Derek Panton

Solving complex problems

United Kingdom

About

Dynamic and results-oriented cybersecurity leader with a proven track record of building and leading high-performing teams, shaping strategy, and accelerating transformation in complex global environments. Most recently, I’ve led a global Cyber Tiger Team focused on onboarding M&A entities — improving visibility, aligning incident and service response, and closing quantified risks across SAP, cloud, OT, and hybrid infrastructures. I design and deliver cybersecurity strategies grounded in continuous validation, leveraging CTEM, CAASM, ATM, and AI to ensure controls are effective and risk is actionable. With over 20 Fortune 500 clients across the USA, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Sweden, my experience spans Banking, Utilities, Pharma, Insurance, FMCG, Telecoms, and Manufacturing — from strategic board-level engagements to hands-on architecture and engineering. I’ve stood up Purple Teaming programs, matured Fusion Centres, and translated technical complexity into boardroom outcomes — securing multimillion-euro investments across security domains like EDR, email, and cloud. A regular industry speaker and former pre-sales consultant, I combine strategic insight with technical fluency. 🔹 Fractional CISO | Cyber Fusion | Threat-Informed Defense 🔹 Strategy, Innovation, and Measurable Business Outcomes Open to fractional, interim, or strategic roles where security enables transformation.

Experience

  • Director of Security Architecture at Finova
    Feb 2026 - Present · 5 mos

  • Global Lead - Tiger Team at Omerta
    Apr 2024 - Jun 2025 · 1 yr 3 mos

    I successfully led initiatives to onboard new business units into Unilever, significantly enhancing security operations. • Developed and implemented strategies for integrating advanced security technologies, improving monitoring capabilities. • Reviewed and updated identity and network security measures, ensuring compliance and protection. • Created a comprehensive blueprint for seamless onboarding, facilitating smoother transitions for new acquisitions.

  • Unilever (Contract · 2 yrs 1 mo)
    • Director Security Technology and Operations- interim
      Jul 2023 - Apr 2024 · 10 mos

      Dynamic and results-oriented cybersecurity leader with a proven track record in leading and growing high- performing teams, driving strategic initiatives, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Strategy consulting experience with 20+ Fortune-500 customers in USA, Germany, UK, Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and Sweden in Banking, Finance, Utilities, Telecoms, Insurance, Pharmaceuticals, FMCG and Manufacturing & Distribution Verticals. Looking for a strategic role with your organisation aligned to innovation, transformation and business value outcomes.

    • Vice President Security Technology and Operations-Interim
      Jan 2023 - Jul 2023 · 7 mos

    • Interim Director
      Apr 2022 - Jan 2023 · 10 mos

  • Verisure (4 yrs 6 mos)
    • Security Architecture and Engineering Manager
      Jul 2021 - Dec 2021 · 6 mos

    • Security Architecture & Engineering Lead
      Mar 2020 - Dec 2021 · 1 yr 10 mos

    • Business Partner Lead - Information Security
      Jul 2018 - Mar 2020 · 1 yr 9 mos

  • Cloud Security Architect at ThinkAbove.Cloud
    Aug 2016 - Jun 2017 · 11 mos

    Cloud Security Architect @ Vodafone Group Services Limited