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
• 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
• Third Party Trust: Emerging Technology, Unknown Risks

2024 Top Global CISO Award by Cyber Defense Magazine 

2024 Global Leadership Award by HMG Strategy 

Associations

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