Venu Sriraj

Venu Sriraj has extensive experience in information security and risk management. Venu is currently the Vice President & Head of Information Security (CISO) at Magnati, where they are responsible for developing and implementing an enterprise-wide information security program. Venu focuses on areas such as security policy framework, technology risk management, cloud security, cybersecurity strategy, business continuity, and data protection.

Prior to their current role, Venu worked as the Vice President - Business Continuity at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), where they were involved in ensuring the resilience of business operations. Before that, they served as the Vice President & Group CISO at UAE Exchange, overseeing the design and execution of a robust cybersecurity program for a globally regulated payments business operating in multiple markets.

Earlier in their career, Venu held various positions at UAE Exchange, including Head of Information Security, Senior Manager: Network & IT Security, and Manager - Network & IT Security. In these roles, they successfully managed security and technology risks, implemented robust security controls, and played a key role in obtaining ISO 27001 Certification.

Venu also has experience working at Nokia as a Pre-Sales Engineer, where they developed solutions for enterprise customers based on Nokia Security Platforms. Venu started their career as a Network Support Engineer at Fourth Dimension Technologies, where they provided support for routers and leased lines.

Throughout their career, Venu has demonstrated strong leadership skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to mitigate risks and protect sensitive information. Venu is experienced in negotiating with vendors, implementing advanced security solutions, and driving continuous improvement in information security practices.

Venu Sriraj completed their Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science Engineering from the University of Madras from 1998 to 2002. Venu later pursued the CISO Executive Program in Computer and Information Systems Security/Information Assurance at Carnegie Mellon University - Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy from 2019 to 2020. In terms of additional certifications, Venu obtained the Certified Information Security Manager® (CISM) certification from ISACA in October 2014 and the Certified Information Systems Auditor® (CISA) certification in June 2012.