Ross McNaughton is a business-focused Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity and information security within the financial services sector. He is recognized for aligning cybersecurity strategy with business objectives, enabling organizations to manage evolving digital risks while supporting innovation and growth. With deep expertise spanning cyber resilience, threat management, and security governance, Ross brings a pragmatic, leadership-driven approach to safeguarding complex banking environments in an increasingly AI-driven threat landscape.Currently serving as Chief Information Security Officer at Gulf Bank in Kuwait, Ross leads enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and resilience initiatives. His career includes senior leadership roles across leading regional financial institutions, where he has built and scaled security functions, strengthened regulatory alignment, and enhanced organizational awareness of cyber risk. An active voice in the cybersecurity community, he contributes to industry dialogue on topics such as AI in security, threat evolution, and the future role of the CISO, bringing practical insights grounded in real-world experience.