Role Overview for CISO with a Global Insurer – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier global insurance provider in their exclusive search for a visionary and strategic Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Based in their corporate headquarters in the vibrant city of Chicago, IL, this executive will be responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive, enterprise-wide information security and risk management program. Our client is a household name in the insurance industry, with a legacy of trust and a forward-looking approach to digital transformation. In today’s hyper-connected world, the security and privacy of their clients’ data are paramount, making this CISO role one of the most critical leadership positions within the organization.
This is not merely a technical role; it is a strategic business leadership position. The CISO will serve as a trusted advisor to the executive leadership team and the Board of Directors, providing guidance on the ever-evolving threat landscape and ensuring that security strategy is deeply integrated with business objectives. You will be at the forefront of protecting the firm against sophisticated cyber threats while enabling innovation and growth. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of deep technical expertise, business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills. You will lead a global team of dedicated security professionals, fostering a culture of security awareness and resilience across all business units and geographical locations. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of cybersecurity at a globally recognized financial services institution and make a tangible impact on its long-term success and stability.
Key Responsibilities of CISO with a Global Insurer – Chicago, IL
The Chief Information Security Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
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Strategy, Vision, and Leadership
Develop, implement, and communicate a comprehensive, strategic vision for the enterprise information security program. Create a multi-year security roadmap that aligns with business goals, addresses key risks, and anticipates future threats. You will provide strong leadership to a global team, inspiring excellence, and promoting professional development. This includes managing the information security budget, optimizing resource allocation, and presenting security strategy, risk posture, and program maturity to the executive committee and Board of Directors.
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Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)
Establish and maintain a robust information security governance framework. Lead the enterprise information security risk management program to identify, assess, prioritize, and mitigate security risks across the organization. You will be responsible for developing, publishing, and enforcing corporate information security policies, standards, and procedures. A critical part of this role is ensuring the company’s compliance with a complex web of international and domestic regulations, including GDPR, CCPA, NYDFS Cybersecurity Regulation, NAIC regulations, and other relevant data privacy and security laws. You will act as the primary liaison for internal and external audits and regulatory examinations related to cybersecurity.
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Security Operations and Incident Response
Oversee the 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) to ensure effective monitoring, detection, and analysis of security events. You will mature the organization’s threat intelligence capabilities to proactively identify and counter emerging threats. A key responsibility will be to lead the development, testing, and execution of the enterprise-wide incident response plan. In the event of a significant security incident, you will command the response, coordinating efforts across IT, Legal, Communications, and business units to minimize impact and ensure a swift recovery.
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Security Architecture and Engineering
Partner with IT, application development, and infrastructure teams to embed security into all phases of the technology lifecycle (SecDevOps). You will provide strategic direction for the design, implementation, and management of security controls and technologies. This includes overseeing critical domains such as Identity and Access Management (IAM), Data Loss Prevention (DLP), network security (firewalls, IDS/IPS), endpoint protection (EDR/XDR), cloud security (CASB, CWPP), and encryption technologies. You will continuously evaluate and onboard new technologies to enhance the company’s security posture.
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Data Protection and Privacy
Champion the protection of sensitive corporate and customer data. Collaborate closely with the Chief Privacy Officer and Legal department to ensure that data handling practices align with privacy policies and legal requirements. You will be responsible for implementing technical and administrative controls to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all critical information assets, whether on-premises or in the cloud.
Requirements for the CISO with a Global Insurer – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished leader with a proven track record of success in complex, global environments. The specific qualifications for this role are:
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Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in the information security field, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, VP of Security, or CISO). Direct experience within the insurance, banking, or financial services industry is strongly required due to the specific regulatory and risk landscape. Proven experience operating effectively in a large, global, and matrixed organization is essential.
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Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Security, Cybersecurity, or a related technical field is required. A Master’s degree (e.g., MBA, MS in Information Security) is highly preferred and will be a significant differentiator.
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Professional Certifications
Possession of top-tier industry certifications is highly desirable. These include, but are not limited to: Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), or Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA).
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Technical and Framework Expertise
The candidate must have a deep and comprehensive understanding of cybersecurity domains. This includes expert-level knowledge of security frameworks and standards, particularly the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, ISO 27001/27002, and COBIT. You should have demonstrable experience with cloud security architecture and controls (AWS, Azure, GCP), modern application security practices, and advanced threat defense technologies.
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Leadership and Communication Skills
Exceptional executive presence and communication skills are non-negotiable. The CISO must be able to articulate complex security risks and strategies in clear, business-oriented terms to a non-technical audience, including C-level executives and the Board of Directors. You must be a proven leader with experience building, mentoring, and motivating high-performing, globally distributed teams. Strong negotiation, vendor management, and influencing skills are critical for success.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents. Access to corporate wellness programs and mental health resources.
Retirement Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a substantial company match and potential profit-sharing contributions.
Work-Life Balance
An executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
Professional Growth
A dedicated budget for continued professional development, including executive coaching, industry conferences, and advanced certifications.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the ideal candidate.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. If you are a transformative security leader ready to take on this challenging and rewarding role, we encourage you to apply. To be considered for this pivotal leadership position, please submit your resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your qualifications and vision for the role through our secure portal.
For more information on our specialized recruitment services in this domain, please visit JRG Partners’ Cybersecurity Executive Search practice area page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
