Marish Shah
Head of Cyber Security
EXtra Saudi
Marish Shah heads Cyber Security at Extra, a global $1.5 billion retail company with 5,000+ employees globally. He’s an International Advisory Board Member for CCISO at EC-Council and was awarded the Cyber Sentinels Award 2024 by the Global CISO Forum. Beyond his role at Extra, Marish is also a founder and advisor for innovative startups.
Learn more about the Middle East CISO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
My professional journey has been both diverse and rewarding, transitioning from a salesperson to the Head of Cyber Security at one of Saudi Arabia’s largest retail organisations. Initially, I started my career in sales, but was quickly drawn to the world of IT. Over the first five years, I gained experience in various roles including Intern, IT Admin, Technical Support Engineer, NOC Engineer, and Pre-Sales Consultant.
In the next five years, I focused on advanced areas like Data Center Management, Telecommunication Technologies, System Security, Network Security, and Application Security. The subsequent five years allowed me to explore leadership in Cyber Security, establish multiple startups, and engage with business functions such as HR, Legal, Marketing and Finance while also authoring books.
Today, I am focusing on data privacy and serving as an advisor on Cyber Security and business strategies for leading firms and my own global ventures. My career has been driven by a deep curiosity for knowledge, with Cyber Security remaining my enduring passion.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
One of my guiding leadership principles is that effective leadership is about balancing strategic thinking with practical execution. This involves continuous learning, adopting new approaches, and making well-considered decisions. A crucial aspect of leadership is setting clear expectations from the start to maintain this balance between ambition and practical business needs.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
One of the greatest challenges in my role as Head of Cyber Security at Extra is balancing the need for innovative security solutions with practical business implementations. As we work to stay ahead of emerging threats and enhance our security posture, it's crucial to set clear expectations and manage resources effectively. I address this challenge by fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring that our strategies are aligned with both our long-term vision and immediate business needs. This involves collaborating closely with my team, setting clear goals, and making strategic decisions to maintain this balance.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
The key to success for someone starting out in a C-level role is to embrace continuous learning and strategic thinking. Understanding that leadership involves more than just managing teams – it's about setting clear expectations, adapting to change, and making informed decisions that align with both immediate needs and long-term goals. Cultivating these skills early on will help you navigate complex challenges and drive meaningful success.
How do you measure success as a leader?
For me, success as a leader is measured by the achievement of strategic objectives and the empowerment of my team. I evaluate success through the extent to which we meet our business goals, execute our strategic initiatives, and drive positive outcomes for the organisation. Equally important is how well I support and develop my team, fostering an environment where they can thrive and reach their full potential.
What is the value of being a member of the Evanta community?
In a world full of networking opportunities, I chose Evanta for its remarkable concept and the high calibre of its members. The community is packed with incredibly talented individuals, and the chance to learn from their experiences and insights is invaluable to me. It’s been a great decision to be part of such a dynamic and knowledgeable group.
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