“Cybersecurity is much more than a matter of IT.” — Stephane Nappo

In an age where digital threats evolve at an unprecedented pace, Dr. Arijana Trkulja emerges as a steadfast leader in cybersecurity, blending technical acumen with visionary leadership. As the Head of the Cyber Security Center of Excellence at Ingram Micro, she has dedicated over 18 years to fortifying global cybersecurity across Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East.

Her influence extends far beyond corporate security frameworks—Dr. Trkulja is a champion of cybersecurity education and a vocal advocate for women in technology. She not only engineer’s cutting-edge solutions but also nurtures the next generation of cybersecurity leaders, shaping a safer digital world for all.

Beyond her professional achievements, Dr. Trkulja is a passionate advocate for cybersecurity education and women in technology. She has not only developed cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions but has also played a pivotal role in mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity leaders. Her influence extends beyond corporate success, shaping the future of digital security on a global scale.

A Journey into Cybersecurity Leadership

Dr. Trkulja’s career in cybersecurity began with a deep-rooted curiosity about cyber threats and their impact on global security. “Studying at Università degli Studi di Roma ‘Tor Vergata,’ I quickly realized that cybersecurity goes beyond just protecting networks—it safeguards businesses, individuals, and entire economies.”

Holding a PhD in Information Security, she has built a career that bridges technical expertise with strategic leadership. Fluent in seven languages, she navigates cybersecurity challenges across diverse cultural and regional landscapes, making her a global force in the field. Her tenure with prestigious consulting firms, including the Big 4, has honed her skills in security governance, compliance, and risk management, positioning her as an influential leader at Ingram Micro.

Leading Cybersecurity Excellence at Ingram Micro

Dr. Trkulja leads a team of 54 cybersecurity professionals across GCC, KSA, Egypt, Levant, and North Africa. This team, comprising pre-sales and post-sales experts, auditors, trainers, and consultants, delivers cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions to vendors, partners, and end customers. Her leadership fosters a culture of innovation, pushing boundaries to set new industry standards.

Her contributions extend beyond operational leadership—Dr. Trkulja is an esteemed thought leader in cybersecurity. She has published research papers on topics like CarpeDiem and GreenOpp and frequently speaks at global conferences such as GITEX, GISEC, and Black Hat, sharing insights on emerging threats and security best practices.

Recognitions and Accolades

Dr. Trkulja’s contributions to cybersecurity have been widely recognized through prestigious awards, including:

• Information Security SuperWomen of the Year 2019 – Middle East, Turkey, and Africa.
• CISO 50 Award (2019, Dubai) – Recognizing her innovative approach to cybersecurity.
• Channel Middle East Training Provider of the Year (2019) – Honoring her contributions to cybersecurity education.
• Cyber Security Woman of the Year Finalist (2022, London & Las Vegas) – Selected from hundreds of nominees.
• Top 50 Influential Women in the META Region (2022).
• Certified CCISO Hall of Fame Award (2023, Dubai, UAE).
• Cybersecurity Influencer Award at CSG Awards (2024, Dubai).

Advocacy for Women in Cybersecurity

Beyond her corporate achievements, Dr. Trkulja actively champions women in cybersecurity. She is an integral member of influential organizations such as:

• Dubai Business Women Council (DBWC)
• Top 100 Women of the Future
• Women in Cyber Security Middle East
• Cyber4WomenME & Cyber4Women Europe
• Women in Technology (WIT Europe)
• Chartered Institute of Information Security (Accredited Member)
• Riyadh Cyber Security Council (Steering Committee Member)

Her mentorship and advocacy empower women to break barriers and excel in cybersecurity, fostering diversity and inclusion in the industry.

The Evolution of Passion in Cybersecurity

Dr. Trkulja’s passion for cybersecurity has evolved into a mission to develop resilient security frameworks that not only prevent breaches but also educate organizations on proactive risk management. Her expertise spans risk assessment, incident response, and security policy development, ensuring that businesses are well-equipped to handle emerging cyber threats.

“I believe that cybersecurity is not just about technology but about fostering a culture where security is ingrained in every aspect of an organization’s operations. My vision aligns seamlessly with Ingram Micro’s commitment to helping enterprises navigate cybersecurity challenges with confidence, empowering them with the knowledge and tools necessary to build a secure digital future.”

Integrating Cybersecurity Consulting with Ingram Micro’s Mission

As the head of cybersecurity, Dr. Trkulja ensures that every project delivers strategic value. “I work closely with businesses to cultivate a culture of security awareness, reinforcing compliance with industry standards and strengthening organizational defenses.” By leveraging her extensive experience, she helps organizations develop customized cybersecurity strategies tailored to their unique risks and industry regulations.

Her consulting approach goes beyond traditional security measures, incorporating best practices in governance, risk management, and compliance to create holistic security programs. Her role extends to strategic consulting at an executive level across multiple regions, emphasizing that cybersecurity is not just about technology but also about people, policies, and business strategies.

Accountability and Excellence in Cybersecurity Services

Ensuring accountability in cybersecurity is one of the biggest challenges in the industry. Dr. Trkulja instills a culture of responsibility in her team by setting clear objectives, implementing rigorous quality control measures, and promoting continuous learning. She fosters an environment where security professionals take ownership of their roles, ensuring that security solutions are robust, reliable, and adaptive to evolving threats.

“Regular training, cross-functional collaboration, and feedback loops enhance accountability, ensuring that Ingram Micro’s cybersecurity solutions remain industry-leading and highly reliable. My leadership ensures that cybersecurity is not just reactive but proactive, anticipating threats before they become critical risks and continually improving security operations through innovation and best practices.”

Personal Values Driving Professional Growth

Dr. Trkulja’s leadership is driven by core values of innovation, integrity, and resilience. She believes in a proactive approach to cybersecurity, staying ahead of emerging threats while fostering transparency and ethical leadership. Her advocacy for diversity and mentorship in cybersecurity further reflects her commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive industry. She actively promotes equal opportunities for women in cybersecurity and supports initiatives that encourage young professionals to enter the field. By championing a culture of learning and professional development, she ensures that her team is always at the forefront of technological advancements, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to address the most pressing security challenges of today and tomorrow.

Emerging Technologies and the Future of Cybersecurity

Looking ahead, Dr. Trkulja is excited about integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into cybersecurity frameworks. “These technologies enhance threat detection, automate responses, and provide predictive analytics to prevent cyberattacks before they occur. The future depends upon AI-driven security systems that can adapt in real time, identifying vulnerabilities and mitigating threats with minimal human intervention.”

She also sees blockchain as a game-changer in data security, offering robust protection for digital transactions and identification. As cybercriminals become more sophisticated, these technologies will play a crucial role in shaping the future of cybersecurity, helping organizations build resilient defenses against evolving threats and securing digital ecosystems on a global scale.

Personal Drive and Alignment with Ingram Micro’s Vision

Dr. Trkulja is driven by her mission to stay ahead of cyber threats and develop robust security models that educate and empower organizations. She believes that cybersecurity is not just about defense but also about enabling businesses to operate securely in an increasingly digital world. Her work at Ingram Micro is more than just providing cybersecurity solutions—it is about fostering a culture of prevention, awareness, and resilience.

She works closely with leadership teams to align security strategies with business goals, ensuring that security is an enabler of innovation rather than a roadblock. Through her unwavering dedication, she continues to shape a cybersecurity-first mindset that empowers businesses to grow with confidence.

Mentorship and the Future of Cybersecurity Talent

As a mentor and advocate, Dr. Trkulja is committed to shaping the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. She actively supports initiatives that train and mentor aspiring cybersecurity experts, ensuring that the industry continues to evolve with skilled and passionate individuals. Through guest lectures, mentorship programs, and public speaking engagements, she shares her insights and expertise with young professionals and students eager to make their mark in cybersecurity.

Her impact on cybersecurity is profound, shaping not only corporate security strategies but also inspiring a new wave of leaders dedicated to protecting the digital world. With her relentless drive and innovative vision, Dr. Trkulja is paving the way for a more secure and resilient future in cybersecurity, ensuring that the next generation is well-equipped to handle the challenges ahead.