Spotlight on Alberto Borgonovo

Alberto Borgonovo is currently Chief Information Security Officer of Flutter SEA, within Flutter Entertainment, the world’s leading online sports betting and iGaming operator. As CISO, he is responsible for leading the cybersecurity strategy for different brands (Sisal, Snai, Pokerstars) and different countries in Southern Europe and Africa. He has over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, leading the strategy across complex, multi-brand and international environments.

Learn more about the Italy CISO Community here.
 

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

My career has been shaped by a progressive move from technical cybersecurity roles into strategic leadership positions. After starting in consulting with KPMG Advisory, where I worked across industries on cybersecurity and IT risk initiatives, I transitioned into leadership roles within large organizations, including serving as Chief Information Security Officer in the banking sector.

These experiences allowed me to evolve from delivering security projects to defining enterprise-wide security strategies aligned with business priorities and risk management objectives. Since joining Sisal, part of Flutter Entertainment, I have been focused on building and leading cybersecurity functions that act as business enablers, enhancing resilience, supporting digital growth, and embedding a risk-based culture across the organization.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

One of my guiding leadership principles is to approach every decision through a risk-based, business-oriented lens. In cybersecurity, you have to understand risks, prioritize them, and make conscious choices that balance protection with business objectives.

As a leader, this means setting clear priorities, being transparent about trade-offs, and empowering teams to act with accountability. 
 

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

One of the greatest challenges for a CISO today is balancing the rapid pace of business innovation, especially around AI and digital transformation, with an increasingly complex and evolving risk landscape.
 

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

The key to success for someone stepping into a CISO role is to quickly shift from a technical mindset to a business leadership mindset. At this level, your impact is defined less by what you know and more by how effectively you align security with business priorities.
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I measure success as a leader through impact: the results we deliver, the growth of people, and the strength of the culture we build.
 

What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?

Access to a trusted peer network of C-level executives to validate strategies, share best practices, and solve real challenges. It enables faster, more informed decision-making through peer-driven insights and collaboration.

Governing Body members share their insights and leadership perspectives to shape the agendas and topics that address the top priorities impacting business leaders today.