CISO Sentinel

The Bench: 15 Security VPs Who'll Be CISO By 2027

Who's next in line for the top job? We analyzed the rising stars in security leadership. Here are 15 VPs and Directors with the right stuff to be sitting in the CISO chair by 2027.

Rising security professionals in a modern office, representing the next generation of VP-level leaders on track for CISO roles

Elena Ruiz·Apr 18, 2026·4 min read

Every CISO has a bench. A team of deputies, VPs, and directors who are the future of security leadership. Identifying that next generation of talent is one of the most critical tasks for any security executive. So, who are the rising stars poised to take the CISO reins in the next 18-24 months?

We looked for leaders with a proven track record of execution, a strategic mindset, and the ability to communicate with the business. Drawing from the recent "HotTopics Future CISO 100 Awards 2026," we've identified 15 individuals who are not just security experts, but business leaders who happen to specialize in security. These are the people who will be shaping the security landscape for years to come.

The 2027 CISO Class:

* Aakrati Adhvaryu, Hess Corporation * Adam Cornelissen, Viterra * Alan Pawlak, Johnson & Johnson * Ali Syed, Amway * Alma Kucera, Bupa * Amir Vashkover, Philips * Amy L Wood, British Airways * Andrew Price, Barrat Developments * Anna Koumantou, Penguin Random House UK * Arati Chavan, McKesson * Archana Krishna, Goldman Sachs * Arsalan Saeed, Virgin Media O2 * Ayca Mentes, Booking.com * Brandon Jefferson, Enpro * Brian Coleman, Zoetis

These leaders represent a diverse range of industries, from finance and healthcare to retail and manufacturing. What they have in common is a deep understanding of their business and a relentless focus on managing risk. Keep an eye on these names. You'll be seeing them in the CISO chair soon enough.