Over nearly three decades, Tal Arad has built a career defined by strategic vision and transformational leadership. Since joining Carlsberg Group as Chief Information Security Officer in 2020, Tal has led a comprehensive overhaul of the company’s cybersecurity infrastructure, modernising systems and integrating security as a core business enabler.

Facing the challenge of a fragmented, regionally diverse network and limited threat visibility, Tal championed one of the largest SASE (Secure Access Service Edge) deployments in Europe. In just four months, his team integrated approximately 140 sites across Western Europe into a unified security platform, transitioning 20-30 sites per week. Today, Carlsberg’s secure network spans over 300 sites, supporting 15,000 users globally.

Under Tal’s leadership, Carlsberg has transitioned from reactive, back-office security to a proactive, integrated approach, with network visibility now instantaneous and operational incidents resolved within hours. This transformation has been driven by the adoption of Zero Trust principles, modern XDR, and comprehensive posture management, significantly reducing Carlsberg’s attack surface and enhancing its overall security stance.

Beyond technical achievements, Tal has also championed cultural change, building a diverse, global security team and creating pathways for early career professionals. This inclusive approach has been instrumental in fostering a forward-looking, agile security culture that aligns closely with Carlsberg’s broader business goals.

As Carlsberg continues to innovate and expand, Tal Arad’s leadership is demonstrating that security can be both a protective force and a strategic advantage.

Judges’ Comments:

“Tal Arad has redefined cybersecurity leadership at Carlsberg Group, driving a transformative shift towards a modern, secure, and streamlined infrastructure.”