Governing Body Spotlight

Ashar Javed, currently serving as CISO and security team manager at Hyundai AutoEver Europe GmbH, brings extensive cybersecurity expertise backed by a PhD from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and an MSc from Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg. He refined his capabilities through penetration testing, contributed as a security researcher at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, and shared his insights at renowned conferences like BlackHat, HITB, OWASP and DeepSec, and in 2024 spoke at CyberSec Frankfurt, Automotive Cyber Security Europe, and the DACH CISO Executive Summit.

Globally recognized for his contributions, Ashar topped Microsoft’s Top 100 Security Researcher List in 2018 and ranked fourth on the Most Valuable Researcher List in 2019 and 2020.

Outside the office, he blogs about XSS at “Respect XSS,” participates in bug bounty programs, and can be followed on Twitter at @soaj1664ashar.

Learn more about the DACH CISO community here.
 

Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.

After earning my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, I began my career as a lecturer in a local college and university for about four years. This experience led me to pursue advanced education opportunities in Germany, where I completed an MSc at Technische Universität Hamburg-Harburg and a PhD in Web Security at Ruhr-Universität Bochum. 

Following my doctoral work as a researcher at Ruhr-Universität Bochum, I joined Hyundai AutoEver Europe GmbH, initially focusing on penetration testing and vulnerabilities. Over time, my responsibilities evolved, and I now serve as both the Security Manager and CISO, leveraging my academic background, research experience, and industry skills to help strengthen the organization’s security posture.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

One of my guiding leadership principles is fostering a collaborative, team-centric environment. I believe that no individual can succeed in isolation; by working together, we can achieve far more than any one person could alone. On a personal level, I’m also a firm believer in the value of hard work, knowing that dedication and persistence lay the foundation for collective success.
 

What is the greatest challenge you are facing today, and how are you addressing it?

The greatest challenge I face in my role today is navigating the delicate balance between responsibility and authority at the local level. This tension often manifests in limited financial freedom, which can restrict our ability to implement robust security measures. To address this, we continually optimize the resources and toolsets currently at our disposal while actively advocating for greater budgetary support. By demonstrating the value and impact of enhanced security investments, we aim to secure the flexibility and authority needed to better protect our organization.
 

What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?

In my view, a key factor to succeeding in a C-level security role is balancing wide-ranging knowledge with strong technical acumen. Policies and procedures are valuable frameworks, but to make effective, real-world decisions, you need to have a deep understanding of how things work at the implementation level. Get your hands dirty, learn from different perspectives – technical, operational, and strategic – and use that insight to make more informed, impactful decisions that strengthen your organization’s security posture.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I measure success as a leader by the enthusiasm and satisfaction my team feels in their work. When they’re not just completing their tasks but genuinely enjoying the process, that’s a true win. To foster this, I focus on creating an environment where people feel empowered, trusted, and free to innovate – avoiding micromanagement and instead encouraging autonomy. When team members feel like they’re thriving and “winning,” everyone benefits.
 

What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?

The Evanta community provides an invaluable platform for peer-level discussions, knowledge sharing, and learning from others’ experiences. It’s a space where leaders facing similar challenges can exchange insights, offer support, and foster innovation collectively. With no apparent downsides, you gain fresh perspectives, broaden your understanding, and enhance your decision-making capabilities. In short, it’s a pure win-win environment that encourages personal and professional growth.

Evanta Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.