Episode 296 Deep Dive: Vishwanath Nair | Emergence of IT/ Cyber Leaders as Trusted Advisors and Business Value Creators

“The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this interview are solely Vishwanath Nair’s and do not necessarily reflect the views, policies, or positions of his employer, clients, or any affiliated organizations.” In this episode, we sit down with Vishwanath Nair, Head of Cyber Risk and Compliance at Baptist Care, as he explores the evolving partnership between IT and business. Vishwanath discusses the critical role of IT in digital transformation, the importance of data as a key business asset, and the proliferation of AI tools in enhancing IT-business alignment. He addresses the historical lack of trust between IT and business, emphasizing the need for effective communication and co-design to improve this relationship. With over 25 years of experience, Vishwanath (Vish) is a leading authority in Risk Management, specializing in Information Security (InfoSec), IT Service Management, and Business Resilience on a global scale. He has led multi-million-dollar transformation initiatives across key sectors such as Public Sector, Critical Infrastructure, Healthcare, and Manufacturing. Vish’s recent work as the inaugural Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at the NSW Electoral Commission earned him the prestigious CSO30 Business Value Award 2024 by Foundry. His role was critical in safeguarding the Commission’s cybersecurity, where he developed security services from the ground up, embedding them into the organization’s processes to support the delivery of secure and transparent elections. Currently, Vish serves as the Head of Cyber Risk and Compliance at BaptistCare NSW/ACT, one of Australia’s leading Aged Care providers, where he oversees the security and compliance frameworks that protect critical services. Previously, as Global Continuity Lead at Emirates Airlines, Vish was responsible for enhancing IT and Business Continuity practices globally. He also established Cyber/IT Trusted Advisory services, aligning business and IT strategies for optimal results across the airline’s operations. Known for his collaborative, inclusive leadership style, Vish has built and nurtured high-performing teams, maintaining exceptional retention rates. His commitment to professional development and industry advancement is reflected in his active contributions to organizations like ISACA, AISA, and BCI, where he has served on the Board of Directors for ISACA UAE and BCI UAE. Vish is also a prolific public speaker and has earned numerous industry accolades, solidifying his position as a trusted leader and influential voice in the cybersecurity and risk management sectors.