Mark S.

Cyber Security & IT Leader | CISM | GIAC GSTRT | SOC, Incident Response & Security Operations | Strategy Leadership | Critical Infrastructure

Greater Sydney Area

About

A career spanning cyber security and technology leadership across 20+ years in government, critical infrastructure, retail, and financial services. Most recently Director, Cyber Defence and Security Response at Transport for NSW, one of Australia's largest critical infrastructure operators, leading 30+ security professionals across cyber defence, incident response, vulnerability management, and MSSP governance, reporting directly to the CISO. Co-developed the FY25-27 cyber strategy and led the supporting business case securing multi-million-dollar investment approval to materially reduce cyber risk exposure across the organisation. I operate across the full spectrum of cyber security and IT leadership, from hands-on security operations, SOC leadership, and incident response, through to governance, risk, compliance, and board-level stakeholder engagement. Equally comfortable setting strategic direction and driving operational outcomes. Passionate about modernising cyber defence through automation, AI, and innovative security technologies, moving organisations from reactive postures to continuously improving, intelligence-led, risk-based security environments. Core strengths: ▪ Cyber Security Strategy, Governance & Roadmap ▪ Security Operations (SOC / MDR / MSSP) ▪ Incident Response & Threat Management ▪ IT / OT / CT Converged Environments ▪ Complex Multi-Vendor & MSP Ecosystem Management ▪ Executive & Board Reporting ▪ Team Leadership & Development (30+) ▪ Essential Eight | NIST CSF | ISO 27001 | SOCI | PCI-DSS CISM certified | GIAC GSTRT | CRISC in progress (Q2 2026)

Experience

  • Transport for NSW (10 yrs 3 mos)
    • Director Cyber Defence & Security Response IT / OT / CT
      Jul 2025 - Apr 2026 · 10 mos

    • Director Cyber Blue Team Operations
      Sep 2021 - Jul 2025 · 3 yrs 11 mos

    • Associate Director Cyber Security Delivery - Transport Cyber Security Operations
      Nov 2017 - Sep 2021 · 3 yrs 11 mos

      Cyber Security Operations, Governance and Assurance IT Service Continuity Management / Incident Response / E-Discovery

  • Service Delivery, Infrastructure & Operations Manager at The Wine Quarter, Woolworths Liquor Group at Woolworths Limited
    Nov 2014 - Jan 2016 · 1 yr 3 mos

  • IT Manager at Lagardere Services Asia Pacific
    May 2013 - Apr 2014 · 1 yr

    LS Travel Retail Pacific is a division of Lagadere Services, a world leader in Travel Retail with a network of Duty Free and Luxury, travel essentials and food service stores operating at over 150 outlets, partnering with airports, railways and tourist destinations in Australia, New Zealand and New Caledonia.

  • IT Manager - American Express, Online & Store Systems at David Jones Ltd
    Sep 2007 - Feb 2013 · 5 yrs 6 mos

    Service Delivery Manager and Key Vendor Manager for the David Jones American Express alliance. Program Manager for financial services portfolio. Production management of online services including e-commerce. Accountability for all store level systems at 36 locations .

  • IT Manager at Waterford Wedgwood Royal Doulton
    Jan 2004 - Aug 2007 · 3 yrs 8 mos