Top 100 CISOs Awards Honors Leaders and Mentors in Cybersecurity Field

Celebrating Excellence in Cybersecurity: The Top 100 CISOs Awards

On April 7, 2025, CISOs Connect™, a premier organization focused on the growth and development of Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in North America, proudly unveiled the winners of the highly regarded Top 100 CISOs Awards (C100). This annual recognition is a beacon of excellence in the cybersecurity industry, shining a light on veteran leaders who are not only remarkable practitioners but also committed mentors fostering the next generation of security professionals.

The C100 Awards are distinguished through a thorough and transparent selection process conducted by a board of esteemed judges, all of whom are practicing CISOs themselves. This year, the competition was fiercer than ever, with hundreds of nominations being narrowed down to just a select 100 winners. The diverse pool of nominees highlights the expanding role of the CISO from merely guarding information to emerging as strategic business leaders in their organizations.

Margarita Rivera, the Global CISO at Carnival Corporation and a judge on the panel, noted, "With each passing year, the task of selecting the top candidates becomes increasingly challenging due to the impressive credentials of the nominees." She emphasized that these recipients have set a benchmark against which future CISOs will be measured, showcasing not just their technical skills but also their leadership and commitment to community service.

Awards such as the Visionary Award, which goes to the CISO who innovatively transforms the role, were presented this year to Ariel Litvin, CISO of First Quality Enterprises, while Nikk Gilbert, CISO of RWE, was honored with the Trailblazer Award for redefining the CISO's position as a key business strategist. Furthermore, the CISO Champion Award was presented to Kevin McKenzie, VP CISO of Ferguson Enterprises, for his impactful contributions to developing security leadership in the field.

Additionally, the Impact Award recognizes an individual whose contributions have significantly influenced the industry, awarded this year to Tomás Maldonado, CISO of the NFL. These accolades highlight the vast contributions being made in the cybersecurity sector, emphasizing that CISOs are increasingly seen as pivotal figures in their organizations' strategic directions.

The award process reflects CISOs Connect’s mission to support and elevate a cohort of cybersecurity leaders who are passionate about advancing the industry. Aimee Rhodes, CEO of CISOs Connect, stated, "As the world becomes more interconnected, honoring these CISOs as role models is essential in inspiring a future generation of security leaders." She also expressed gratitude to the judges who dedicated their time and wisdom throughout the complexities of the awards process.

One of the defining features of the C100 Awards is its absence of financial obligations for nominees, which ensures that the recognition is purely merit-based. Frank Aiello, CISO at Maximus, noted that the award's credibility stems from this transparency and the rigorous criteria for evaluation, creating a trustworthy environment within the industry.

Beyond celebrating the top 100, CISOs Connect acknowledges exemplary individuals who are pushing boundaries and shaping the future of cybersecurity. The rigorous criteria for selection included a minimum of five years of experience in a CISO role or equivalent, participation in leadership roles within professional organizations, and a commitment to volunteer and mentor within the cybersecurity community. The goal is to honor those who are not only excelling personally but are also actively contributing to the growth of others in the field.

In partnership with Black Kite, Inc., CISOs Connect has continued to host these awards, further underlining the importance of acknowledging the dedication of cybersecurity leaders as they navigate an ever-evolving threat landscape. Paul Paget, CEO of Black Kite, remarked, "As threats multiply, the CISO role is gaining the visibility and esteem it rightfully deserves. Congratulations to all the winners for setting such a high standard for upcoming leaders."

CISOs Connect remains committed to nurturing a community of elite cybersecurity professionals and serves as a platform where knowledge exchange is facilitated through thought leadership and collaborative engagements. With its proprietary offerings, members of this exclusive community can share insights and strategies that enhance the professional landscape of cybersecurity.

As the industry continues to change and grow, the work of organizations like CISOs Connect is crucial in ensuring that cybersecurity leaders are well-equipped to face future challenges and maintain the integrity of our digital assets.