About

Rich Latayan serves as CISO and IT leader, where he leads the organization’s cybersecurity strategy, enterprise risk management, and incident response operations. A transformative leader, Rich drives innovation in security program and data governance, ensuring the resilience and integrity of the enterprise in an evolving threat landscape.

With a distinguished career spanning global cybersecurity and IT leadership roles, Rich has held key positions at a Fortune 50 retailer, international pharmaceutical companies, Fortune 200 manufacturer, and Big Four CPA firm. He is recognized for his ability to communicate complex risk and technology issues to board-level stakeholders and for aligning security initiatives with business objectives.

Rich also oversees financial planning for cybersecurity programs and advocates for customer-centric solutions, including IT and Business Process Outsourcing (ITO/BPO) strategies. His leadership is marked by a commitment to operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and digital transformation.

Rich holds multiple industry certifications, including CISSP, CAISS, CRISC, CPM, and ITIL. He is also a dedicated mentor and former adjunct instructor in digital forensics and systems security. A respected voice in the cybersecurity community, Rich is a frequent speaker and moderator on topics such as Generative AI, third-party risk assurance, and business automation. 

• CISO Exchange: Strengthening Security Systems for Sustaining Work from Everyone
• Consero: Connecting Security, Compliance, and Privacy to Improve Data Management
• Cyber Defense Con: Supply Chain in Crisis
• Evanta Keynote: Embracing Complexity for Strategic Advantage | Driving Growth with Data and Insights | Using Digital Acceleration to Sculpt an Enterprise Change | Inspiring Data Curiosity & Confidence | Optimizing Operational Efficiencies | Productivity & Protection | Risk Measuring What Counts | Navigating the Digital Future to Accelerate Transformation
• FutureCon: Current Cyber Threats & Strategic Defense Practices | CISO Insights and Industry Leaders Discussing Current Cyber Threats and Strategic Defense Practices
• HMG Strategy: Making Security a Competitive Advantage | Beyond Algorithm - Navigating Ethics of ChatGPT
• INTIX: Behind the Screen: Patron Identity and Cybersecurity in 2022 and Beyond
• Security Current: CISO Loud Baffle for Innovation & Shout for Ease of Use
• SINC: Making Cyber Risk a Company-Wide Priority
• Third Party Trust: Emerging Technology, Unknown Risks

2026 C100 Top CISO Award 

by CISOsCOnnect

2025 Top Global CISO Award by Cyber Defense Magazine

2024 Global Leadership Award

by HMG Strategy 

2024 Top Global CISO Award by Cyber Defense Magazine 

Publications

• From Vulnerability Management to Continuous Threat Exposure Management - Cyber Security Tribe 

Associations

• Evanta CISO Governing Body Co-Chair 
• West Florida Cyber Security Alliance
• Chicago CISO Group