Spotlight on Mario Ferket

I lead Dow's cybersecurity and connectivity services strategy, risk management, and digital asset protection, ensuring compliance with global regulatory requirements while managing insider risk and fostering a culture of security excellence.

Fun fact: I am originally from the Netherlands and during the last 35 years, I have had the pleasure to work and live in four different countries.

Learn more about the Detroit CISO community here.
 

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

My career has been built on more than three decades of progressive IT leadership at Dow, beginning as an application developer and expanding across business systems, service management, infrastructure, and global IT operations. Having led teams in both Europe and North America, I developed a broad understanding of how technology enables business performance. My role leading Infrastructure and Operations was especially formative, providing the operational foundation that ultimately led to my appointment as Chief Information Security Officer.
 

What is one of your guiding leadership principles?

Be willing to get uncomfortable and deal with ambiguity. This will enable you to grow and learn.
 

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

The biggest challenge in my role is keeping pace with the pace of change. AI is transforming how businesses operate and how cyber threats evolve, requiring security leaders to enable innovation while effectively managing risk. Coupled with increasing geopolitical and regulatory complexity, it demands a constant focus on adaptability.

My approach is to stay grounded in strong cybersecurity fundamentals while continuously evolving our capabilities to meet new business and threat realities.
 

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

Success as a CISO starts with building a strong team and fostering a collaborative culture. Cybersecurity is a team sport, and no leader can be successful by themselves. Equally important is developing trusted relationships with business and IT partners, active listening first, and understanding and helping meet their goals. It is important for CISOs to enable the business with managing a level of risk that is matching the risk posture of the company you work for. 
 

How do you measure success as a leader?

I measure success by two things: achieving the outcomes we set out to deliver and strengthening the team in the process. Results are important, but how those results are achieved matters just as much. A successful leader creates an environment where people are engaged, growing, and proud of their contributions. If we achieve our goals but don't have a team that is energized and ready for the next challenge, then we haven't truly succeeded.
 

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

Cybersecurity is a team sport, and the challenges we face are often more similar across industries than they are different. Gartner C-level Communities provide a valuable forum for networking, sharing experiences, and learning from peers who are tackling many of the same issues. The ability to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from one another helps all of us become more effective leaders and better prepared for the challenges ahead.

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