Gary Hayslip: An Experienced Global CISO and proven Cybersecurity Professional
Gary Hayslip’s professional journey affirms his commitment to cybersecurity excellence and information technology leadership. He started his career in the U.S. Navy, where he served in various executive roles, both on Active Duty and as a Federal Government employee. This experience laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in information systems management and cybersecurity.
With over four years of experience, Gary Hayslip has established himself as a leader in the cybersecurity field, serving as the Chief Security Officer (CSO) at SoftBank Investment Advisers (SBIA). SBIA is a globally recognized firm with over $200 billion in capital and a portfolio spanning 460+ companies. Gary serves as the principal executive and architect of cybersecurity initiatives, overseeing SBIA, SoftBank Group International (SBGI), and SoftBank Latin America & Africa (SBLAA) funds. He collaborates with the global enterprise IT and Security teams of the Tokyo-based parent company, SoftBank Group.
In June 2023, Gary expanded his CISO role to encompass the physical security of 16 global offices. Leading a geographically dispersed security team, he oversees security operations and cyber/business continuity due diligence initiatives. His responsibilities include planning and deploying zero-trust architecture to support a cloud-first enterprise infrastructure, as well as monitoring corporate generative AI initiatives, and implementing generative AI in new security projects.
Gary’s expertise extends to providing cybersecurity and business continuity due diligence on potential investments, having reviewed over 600 companies to date. He actively contributes to the SVF1 SPAC, presenting diligence reports to the board and investment teams. Additionally, Gary sources cybersecurity and new technology startups for the SVF II investment teams, advising selected companies and preparing them for investment.
As a virtual CISO (vCISO), Gary offers strategic planning, policy documentation, risk framework consultation, security program planning, implementation, and review services for the 400+ SoftBank Vision Fund I (SVF I) and SoftBank Vision Fund II (SVF II) portfolio of companies. His specialized services extend to preparing board presentations, IPO roadshows, and audits.
Before joining SoftBank, Gary served as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) in the San Francisco Bay Area from July 2019. He partnered with IT, External Risk, Compliance, and Legal teams to prioritize risk assessment findings. He transitioned findings to NIST CSF and established a two-year strategic roadmap, resulting in achieving SOC2 certification. Gary took ownership of selecting and installing new technologies, creating a flexible cloud-first cybersecurity stack for a secure zero-trust enterprise architecture.
Gary holds an MBA in Business Management from San Diego State University (2011-2013), where he was part of the Executive MBA program (Cohort XXII). He also completed a Professional Certificate in Managing Risk in the Information Age from Harvard University in 2020. He also holds a Navy Network/System Certifier Certification from the Naval Postgraduate School 2008.
In addition to his professional achievements, Gary has been a guest lecturer and adjunct professor in the Cybersecurity Program at Yeshiva University since November 2023. He teaches courses on foundational topics, advanced threats, cyber operations, emerging threats, and risk management in the New York City Metropolitan Area.
Gary is an active member of the board of directors for Zimperium (Jun 2023 – Present), a global leader in mobile device and application security. He continues to advance the cybersecurity community through his involvement with Security Tinkerers (Aug 2018 – Present), a group focused on trust in science and technology.
As a member of the Information Security Leadership Foundation since May 2019, Gary contributes to collaboration, education, mentorship, and the development of the next generation of Information Security Leaders. He has also been a Selection Committee member for EvoNexus since May 2015, a non-profit technology incubator, and an official member and contributor to the Forbes Technology Council since October 2018.
Gary Hayslip’s commitment to community service is evident through his involvement with various organizations, including the Autism Society of America 2000, Wounded Warrior Project 2018, and the Boy Scouts of America from 2006 – 2015. He served as an Assistant Scout Master, Committee Member, and Merit Badge Counselor, volunteering his time to mentor young men and prepare them for the challenges and opportunities they will face in adulthood.
Beyond his working roles, Gary Hayslip is recognized for his commitment to knowledge sharing and thought leadership. As a highly skilled communicator, author, and keynote speaker, he has co-authored the influential “CISO Desk Reference Guide: A Practical Guide for CISOs – Volumes 1 & 2 series.” Additionally, he has authored “The Essential Guide to Cybersecurity for SMBs” and “Developing your Cybersecurity Career Path.” These publications are widely regarded as leading resources, empowering CISOs to expand their leadership and business expertise.
Gary Hayslip continues to share insights from his vast experience at an exclusive Austin Cyber Show Session, titled ‘Cliff Notes from a CISO Author’s Perspective.’ Join us as he provides a unique perspective on cybersecurity expectations, drawing from his roles as an author and seasoned CISO.
With a wealth of experience and a dedication to both professional and philanthropic endeavors, Gary Hayslip continues to make significant contributions to the cybersecurity field and the communities he serves.
