
Partho Ghatak
CISO
Grant Thornton

I am an accomplished cybersecurity leader with over two decades of experience in information security, risk management, and IT governance. As CISO at Grant Thornton, I am responsible for developing and executing strategies to protect the firm’s data and systems. I'm also very passionate about mentoring future security professionals and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Fun fact: I enjoy hiking and exploring new technology trends in my (very limited) free time.
Learn more about the Chicago CISO community here.
Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
I began my career in IT and security consulting, working with various global organizations to strengthen their cybersecurity posture. Over the years, I've held leadership roles in risk management and information security, which helped me develop a holistic understanding of enterprise security needs. My expertise and commitment to building resilient security programs led me to where I am today.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
Empowering teams through trust and collaboration. I believe that fostering open communication and encouraging innovation are key to building a resilient and adaptive security organization.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
Managing the evolving threat landscape while balancing business needs and regulatory requirements. Addressing this by implementing a proactive, risk-based approach to cybersecurity, investing in advanced technologies, and promoting a strong security culture across the organization.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
The key to success for new CISOs is to build strong relationships with business stakeholders and understand the organization’s strategic objectives. Staying curious, continuously learning, and being adaptable to change.
How do you measure success as a leader?
The effectiveness of my team, the resilience of the organization’s security posture, and the ability to enable business growth while minimizing risk. Also, valuing feedback and growth within his team as indicators of successful leadership.
What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?
I find great value in being part of the Gartner CISO Community, as it provides access to peer insights, industry best practices, and opportunities for collaboration. The community helps me stay ahead of emerging threats and trends, and fosters continuous professional development. Even with a difficult travel schedule, it allows me to stay connected with my peers.
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