CISOs Connect™ Opens Nominations for 2026 CISOs Top 100 CISOs (C100) Award, Expands Global Perspectives with Esteemed Board of Judges

 Award Honors Security Chiefs Who Set the Gold Standard for the Industry

NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CISOs Connect™, the global alliance of CISOs and top security executives, today launched nominations for its 2026 CISOs Top 100 CISOs (C100) Awards, recognizing chief information security officers who set the gold standard in protecting organizations while shaping the future of the cybersecurity profession. While the program continues to recognize CISOs across North America, the 2026 C100 marks a milestone with the inclusion of international judges, reflecting the reality that security leadership challenges and solutions transcend borders.

The C100 remains unique in its fully transparent judging process. Anyone can nominate or self-nominate because recognition is based on clear, defensible criteria. The judging panel is composed entirely of active CISOs, ensuring that honorees are evaluated by peers who live the role every day. Winners will be announced at the CISOs Connect Conference in Miami on December 8, 2025, a gathering that brings together security leaders from across North America and beyond. Announcing the C100 at this event underscores its role as both a capstone to the year's achievements and a launch point for the year ahead, setting the tone for excellence and collaboration as we enter 2026.

Howard Whyte, Chief Information Security Officer, CRC Group, said: "The power of the C100 is that it is shaped entirely by CISOs for CISOs. This recognition reflects the realities we face every day, and it highlights leaders who are not only protecting their organizations but also investing in the growth of the security profession."

Esteemed judges for 2026 include:

• Angela Williams, SVP, Global Chief Information Security Officer, UL
• Ashley Devoto, Chief Information Security Officer, Discount Tire
• Brett Conlon, Chief Information Security Officer, American Century Investments
• Howard Whyte, Chief Information Security Officer, CRC Group
• Hussein Syed, SVP & Chief Information Security Officer, RWJBarnabas Health
• James Blair, Chief Information Security Officer, Todd
• Mandy Andress, Chief Information Security Officer, Elastic
• Mark Eggleston, Chief Information Security Officer, CSC
• Nashira Spencer, Chief Information Security Officer, Stitch Fix
• Ryan Field, Chief Information Security Officer, Bank of Hawaii
• Sherron Burgess, Global Chief Information Security Officer, BCD Travel
• Stephen Bennett, Group Chief Information Security Officer, Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd
• Tomás Maldonado, Chief Information Security Officer, NFL
• Vannessa Van Beek, Global Chief Information Security Officer, Fortescue

Stephen Bennett, Group Chief Information Security Officer, Domino's Pizza Enterprises Ltd, based in Australia and leading security at several global locations, said: "Being part of the C100 judging board is a privilege because it reflects the reality of our profession: collaboration is our greatest defense. The recognition is not only about individual excellence, but also about building a stronger, more connected global community of CISOs and top security executives who can learn from and support one another."

Mandy Andress, Chief Information Security Officer, Elastic, said: "The C100 is special because it celebrates the depth and breadth of what it means to be a CISO today. Technical expertise matters, but so does the ability to lead, influence, and nurture future talent. This recognition highlights the multifaceted nature of our role and the importance of sharing knowledge across the community."

Aimee Rhodes, CEO of CISOs Connect, said: "When we launched the C100 four years ago, we wanted to shine a light on CISOs who were leading with integrity, innovation, and generosity of spirit. Today, the role is more visible and more demanding than ever before. By bringing together CISOs and top security executives from across the globe, the C100 continues to elevate not just individuals, but the profession as a whole."

Paul Paget, CEO of Black Kite, which has supported the awards since year one, said: "The C100 has become more than an award; it is a testament to the collective resilience of CISOs around the world. Expanding the judging board globally underscores what we see every day that cyber threats do not stop at borders, and neither does leadership. Black Kite is proud to have supported the C100 since year one, standing behind its transparent, peer-driven recognition of those who carry one of the most critical responsibilities in business today."

Support from CISOs Connect members and Black Kite ensures the awards remain cost-free, open to any CISO who meets the criteria, and free from pay-to-play.

David Cass, President of CISOs Connect and CISO of Keyrock, said: "The C100 is powerful because it is entirely peer-driven. Every judge is an active CISO who understands the weight of the role and the complexity of the challenges we face. That ensures recognition is grounded in experience and integrity, shining a light on leaders who are making a true impact in their organizations and across the broader security community."

Nominate here: https://cisosconnect.awardsplatform.com/

About CISOs Connect: CISOs Connect is an exclusive, membership-only interactive community of trusted cyber peers and subject matter experts. It enables security leaders to share knowledge and expertise through proprietary content, research, and analysis, while providing a forum for collaboration with trusted colleagues to make informed business and technology decisions. CISOs Connect and Security Current, which is known for its Security Shark Tank, are lauded for their CISO-driven content, knowledge sharing, and community. It is purpose-built and led by the top CISOs in North America.

Media Contact:
Aimee Rhodes
201-835-9205

SOURCE CISOs Connect