Ziggy Kowalski
VP, Information Security (CISO)
The Boler Company
Ziggy Kowalski is an IT security executive with over 24 years of experience in information security and IT infrastructure. In his current position as VP Information Security (CISO) at The Boler Company, he manages the cybersecurity program for their parent and operating companies. Throughout his career, he led major security transformations – for example, he overhauled the information security programs at both the parent and subsidiary companies.
On a personal level, he loves working on cars and traveling with his wife. A fun fact about Ziggy is that he has visited over 20 different NFL stadiums to watch the Chicago Bears.
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Give us a brief overview of the path that led to your current role.
My career began in the late 1990s as an IT intern and network administrator, which gave me a strong technical foundation. I then spent over a decade at A.M. Castle & Co., where I built a new InfoSec team from scratch and rose to the role of Network & Security Manager. In 2021, I joined Hendrickson (the largest subsidiary of The Boler Company) as a Senior Information Security Manager and was subsequently promoted to Director and then Vice President of Information Security. By October 2022, I took on my current role leading information security for all The Boler Company and its global subsidiaries.
What is one of your guiding leadership principles?
I believe in finding ways to implement security initiatives pragmatically by understanding the business structure first and then moving the program forward. In practice, this means building relationships with other business leaders, understanding the culture of our teams, and determining how we can prioritize security while allowing the business to run at the highest of levels.
What is the greatest challenge CISOs face today, and how are you addressing it?
Staying ahead of the evolving cyber threats. I address this by deploying advanced defenses and automation while working with strong partners. I also establish a comprehensive Incident Response Plan and conduct regular tabletop exercises, so we are prepared when a breach occurs. By combining technology, proactive planning, and education, I am working to keep our organization one step ahead of the bad guys.
What is the key to success for someone just starting out as a CISO?
For someone just starting out in a C-level security role, the key to success is creating relationships with the other company leaders around you. During my first 6 months, I met with all the top leaders to get to know them and understand what is important to them. This has helped me understand how the business operates, people’s personalities, project initiation, and more. You also need to prioritize your initiatives. Not everything can be a priority project for the business. Set your strategy, align it to the business, and make progress.
How do you measure success as a leader?
I measure success through looking backwards and forwards. Are we better than we were last year and do we know where we are going next year?
What is the value of being a member of Gartner C-level Communities?
Being a member of the Gartner CISO Community has been incredibly valuable to me. It has always provided a great peer network where I can share experiences and learn about new processes and technologies.
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