A total of 28 candidates shortlisted across seven categories
Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress Announces Finalists for the 2026 CISO Leadership Awards
Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress (BCC), Europe’s leading cybersecurity event, has announced the finalists for the 2026 CISO Leadership Awards, which recognize professionals, organizations, and initiatives driving the advancement of cybersecurity on a global scale. A total of 28 candidates will compete across seven categories that highlight strategic leadership, technological innovation, the protection of critical infrastructure, and the promotion of a strong and sustainable cybersecurity culture.
After reviewing 65 nominations, a jury comprising ten renowned experts selected 28 finalists for these prestigious awards. Through this initiative, Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress aims to foster talent, leadership, and best practices in cybersecurity, a field that has become a strategic priority for industry and businesses alike.
Among the finalists are cybersecurity leaders from major companies and institutions. In the main category, the Global CISO of the Year Award, finalists include Chief Information Security Officers from critical infrastructure operators such as Abertis Group, as well as companies in sectors including cosmetics, represented by Puig; food production, represented by Argal; security services; and media organizations such as CH Media.
Meanwhile, the Next-Generation Cyber Defense & Innovation Award will recognize projects that are redefining digital defense against emerging threats. Nominees include leaders responsible for global cybersecurity strategies at multinational companies, as well as executives who have delivered major cybersecurity initiatives for organizations such as Switzerland’s Straumann Group and Adam Foods.
Recognition of Female Talent
The Women in Cybersecurity Leadership Award will honor women who are transforming the sector through their leadership and influence. Finalists include cybersecurity leaders from Vodafone Spain, IDIKA (a Greek provider of digital health services), Ericsson, and AirTrunk (an Australian data center company).
The awards will also recognize cybersecurity initiatives in the public sector, innovation in the protection of operational technology (OT), talent development, and the strengthening of digital security culture. Nominees include CISOs from the city councils of Barcelona and Girona, as well as Vienna Digital; representatives from countries such as Qatar; and technology companies that have delivered projects for public administrations, including Schneider Electric, DSM-Firmenich, Keep@Live, Plexus Tech, and Raona. Also among the finalists are tourism operators such as Grandvalira Resorts, the insurance company Mútua d’Enginyers, and certification specialist TÜV SÜD.
The 2026 CISO Leadership Awards also include a Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing an outstanding professional career in the field of digital security.
The awards ceremony will take place on 4 November at 4:30 p.m. in Auditorium I of the event, which will be held at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue. The ceremony will bring together leading international information security executives and representatives from across the cybersecurity ecosystem.
Organized by Fira de Barcelona in collaboration with the Catalan Cybersecurity Agency (Agència de Ciberseguretat de Catalunya, ACC), Barcelona Cybersecurity Congress will take place from 3 to 5 November, alongside Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC).
See the full list of finalists here
Barcelona, 16 October 2026
Edu Pérez Moya
93 233 21 66
[email protected]