CISO Dinner NYC
We are thrilled to be hosting you at the Darktrace CISO Dinner! Hosted by CISOs, for CISOs, this dinner brings together the New York CISO Community to discuss the future of AI and cyber security leadership.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday 7th May, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: The Equestrian Room at The Polo Bar, 1 E 55th St, New York, NY 10022
Event contact: Jenna Matsumura | jenna.matsumura@darktrace.com | +1 (857) 272-9860
We have a few seats remaining. If you have a CISO peer you'd like to include in this event, please reach out to Jenna
Please explore the resources below for a meaningful discussion.
Add to Calendar
CISO Dinner Special Guest
Chris Hazel
Executive Director, Information Technology & Security, Qatar Foundation
LinkedinChris brings over three decades of global experience in IT, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Prior to joining Qatar Foundation, he held senior roles in the UK’s payments and financial services sector, leading major governance and infrastructure initiatives. At QF, he now oversees enterprise IT and security strategy, enabling innovation across education, research, and community advancement. He holds MSc degrees in Cyber Security and International Management.
CISO Dinner Co-Hosts
Phil Pearson
Chief Strategy Officer
LinkedinPhil Pearson is the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at Darktrace, where he leads the Strategy, data Analytics and field CISO functions. Phil joined the board of Darktrace in 2018 and chaired the IPO committee. Following the company going public on the London Stock Exchange he stepped down from the board and took an executive role in the business. He has extensive experience in technology investing in both public and private markets, including 15 years as Portfolio Manager of the Technology Funds at GLG Partners and also served on the board of Featurespace. Phil has an MA 1st Class in Natural sciences from Churchill College, Cambridge.
Karim Benslimane
VP, Field CISO
LinkedinKarim Benslimane is VP, Field CISO at Darktrace, working with clients in the public and private sector to analyse the most sophisticated cyber-threats today, and advising security professionals on the employment of artificial intelligence to strengthen their defensive strategy. Karim is a technical specialist in cyber and counter-terrorism exercises with over two decades of experience defending the sports and event industry from sophisticated threats. He has led major IT and cyber security projects for international arenas and events such as the Football World Cups, Rugby World Cups, World Athletics Championships and over 500 events.
The State of AI Cybersecurity 2025
We will be discussing some of the key findings from the State of AI Cyber Security report throughout the evening. Please take a moment to review the report ahead of the event.
In the second edition of our annual landmark AI cybersecurity survey, Darktrace asked 1,500 cybersecurity professionals about their attitudes towards AI, testing their perception of the threat, their comprehension, and their game plan
CISO Dinner Co-Hosts
Adrian Peters
CISO, Vista Equity Partners
LinkedinWith over 25 years of technology and cyber security expertise, Adrian has worked across various sectors, from Global Fortune 500’s to early-stage security technology companies. He has held senior roles at BNY Mellon and Bridgewater Associates, advancing cyber security and privacy through various boards and communities, and leading pioneering efforts in risk management and penetration testing.
Darktrace Hosts
Nicole Eagan
Co-Founder, Chief Strategy Advisor, Darktrace
LinkedinNicole Eagan, Co-Founder & Strategic Advisor at Darktrace, has 30 years in tech, including roles at Oracle and HP. She advises on AI, cybersecurity, and strategy, and is a thought leader in responsible AI use.
Collin Chapleau
Director, Security & AI Strategy, Field CISO, Darktrace
LinkedinCollin Chapleau, Director of AI & Security Strategy at Darktrace, leads AI-driven cybersecurity for major organizations. With a Master's from Virginia Tech, he enhances cyber resilience and integrates AI into security strategies since 2018.
Tristan Petak
Senior VP of Sales, Darktrace
LinkedinTristan Petak, Senior VP of Sales for Americas East at Darktrace, oversees East Coast sales. With 9+ years at Darktrace, he drives growth and customer success through cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions.
Security leaders joining you at the Darktrace CISO Dinner:
The State of AI Cybersecurity 2025
We will be discussing some of the key findings from the State of AI Cyber Security report throughout the evening. Please take a moment to review the report ahead of the event.
In the second edition of our annual landmark AI cybersecurity survey, Darktrace asked 1,500 cybersecurity professionals about their attitudes towards AI, testing their perception of the threat, their comprehension, and their game plan
What to expect
Featured Speakers
Co-hôtes du dîner CISO
Karim Benslimane, Field CISO, Darktrace
LinkedinKarim Benslimane est VP, Field CISO chez Darktrace, travaillant avec des clients du secteur public et privé pour analyser les cybermenaces les plus sophistiquées d'aujourd'hui, et conseiller les professionnels de la sécurité sur l'utilisation de l'intelligence artificielle pour renforcer leur stratégie défensive. Karim est un spécialiste technique des exercices de cybersécurité et de contre-terrorisme avec plus de deux décennies d'expérience dans la défense de l'industrie du sport et des événements contre des menaces sophistiquées. Il a dirigé des projets majeurs en informatique et cybersécurité pour des arènes et événements internationaux tels que les Coupes du Monde de Football, les Coupes du Monde de Rugby, les Championnats du Monde d'Athlétisme. Karim est également Lieutenant-Colonel (RC) au Commandement de la Gendarmerie dans le Cyberespace.
Xavier Lalanne
LinkedinXavier Lalanne est le Directeur des Comptes Stratégiques pour l'Europe du Sud et la région MEA, couvrant plus de 30 pays. Il apporte plus de 15 ans d'expérience dans la vente de solutions logicielles, à la fois directes et indirectes (y compris les revendeurs, les SI, les distributeurs et les OEM). Il a travaillé avec des grandes entreprises IT et de cybersécurité telles que Microsoft, HP, BMC, Sprinklr et Zscaler. Xavier a un solide bilan dans la constitution d'équipes à partir de zéro, la direction et l'alignement des organisations matricielles transversales pour stimuler l'exécution et assurer une croissance annuelle dans des entreprises axées sur les résultats trimestriels. Il est basé à Paris.
Darktrace Hosts
Jill Popelka, CEO, Darktrace
LinkedinJill has over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, driving growth and innovation for global software
companies. Jill took on the role of Darktrace’s CEO in September 2024, having joined the company first as a Non-Executive Director on Darktrace plc Board in January 2024 before taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer in June 2024. Prior to this, she spent most of her career at global enterprise applications and software provider, SAP, where she was President of SAP SuccessFactors. Jill was also Head of Augmented Reality Enterprise Services at Snap Inc., running a global team who oversaw operations from sales, to engineering, to 3D visualization. She began her career at Accenture, after earning a BA in International and Global Studies from Texas A&M University. Jill also serves on the board of MRI Software.
Mike Beck, CISO, Darktrace
LinkedinMike has spent 18 years working in technology, security and
risk operations. He started his career as a software engineer on
GCHQ’s technologist programme, and progressed to support
military operations. He has conducted intelligence analysis
and assessment in operational theatres across the world,
becoming a senior intelligence officer. In 2010, Mike merged his
intelligence and technology experience to run cyber defensive
operations for UK government, including working on the
implementation of the national cyber security strategy and
protecting the London 2012 Olympic Games. Joining Darktrace
at its early stages in 2014, Mike developed the cyber analyst
operation that supports thousands of Darktrace customers
with 24/7 support and since 2020 oversees Darktrace’s internal
security program as Global CISO.
Connie Stride, SVP of Product
LinkedinMartin is Darktrace's SVP of Strategic Accounts with 18 years of Sales & Channel leadership and 20 years of Cyber Security expertise, spanning from technical roles to leadership positions. Skilled in working with organizations of all sizes and building pre-IPO startups to successful exits. Experienced in establishing Security Practices from scratch and building Pre and Post Sales teams. Former Technical Director with a legacy of technical skillsets and certifications, maintaining a healthy technical interest. Previously held certifications include CISSP, CISM, ISO27001, Netscreen NCSA, NCSP, Check Point CCSA, CCSP, Cisco, Bluecoat BCSA, BCSP, PCI:DSS, Qualys, and Netscaler.
Martin Landless, SVP of Strategic Accounts
LinkedinMartin is Darktrace's Senior Vice President of Strategic Accounts with 20+ years of Cyber Security expertise. Coming from the customer side, Martin is a former Head of Security with a blend of technical skillsets and security certifications such as CISSP, CISM and ISO27001 Lead Auditor. Experienced in establishing Security Practices from scratch and enhancing Pre and Post Sales teams at organisations of all shapes and sizes.
Les dirigeants de la sécurité qui vous rejoignent au dîner des CISOs de Darktrace:
The State of AI Cybersecurity 2025
L'état de la cybersécurité IA 2025 Nous discuterons de certaines des principales conclusions du rapport sur l'état de la cybersécurité IA tout au long de la soirée. Veuillez prendre un moment pour consulter le rapport avant l'événement. Dans la deuxième édition de notre enquête annuelle phare sur la cybersécurité IA, Darktrace a interrogé 1 500 professionnels de la cybersécurité sur leurs attitudes envers l'IA, testant leur perception de la menace, leur compréhension et leur plan d'action.
CISO Dinner Co-Hosts
Elaine Bucknor, former CISO, Sky
LinkedinElaine has over 25 years of experience in the technology industry. She served as Sky's Group Chief Information Security Officer, leading the strategic plan for cyber security. During her tenure at Sky, one of Europe’s top broadcasting and media companies and the UK’s leading telecommunications and mobile businesses, she played a crucial executive role. She was part of the senior leadership team for over ten years, with overall responsibility for the group's technology strategy.
Jim Korchak, CISO, Virgin Money
LinkedinJim is a 30-year technology veteran whose career has centred on automation, application service management, the software delivery lifecycle and cyber-security. He has extensive experience in the financial services sector both in the UK and the USA having held several senior positions helping to shape technology and cyber strategy / execution.
A recognised thought leader in Application Management, Cyber-security and Technology, he has been quoted by Forrester Research, been a guest lecturer for Hult International Business School, and has held advisory positions for several technology start-ups.
Jim is currently the CISO and Head of Technical Operations for Virgin Money where he leads a multi-faceted transformation programme preparing the organisation for an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Darktrace Hosts
Jill Popelka, CEO, Darktrace
LinkedinJill has over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, driving growth and innovation for global software
companies. Jill took on the role of Darktrace’s CEO in September 2024, having joined the company first as a Non-Executive Director on Darktrace plc Board in January 2024 before taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer in June 2024. Prior to this, she spent most of her career at global enterprise applications and software provider, SAP, where she was President of SAP SuccessFactors. Jill was also Head of Augmented Reality Enterprise Services at Snap Inc., running a global team who oversaw operations from sales, to engineering, to 3D visualization. She began her career at Accenture, after earning a BA in International and Global Studies from Texas A&M University. Jill also serves on the board of MRI Software.
Mike Beck, CISO, Darktrace
LinkedinMike has spent 18 years working in technology, security and
risk operations. He started his career as a software engineer on
GCHQ’s technologist programme, and progressed to support
military operations. He has conducted intelligence analysis
and assessment in operational theatres across the world,
becoming a senior intelligence officer. In 2010, Mike merged his
intelligence and technology experience to run cyber defensive
operations for UK government, including working on the
implementation of the national cyber security strategy and
protecting the London 2012 Olympic Games. Joining Darktrace
at its early stages in 2014, Mike developed the cyber analyst
operation that supports thousands of Darktrace customers
with 24/7 support and since 2020 oversees Darktrace’s internal
security program as Global CISO.
Connie Stride, SVP of Product
LinkedinMartin is Darktrace's SVP of Strategic Accounts with 18 years of Sales & Channel leadership and 20 years of Cyber Security expertise, spanning from technical roles to leadership positions. Skilled in working with organizations of all sizes and building pre-IPO startups to successful exits. Experienced in establishing Security Practices from scratch and building Pre and Post Sales teams. Former Technical Director with a legacy of technical skillsets and certifications, maintaining a healthy technical interest. Previously held certifications include CISSP, CISM, ISO27001, Netscreen NCSA, NCSP, Check Point CCSA, CCSP, Cisco, Bluecoat BCSA, BCSP, PCI:DSS, Qualys, and Netscaler.
Martin Landless, SVP of Strategic Accounts
LinkedinMartin is Darktrace's Senior Vice President of Strategic Accounts with 20+ years of Cyber Security expertise. Coming from the customer side, Martin is a former Head of Security with a blend of technical skillsets and security certifications such as CISSP, CISM and ISO27001 Lead Auditor. Experienced in establishing Security Practices from scratch and enhancing Pre and Post Sales teams at organisations of all shapes and sizes.
Security leaders joining you at the Darktrace CISO Dinner:
The State of AI Cybersecurity 2025
We will be discussing some of the key findings from the State of AI Cyber Security report throughout the evening. Please take a moment to review the report ahead of the event.
In the second edition of our annual landmark AI cybersecurity survey, Darktrace asked 1,500 cybersecurity professionals about their attitudes towards AI, testing their perception of the threat, their comprehension, and their game plan
Find out more
The State of AI Cybersecurity 2025
The AI Arsenal:
Understanding the Tools Shaping Cybersecurity
What makes our AI special?
Our SVP of Product Connie Stride breaks down why Darktrace AI is fundamentally different from other cybersecurity solutions
Infosecurity Europe 2025
June 3, 2025 - June 5, 2025
London, UK
RSA Conference 2025
April 28, 2025 - May 1, 2025
San Francisco, CA
CISO Dinner Co-Hosts
Jeff Gerson, CIO, Leerink Partners
LinkedinJeffrey Gerson, CIO of Leerink Partners since 2001, oversees technology strategy and operations. He founded the Sell-Side CIO Forum (now AITEC) in 2008 and holds a B.S. in Finance, Investments, and Economics from Babson College.
Erik Bailey, CIO, Anaqua
LinkedinErik, CIO since 2019, leads hosting, corporate IT, and cybersecurity at Anaqua. With over 15 years in IP management, he’s driven major initiatives including Azure migration, SOC 2 compliance, and a full platform technology refresh.
Darktrace Hosts
Bryce Cote, Chief Customer Officer
LinkedinBryce, Chief Customer Officer at Darktrace, brings 20+ years of experience transforming customer success at global tech firms. He’s led impactful initiatives at CyberArk, LogMeIn, and TomTom, enhancing customer journeys, retention, and onboarding across organizations.
Nabil Zoldjalali, Field CISO, Darktrace
LinkedinNabil Zoldjalali, VP and Field CISO at Darktrace, brings 9+ years of cybersecurity leadership. He’s led product innovation, strategic client engagement, and speaks at top conferences like Black Hat and Microsoft Ignite. He also advises EC Council.
Jennifer Kaitschuk, Strategic Sales Director, Darktrace
LinkedinJennifer Kaitschuk, Senior Strategic Director of Sales at Darktrace, leads East Coast and Canadian teams. With 20+ years in tech and cybersecurity, she drives customer-centric solutions, reducing risk and costs through innovative, collaborative sales strategies.
CISO Dinner Co-Hosts
Elaine Bucknor, former CISO, Sky
LinkedinElaine has over 25 years of experience in the technology industry. She served as Sky's Group Chief Information Security Officer, leading the strategic plan for cyber security. During her tenure at Sky, one of Europe’s top broadcasting and media companies and the UK’s leading telecommunications and mobile businesses, she played a crucial executive role. She was part of the senior leadership team for over ten years, with overall responsibility for the group's technology strategy.
Jim Korchak, CISO, Virgin Money
LinkedinJim is a 30-year technology veteran whose career has centred on automation, application service management, the software delivery lifecycle and cyber-security. He has extensive experience in the financial services sector both in the UK and the USA having held several senior positions helping to shape technology and cyber strategy / execution.
A recognised thought leader in Application Management, Cyber-security and Technology, he has been quoted by Forrester Research, been a guest lecturer for Hult International Business School, and has held advisory positions for several technology start-ups.
Jim is currently the CISO and Head of Technical Operations for Virgin Money where he leads a multi-faceted transformation programme preparing the organisation for an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Darktrace Hosts
Jill Popelka, CEO, Darktrace
LinkedinJill has over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, driving growth and innovation for global software
companies. Jill took on the role of Darktrace’s CEO in September 2024, having joined the company first as a Non-Executive Director on Darktrace plc Board in January 2024 before taking on the role of Chief Operating Officer in June 2024. Prior to this, she spent most of her career at global enterprise applications and software provider, SAP, where she was President of SAP SuccessFactors. Jill was also Head of Augmented Reality Enterprise Services at Snap Inc., running a global team who oversaw operations from sales, to engineering, to 3D visualization. She began her career at Accenture, after earning a BA in International and Global Studies from Texas A&M University. Jill also serves on the board of MRI Software.
Mike Beck, CISO, Darktrace
LinkedinMike has spent 18 years working in technology, security and
risk operations. He started his career as a software engineer on
GCHQ’s technologist programme, and progressed to support
military operations. He has conducted intelligence analysis
and assessment in operational theatres across the world,
becoming a senior intelligence officer. In 2010, Mike merged his
intelligence and technology experience to run cyber defensive
operations for UK government, including working on the
implementation of the national cyber security strategy and
protecting the London 2012 Olympic Games. Joining Darktrace
at its early stages in 2014, Mike developed the cyber analyst
operation that supports thousands of Darktrace customers
with 24/7 support and since 2020 oversees Darktrace’s internal
security program as Global CISO.
Connie Stride, SVP of Product
LinkedinMartin is Darktrace's SVP of Strategic Accounts with 18 years of Sales & Channel leadership and 20 years of Cyber Security expertise, spanning from technical roles to leadership positions. Skilled in working with organizations of all sizes and building pre-IPO startups to successful exits. Experienced in establishing Security Practices from scratch and building Pre and Post Sales teams. Former Technical Director with a legacy of technical skillsets and certifications, maintaining a healthy technical interest. Previously held certifications include CISSP, CISM, ISO27001, Netscreen NCSA, NCSP, Check Point CCSA, CCSP, Cisco, Bluecoat BCSA, BCSP, PCI:DSS, Qualys, and Netscaler.
Martin Landless, SVP of Strategic Accounts
LinkedinMartin is Darktrace's Senior Vice President of Strategic Accounts with 20+ years of Cyber Security expertise. Coming from the customer side, Martin is a former Head of Security with a blend of technical skillsets and security certifications such as CISSP, CISM and ISO27001 Lead Auditor. Experienced in establishing Security Practices from scratch and enhancing Pre and Post Sales teams at organisations of all shapes and sizes.
The security leaders joining you at the Darktrace CISOs dinner
The State of AI Cybersecurity 2025
The impact of AI in the cybersecurity field is a double-edged sword: there is an expanding body of evidence showing that it is being harnessed more and more effectively by threat actors, but it is also transforming the defensive arsenals of security teams. We surveyed over 1,500 cybersecurity professionals from around the world to uncover their attitudes, understanding, and priorities when it comes to AI cybersecurity in 2025.
In the second edition of our annual landmark AI cybersecurity survey, Darktrace asked 1,500 cybersecurity professionals about their attitudes towards AI, testing their perception of the threat, their comprehension, and their game plan