenn guides AXA XL and its clients on matters of cyber preparedness and crisis management. Her impressive background includes roles as a cyber attorney and homicide prosecutor, showcasing her multidimensional experience in handling complex cyber and privacy issues.
The Rising Star Award aims to spotlight emerging talents within the sector. This year, it was awarded to Martin Leicht, the US & Canada Cyber Brokerage Leader at Marsh. With 13 years of dedicated experience, Martin has progressively risen through the ranks, taking on critical leadership roles that have contributed to his firm’s strategic growth in cyber insurance.
Lastly, the Community Spirit Award was presented to Carolyn Purwin Ryan, a Senior Partner with Mullen Coughlin. Carolyn is recognized for her dedication to strengthening community ties within the cyber insurance sector through collaborative leadership. Her practice focuses on defending organizations in privacy-related litigation, and she plays an active role in educating peers through various speaking engagements.
Reflecting on the Legacy of Toby Merrill
Mark Greisiger, President of NetDiligence, expressed the significance of the awards: "Toby believed deeply in the value of bringing people together, sharing knowledge, and helping others succeed. That spirit is what these awards are meant to carry forward." His comments underscore the ethos of the awards, which celebrate individuals who are not only leaders in the field but also foster collaboration and growth within the cyber insurance community.
In addition to recognizing outstanding individuals, NetDiligence supports the Toby Merrill Scholarship Fund, which aims to further the education of students who embody the ideals of leadership and kindness that Toby Merrill championed. This initiative aligns with their commitment to cultivating a new generation of leaders in cyber risk management.
Photos from the awards ceremony, along with further details about the nominees and winners, can be accessed on the NetDiligence website. With a rich history spanning over two decades, NetDiligence continues to innovate in the field of cyber risk management, providing essential resources and services to the insurance industry. The celebration of these awards not only honors individual achievements but also highlights the ongoing importance of resilience and community in navigating today’s cyber landscape.
Topics Business Technology）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.