Governing Body Spotlight

Predrag Vuckovic serves as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Booking.com, with over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and risk management across e-commerce, financial services, and technology sectors. Known for building high-performing security teams and fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness, Predrag’s expertise lies in safeguarding digital platforms against emerging threats. 

Predrag has held leadership roles at Zalando and multinational banks, where he developed a reputation for strategic foresight and collaboration. A fun fact about Predrag, he is a passionate rock and roll fan who has been playing guitar for over 30 years, having founded his first band three decades ago. Now based in Amsterdam, he balances his love for music with exploring the city’s vibrant culture alongside his family.

Learn more about the Benelux CISO community here.
 

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

My journey to becoming CISO at Booking.com has been shaped by over two decades of leadership in cybersecurity, including positions as CISO at Zalando and in multinational banks. I initially started in IT, drawn by the challenges of safeguarding complex systems, which naturally evolved into a deep passion for cybersecurity. My career has been guided by a focus on proactive risk management, building resilient security teams, and aligning security with business objectives. Joining Booking.com as Senior Director of Group Safety, Security, and Resilience further solidified my commitment to protecting one of the world’s most trusted travel platforms, culminating in my current role as CISO.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

My guiding leadership principle is fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment where every team member feels empowered to contribute. I believe that great results come from building trust, encouraging open communication, and aligning team efforts with a shared vision. For me, leadership is about enabling others to succeed while maintaining a relentless focus on integrity and excellence.
 

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

One of the greatest challenges in my role is staying ahead of the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape while ensuring that security measures do not impede innovation or user experience. To address this, I focus on risk-driven investments, leveraging advanced technologies like AI for proactive threat detection, and embedding security principles into the organization’s culture and operations. Collaboration with cross-functional teams and external partners is also critical to building a resilient and adaptive security ecosystem.
 

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

The key to success for a new CISO is understanding that cybersecurity is both a technical and a business function. Building strong relationships with stakeholders, communicating security’s value in business terms, and maintaining a strategic mindset are essential. It’s also important to prioritize team-building, continuously learn from industry trends, and stay resilient in the face of evolving challenges.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I measure success as a leader through the growth and performance of my teams, the tangible improvements in our security posture, and the trust we build with stakeholders and customers. Success is also reflected in fostering a culture of collaboration and awareness, where security becomes a shared responsibility across the organization. Ultimately, achieving organizational goals while maintaining employee well-being and satisfaction is my benchmark for effective leadership.
 

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

Being a member of the Evanta community provides unparalleled opportunities to connect with other C-level executives, share best practices, and gain insights into emerging trends. It fosters collaboration and innovation, enabling leaders to stay ahead of industry challenges and drive impactful change within their organizations.
 

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