The 2026 programme is currently being developed. If you would be interested in getting involved as a Speaker, please let us know. We would also welcome your input on companies, topics or specific persons you would like to see included on the agenda this year. We welcome your input into shaping the agenda sara.hook@pulseconferences.com.
Gary Hayslip is an experienced Global Security Executive with a proven track record of delivering innovative security programs that protect billion-dollar enterprises at every touchpoint. He is intensely focused on driving continuous improvement to maximize the efficiency of security programs while minimizing costs. As an insightful thought leader, he possesses strong business acumen and a commitment to organizational mission, values, and goals. He has demonstrated the ability to collaborate with all levels of an organization to champion new ideas, gain buy-in, and build consensus. Hayslip brings extensive experience in information technology, security leadership, physical security, and risk management to his role as the Senior Security Advisor | Field CISO for Halcyon.ai. His previous executive positions include multiple roles as Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Information Officer, Deputy Director of IT, and Chief Privacy Officer for the U.S. Navy (Active Duty), the U.S. Navy (Federal Government employee), the City of San Diego, California, Webroot Software, and SoftBank Investments (Vision Fund & Vision Fund II).
Hayslip is a proven cybersecurity expert with excellent communication and public speaking skills. He is skilled at explaining complex security and risk concepts to audiences with different levels of knowledge. Hayslip has earned a reputation as a highly effective communicator, author, and keynote speaker. He co-authored the “CISO Desk Reference Guide: A Practical Guide for CISOs – Volumes 1 & 2,” “The Executive Primer: An Executive’s Guide to Security Programs,” “Developing Your Cybersecurity Career Path,” and the “The Essential Guide to Cybersecurity for SMBs.” He recently coauthored and published “Mastering Third Party Risk,” a guide aimed specifically for security practitioners to help them manage the risk exposure to organizations from vendors and supply chains. These books are among the top resources for helping CISOs improve their leadership and business skills. Hayslip currently serves as an independent director on several boards and advises various other security and technology firms. He is an active member of the cybersecurity community and belongs to professional organizations such as ISC2, NACD, ISACA, and Infragard. Hayslip holds several professional certifications, including CISSP, CISA, and CRISC, and has earned a BS in Information Systems Management from the University of Maryland, University College, and an MBA from San Diego State University.
Adam has 25 years international experience in managing IT and Information Security mainly in Oil & Gas, Pharmaceutical, Consumer Goods, Telecommunication and Financial Services industries. Founding member of ClubCISO, Consumer Goods Security Forum in the UK and Information Security Forum in Malaysia – peer groups of CISOs and Heads of Information Security formed to exchange good practices and experience within specific focus groups. Adam has significant experience consulting and advising boards of directors of FTSE100/Fortune500 companies on Information Security, Privacy, Risk Management and Resilience. The current role is Chief Information Security Officer at SKF.
Jorge Fernandes is the CISO, DPO and Director of the Internal Control Office at CMVM, the Portuguese securities supervisor. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science and several certifications in information security and data protection.
Jorge has more than 20 years of professional experience in Information Security in the financial services sector. His experience as CISO includes the European Securities and Markets Authority and the Council of Europe Development Bank. He is currently a member of several European regulatory groups regarding cybersecurity, operational resilience, and the digitalisation of the financial sector.
Brian is a dedicated Information Security leader with extensive experience in developing and managing comprehensive security, risk, and compliance programs within the media industry. Renowned for exceptional leadership and strategic influence in high-stakes environments. Proficient in enhancing security postures through the adept application of ISO 27001 and NIST frameworks.
Notable Achievements Include:
-Built and led the Information Security team at Channel 4, expanding it to over 20 professionals, and successfully managed multiple security attacks, including those from nation-state actors, with minimal downtime.
-Developed comprehensive security strategies and incident management processes at Channel 4, including the introduction of system hardening, regular security testing, and incident rehearsals, resulting in enhanced operational resilience.
-Acted as the primary cybersecurity liaison to the UK government during high-profile events like the 2012 London Olympics and chaired the Media Security group, coordinating with GCHQ and national cybersecurity organisations.
-Successfully negotiated sustained budget increases and resource expansion for cybersecurity initiatives, including dedicated training and awareness programs, demonstrating effective influence and advocacy at the executive level.
Jake Bernardes is a seasoned CISO with extensive experience spanning technical consultancy, advisory roles, and executive leadership. Throughout his career, Jake has worked and lived across the globe, amassing deep insights into building and scaling security programs for growth-stage and enterprise organizations alike. A proven expert in developing robust security and IT functions, Jake equally specializes in driving go-to-market strategies for security-focused products, particularly for international companies expanding into the U.S. market. His holistic approach to cybersecurity enables businesses to align their security posture with operational and strategic goals, ensuring resilience in today’s evolving threat landscape. Jake’s dedication to innovation and his practical understanding of security challenges make him a trusted partner to companies navigating complex regulatory environments and seeking scalable security solutions. He was an early adopter of many GRC solutions and have served in multiple customer advisory boards prior to joining Anecdotes, where he continues to lead with a vision of empowering organizations through smarter, data-driven compliance
Lady Olga Maitland, Founder, Defense and Security Forum and Chairman, Copenhagen Compliance – has wide experience in all major Governance, risk Management and Compliance issues in general and global Fraud and Corruption problems in particular. She is a special adviser to a number of dignitaries and a widely sought after speaker at all Major Conferences on several Corporate Governance issues. Lady Olga is a former British MP for the Conservative party. Prior to her political career she was a reporter for the Fleet Street News Agency, a columnist in the London.
Recognised cyber security MD with over thirty years of industry experience implementing successful programmes in demanding global environments including investment banking, retail, media and FMCG. Simon provides strategic vision, leadership and technology expertise with a proven track record for effective risk management, change delivery and exceptional impact. He has a strong track record of creating and leading sector wide initiatives. Simon was recently interim CISO at John Lewis, McKesson UK and Avon. Prior to these roles, he was regional CISO at Bank of America Merrill Lynch for 9 years, where he had responsibility for all aspects of cyber security in the EMEA region working closely with business and technical leaders. A member of the bank’s information security senior leadership team that directs the enterprise wide prevention and response activities, Simon had an active role in defining the global strategic operating model and setting strategic long-term goals. Previous sector positions have included Bank of England’s industry chair of the Cyber Coordination Group and Chair of CPNI’s Financial Services Information Exchange (FSIE) and Global Head of IT Security at Thomson Reuters.
Owanate is the founder of Bestman Solutions, a firm dedicated to helping leaders hire cyber security professionals. He advises CISOs and Executives on market factors that impact their growth plans and designs bespoke solutions to address this. Firmly embedded in the cyber security space, he possesses a global core network of well-respected and proven security specialists. Owanate has spent almost a decade recruiting in the Cyber Security field. Before this, he recruited Technology and Operational Risk specialists and successfully staffed a number of high profile banking regulatory programmes. He is also a keen industry speaker and writer for security associations and international publications. Outside of Security and staffing, Owanate is interested in all things Martial Arts.
Quentyn Taylor is Director of Information Security at Canon Europe, Middle East and Africa. Using the power of stories and his own experience of testing products to destruction; Quentyn has embraced building business relationships across the world whilst driving Canon’s strategy and educating business customers to minimise their security risk. Before joining Canon, Quentyn has worked in a variety of industries such as Internet service providers as well as startup businesses.
Dr Leivesley, sally@newrisk.com works on generic solutions to catastrophic risks to critical infrastructure across all disciplines and contributes practical applications to government policy and business. She has been a Panel adviser to for the British IET and CPNI supported publication for Cyber Security in the Built Environment.
As an Advisor to companies and governments on protection of people and infrastructure and strategies for security and business Dr Leivesley has worked across industry sectors gas and petrochemicals; power distribution; hazardous goods transportation by rail; underground and aboveground rail; underground mines; bulk shipping and banks.
As an international media commentator she has commentated for BBC World Service and other news outlets on extreme threats – Chinese spy balloon over USA nuclear missile site, uranium package at London Heathrow airport, cyber; terrorism; aviation losses; nuclear reactor explosions; Kabul 2021 evacuation; South China Sea; Polonium-210 and Novichok poisonings, Beslan siege; Iran; DPRK; USA Presidential security abroad; Covid-19, unexplained incidents such as MH370 and chemical incidents.
Dr Leivesley has held international scientific meetings on issues of catastrophic risk including risks of emerging nuclear weapons, infrastructure resilience including cyber, Covid-19 solutions and hazardous near-earth objects.
She was director of two disaster recovery units in Australia (weather and chemical incidents) and trained by British Home Office as Scientific Advisor holding a Cold War appointment as on all aspects of nuclear war.
PhD London University; Member of the Register of Security Engineers and Specialists RSES; International Association of Bomb Technicians and Investigator; Royal United Services Institute for Defence Studies, and the British Information Assurance Advisory Council Community.
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