Claudio Bolla
Group IS Director
INEOS
Claudio Bolla is presently the group information security director at INEOS, a leading force in the global chemical industry. In this role, he oversees the protection of vital information assets, adeptly navigating the company through the intricate maze of cyber threats with strategic acumen and technological expertise.
Claudio’s extensive career in information technology and security was initiated before the completion of his academic pursuits. He ascended through various IT and Information security roles, showcasing a proactive mindset and a dedication to promoting a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration and resilience.
Claudio holds a master's degree in information risk and cybersecurity at Solvay Brussels School of Economics and Management, and is a certified information security manager.
Learn more about the Benelux CISO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I stumbled into information technology back at the university and fell in love with it. When I moved to Europe after my studies, I specialized in networking and infrastructure. My personality never allowed me to say no, or be bound by role or job descriptions. I always took on more roles and responsibilities.
My curiosity and willingness to do what it takes, allowed me to lead complex global technology projects and programs, building the necessary foundations for taking up my current security role.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Inspired by the collective wisdom I've absorbed, my leadership style is centered around empathy. Actively listening to others, striving to understand their perspectives and emotions, and considering those insights in decision-making and communication, is one of my guiding leadership principles.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
It’s hard to pick a single challenge, there are just so many! I would say the talent shortage is top of mind.
There's a global shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. Finding and retaining the right talent to address myriad security challenges is a constant struggle, particularly for manufacturing companies, as most security professionals prefer to work for tech companies.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
The cornerstone of success lies in mastering the art of listening and actively engaging in dialogue with business stakeholders. This approach ensures a deep comprehension of the business’s strategic objectives, risk appetite, and operational challenges, thereby enabling the CISO to craft and implement a cybersecurity strategy.
How do you measure success as a leader?
I measure success as a leader by the ability to inspire and empower others to achieve their highest potential, leading to tangible results that exceed expectations. It's about creating an environment where trust flourishes and measurable outcomes reflect the collective efforts and growth of the team.
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
Evanta sessions are set up by peers, making them very relevant and of high quality. The community gives access to great people from different industries allowing not only for networking, but also cross pollination of ideas.
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.
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