David Gee

A distinguished executive with a proven track record of driving digital transformation, fortifying risk management frameworks, and enhancing cybersecurity posture across global financial services and pharmaceutical organisations. David has more than 25 years' experience as a CIO, CISO and Global Head of Technology, Cyber and Data Risk. He serves as an Advisor to Bain, JS Careers, Emertel and Ambassador Critical Infrastructure CI-ISAC Australia. He also serves on several Board and Risk Committees both locally and globally including UNSW, Sapien Ventures etc

David brings extensive executive management experience from HSBC, Macquarie Group, Metlife and Eli Lilly, coupled with a deep understanding of complex regulatory environments and emerging technologies. He is a forward-thinking board advisor adept at navigating dynamic markets and delivering sustainable value. Additionally, David is a best-selling author, digital and cyber thought leader regularly contributing to leading publications such as Foundry CIO & CSO Magazine (1.8M readership) and AICD Australia, shaping industry discourse on technology, risk, and leadership. His has written three best selling books - the Aspiring CIO and CISO has been recognised as a top 10 must-read for Security Leaders. Then A Day in the Life of the CISO featured stories from 24+ CISOs from around the world including USA CISO White House, Westpac CISO, NAB Bank CISO, Mizuho Bank CISO, Maybank CISO, Reserve Bank Australia CISO, Australia Post CISO, etc. David's latest book How to Sell to the CIO and CISO was launched in July 2026 and was written to encourage internal champions to drive change with the best vendor solutions to uplift and transform enterprises.

Speaking topics

Cybersecurity in the AI Era
What Every Organisation Needs to Know as AI Changes the Rules

Artificial intelligence is changing the game when it comes to keeping our data and systems safe. The same technology that helps businesses work smarter is also being used by criminals to create more convincing scams, fake messages, and sneakier ways to break into networks. This session breaks down what's really happening in plain language

  • The new face of cyber threats: How AI is being used to hack enterprises and governments
  • Fighting back with AI: Where do you start in your strategy to bring this within risk appetitie
  • Protecting your AI tools: Why the AI systems you rely on need their own kind of protection, and what can go wrong if they don't have it
  • Smart policies, not just tech: Simple steps leaders can take to set clear rules around AI use and reduce risk
  • What you can do starting today: Practical, easy-to-implement actions to strengthen your organisation's defenses

A Day in the Life of a CISO
Real-World Lessons from 24+ Battle-Tested Security Leaders

Being a CISO today takes more than technical expertise. It demands strategic thinking, resilient leadership, and the ability to communicate clearly under pressure. This session draws on candid, real-world insights from a global community of accomplished CISOs and cybersecurity executives, offering an honest look at what the role really involves, the wins, the setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. Based on David's best-selling book where he has a chapter frpm 24+ global CISOs that are sharing advice that they never received.

Topics covered include:

  • The realities of the role: What a CISO's day-to-day actually looks like, beyond the job title and headlines
  • Leading through crisis: How top security leaders manage breaches, incident response, and high-pressure moments
  • Balancing risk and business needs: Practical approaches to aligning security strategy with broader business objectives
  • Building resilient teams: Lessons on hiring, developing, and retaining strong cybersecurity talent
  • Navigating emerging threats: Insights on AI-driven risks and the evolving threat landscape facing today's organisations
  • The human side of the job: Honest reflections on the emotional toll of the role, career setbacks, and sustaining a long-term career in security leadership
  • Communication and influence: How successful CISOs build credibility and trust with the board and executive peers

Attendees will walk away with candid, practical insights drawn from the collective experience of dozens of security leaders, along with a clearer understanding of what it truly takes to lead and thrive as a CISO in today's environment. And how you as a Board, Management or peer support this critical role

How to Sell to the CIO and CISO
An Insider's Guide to Winning Trust and Buy-In from Today's Technology Executives

Selling to CIOs and CISOs today looks nothing like it did a few years ago. Executive buyers are stretched thin, managing digital transformation, risk, and cost pressure all at once, and they have little patience for generic pitches or feature-heavy demos that don't reflect their reality. Winning their trust means understanding how they actually think, what keeps them up at night, and how decisions really get made inside their organisations. Based on David's latest new best selling book that features insights from 55 CIO, CISO, Vendors, Champions and Analysts.

This session, informed by insights from experienced CIOs and CISOs across industries, gives sales professionals and internal champions a practical playbook for navigating the C-suite sale from start to finish, including:

  • Seeing through the executive's eyes: What CIOs and CISOs really prioritise when evaluating vendors, beyond price and features
  • Shifting from features to outcomes: How to reframe conversations around the metrics and business results that matter most to the board
  • Building and empowering champions: How to identify internal advocates who can carry your message and drive decisions from within
  • Navigating internal politics: Understanding the hidden dynamics that can stall even the strongest proposals
  • Earning lasting trust: Moving beyond the contract and the close to become a genuine, long-term partner to the C-suite
  • Applying it to major deals: How these principles play out in real, high-stakes technology transformations

Your own Career Path to CIO and CISO
Career Guidance for IT and Security Leaders Aspiring to the C-Suite

Reaching the C-suite as a CIO or CISO takes more than technical skill. It requires deliberate career planning, executive presence, and the ability to lead through pressure. This session draws on the real-world experience of senior technology and security leaders to give aspiring executives a practical roadmap for the journey ahead. Based on the best selling book Aspiring CIO and CISO, David will share his stories and insights that provide career coaching for each participant regardless if their level of seniority. Topics covered include:

  • Assessing your readiness: Do you have the Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Behaviour to accelerate your development
  • Building your personal brand: Positioning yourself as a credible, visible leader inside and outside your organisation
  • Growing the right skills and network: Developing the strategic thinking, communication, and relationship-building skills that set future executives apart
  • Navigating interviews and the path up: Preparing for C-suite level conversations, including the kinds of questions to expect and to ask
  • The critical first 90 days: Setting priorities, building trust, and establishing momentum once you land the role
  • Leading through pressure: Managing high-stakes situations, crises, and the unique pressures that come with sitting at the executive table
  • Sustaining a long career: Building the resilience and habits needed to avoid burnout and thrive over the long term

Tech, Cyber, Data and AI Strategy
Building One Coherent Strategy for a Fragmented Digital Landscape

Technology, cybersecurity, data, and AI are no longer separate conversations, they are deeply interconnected pillars that together determine an organisation's ability to innovate, compete, and manage risk. Leaders who treat these as isolated silos risk misalignment, wasted investment, and exposure to threats that cut across all four domains. This session brings together a unified view of how to build and execute a strategy that connects these disciplines into one coherent roadmap.

Topics covered include:

  • Building an integrated strategy: Why technology, cyber, data, and AI initiatives must be planned together, not in isolation, to deliver real business value
  • Governance that keeps pace: Establishing the frameworks and decision-making structures needed to manage risk across rapidly evolving technologies
  • Data as the foundation: Why data quality, accessibility, and governance underpin the success of both cybersecurity and AI initiatives
  • Securing the AI-driven enterprise: Understanding the unique risks AI introduces and how to embed security into AI adoption from the start
  • Prioritization and investment: Frameworks for deciding where to focus resources across competing technology, security, and data priorities
  • Leading cross-functional alignment: How to bring together technology, security, data, and business leaders around a shared strategic vision
  • Measuring what matters: Defining the right metrics to track progress and demonstrate value to the board and executive leadership

Testimonials

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I am pleased to provide this strong recommendation for David Gee as a keynote speaker on cybersecurity and digital transformation topics. The Asian Banker has had the privilege of working with David, who delivered an outstanding presentation at our premier regional banking summit, the latest of which was in Jakarta, Indonesia a few months ago. His performance consistently demonstrates his deep expertise, engagement, and leadership insights that make him an invaluable addition to any professional conference or corporate event. SPEAKING EXPERIENCE WITH OUR ORGANIZATION David has successfully delivered several keynote panels and round tables for The Asian Banker Summit, serving as a featured speaker at this premier regional banking conference. There are only a few credible speakers on these frontier topics who need to demonstrate both deep experience as well as insights into the future. His presentations reach an influential audience of senior banking executives, financial services leaders, and industry decision-makers from across the Asia-Pacific region. David's presentations have reached diverse senior-level audiences including Csuite banking executives, financial services leaders, cybersecurity professionals, and risk management specialists from major financial institutions across Asia. His presentations have consistently received excellent feedback from participants across multiple high-profile industry events. DAVID's KEY STRENGTHS Strategic Digital Transformation Leadership As demonstrated through his work with The Asian Banker Summit, David brings a unique perspective being a CIO, CISO and Risk Management Executive at Macquarie on how cybersecurity enables digital transformation in banking. His ability to address strategic technology adoption, innovation management, and the balance between security and business agility makes him particularly valuable for senior banking executives navigating digital disruption. Many issues in cybersecurity and digital transformation require speakers who have strong ground knowledge as well as insights that a cynical and highly experienced audience require. Banking Expertise David previously served as CISO for HSBC in Asia Pacific, David demonstrates exceptional expertise in addressing the unique challenges facing the banking sector. His presentations and panel participation at The Asian Banker Summit showcased his deep understanding of regional market dynamics, regulatory environments, and the intersection of cybersecurity with digital banking transformation across diverse Asia-Pacific markets. Professional Presentation Skills His polished delivery, clear communication style, and confident stage presence create an engaging experience that maintains audience attention and drives meaningful discussions long after the presentation concludes. AUDIENCE FEEDBACK AND IMPACT The feedback from The Asian Banker Summit has been very positive, with attendees frequently citing David's participation as a highlight of their conference experience. The success of his presentation to prestigious audience of senior banking executives demonstrates his ability to deliver high-impact, strategic content that resonates with industry leaders across the Asia-Pacific region. RECOMMENDATION I am happy to recommend David Gee without reservation for keynote speaking opportunities at cybersecurity and digital transformation events, particularly those serving senior executives in the banking and financial services sector. His combination of deep technical expertise, strategic business acumen, and exceptional presentation skills makes him an ideal choice for organizations seeking to deliver high-value content to senior banking professionals. For any questions about David's speaking experience with our organization or to discuss specific event requirements, please feel free to contact me directly.
Emmanuel Daniel - Chairman, The Asian Banker Global

KEYNOTE SPEAKER Speaker: David Gee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjordangee/ HKIB Speaker Profile: https://hkibcyber.hkib.org/hkibcyber2025/speakers.html EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I am delighted to provide this strong recommendation for David Gee as a keynote speaker for cybersecurity and technology transformation events. Plus-Concepts has had the privilege of working with David in 2025. He delivered an outstanding closing keynote presentation for the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers cybersecurity event. His performance consistently demonstrates the expertise, engagement, and leadership insights that make him an invaluable addition to any professional conference or corporate event. SPEAKING EXPERIENCE David has successfully delivered keynote presentations for Plus Concepts, most notably serving as the closing keynote speaker for the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers cybersecurity event. His presentation reached an impressive audience of 900 attendees in person plus an additional 500 participants online, demonstrating his ability to engage both live and virtual audiences simultaneously. His presentations have reached diverse senior-level audiences including banking executives, financial services leaders, cybersecurity professionals, and risk management specialists. His presentations have consistently received excellent feedback from participants across multiple high-profile events. KEY STRENGTHS AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER Exceptional Storytelling and Engagement David possesses a rare ability to transform complex cybersecurity concepts (Quantum Computing) into compelling narratives that resonate with senior-level audiences. His engaging storytelling style keeps attendees fully invested throughout his presentations, making technical and strategic content both accessible and memorable. Banking and Financial Services Focus As demonstrated through his work with the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers, David brings deep understanding of cybersecurity challenges specific to the banking and financial services sector. His ability to address regulatory compliance, risk management, and digital transformation initiatives makes him particularly valuable for financial industry events. Hybrid Event Mastery David demonstrates exceptional skill in delivering presentations that engage both live and virtual audiences simultaneously. His closing keynote for the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers successfully captivated 900 in-person attendees while maintaining strong engagement with 500 online participants, showcasing his ability to adapt his presentation style for hybrid event formats. Professional Presentation Skills His polished delivery, clear communication style, and confident stage presence create an engaging experience that maintains audience attention and drives meaningful discussions long after the presentation concludes. AUDIENCE FEEDBACK AND IMPACT Feedback from the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers event has been consistently outstanding, with attendees frequently citing David's closing keynote as a highlight of their conference experience. The success of his presentation to over 1,400 participants (both live and virtual) demonstrate his ability to deliver high-impact content at scale. Participants have specifically praised: • His ability to make complex cybersecurity leadership concepts relatable and actionable for banking professionals • The practical insights and frameworks he provides for financial services security leaders • His engaging delivery style that maintains energy and attention throughout hybrid event formats • The valuable networking conversations his presentations inspire among banking and RECOMMENDATION I've no hesitation to recommend David Gee without reservation for keynote speaking opportunities at Techology, Cyber and Risk management events, particularly those serving the banking and financial services sectors. His combination of deep technical expertise, leadership acumen, and exceptional presentation skills makes him an ideal choice for organizations seeking to deliver high-value content to senior financial services and cybersecurity professionals. David's proven track record with large-scale audiences, including his successful closing keynote for over 1,400 participants at the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers event, coupled with his engaging storytelling approach and genuine passion for cybersecurity leadership development, ensures that event organizers and attendees alike will benefit significantly from his participation. For any questions about David's speaking experience with our organization or to discuss specific event requirements, please feel free to contact me directly. Dr Sammy Ho Managing Director, Plus Concepts Senior Consultant, HKIB Email: sammy.ho@plus-concepts.com Tel: +852 8203 6093 KEYNOTE SPEAKER RECOMMENDATION Speaker: David Gee LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjordangee/ HKIB Speaker Profile: https://hkibcyber.hkib.org/hkibcyber2025/speakers.html Expertise: Cybersecurity Leadership, Digital Transformation, CISO Development EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I am pleased to provide this strong recommendation for David Gee as a keynote speaker for cybersecurity and digital transformation events. Plus Concepts has had the privilege of working with David, who delivered an outstanding closing keynote presentation for the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers cybersecurity event. His performance consistently demonstrates the expertise, engagement, and leadership insights that make him an invaluable addition to any professional conference or corporate event. SPEAKING EXPERIENCE WITH OUR ORGANIZATION David has successfully delivered keynote presentations for Plus Concepts, most notably serving as the closing keynote speaker for the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers cybersecurity event. His presentation reached an impressive audience of 900 attendees in person plus an additional 500 participants online, demonstrating his ability to engage both live and virtual audiences simultaneously. His presentations have reached diverse senior-level audiences including banking executives, financial services leaders, cybersecurity professionals, and risk management specialists. His presentations have consistently received excellent feedback from participants across multiple high-profile events. KEY STRENGTHS AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER Exceptional Storytelling and Engagement David possesses a rare ability to transform complex cybersecurity concepts into compelling narratives that resonate with senior-level audiences. His engaging storytelling style keeps attendees fully invested throughout his presentations, making technical and strategic content both accessible and memorable. Banking and Financial Services Focus As demonstrated through his work with the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers, David brings deep understanding of cybersecurity challenges specific to the banking and financial services sector. His ability to address regulatory compliance, risk management, and digital transformation initiatives makes him particularly valuable for financial industry events. Hybrid Event Mastery David demonstrates exceptional skill in delivering presentations that engage both live and virtual audiences simultaneously. His closing keynote for the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers successfully captivated 900 in-person attendees while maintaining strong engagement with 500 online participants, showcasing his ability to adapt his presentation style for hybrid event formats. Professional Presentation Skills His polished delivery, clear communication style, and confident stage presence create an engaging experience that maintains audience attention and drives meaningful discussions long after the presentation concludes. AUDIENCE FEEDBACK AND IMPACT Feedback from the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers event has been consistently outstanding, with attendees frequently citing David's closing keynote as a highlight of their conference experience. The success of his presentation to over 1,400 participants (both live and virtual) demonstrates his ability to deliver high-impact content at scale. Participants have specifically praised: • His ability to make complex cybersecurity leadership concepts relatable and actionable for banking professionals • The practical insights and frameworks he provides for financial services security leaders • His engaging delivery style that maintains energy and attention throughout hybrid event formats • The valuable networking conversations his presentations inspire among banking and financial services attendees RECOMMENDATION I recommend David Gee without reservation for keynote speaking opportunities at cybersecurity and digital transformation events, particularly those serving the banking and financial services sectors. His combination of deep technical expertise, leadership acumen, and exceptional presentation skills makes him an ideal choice for organizations seeking to deliver high-value content to senior financial services and cybersecurity professionals. David's proven track record with large-scale audiences, including his successful closing keynote for over 1,400 participants at the Hong Kong Institute of Bankers event, coupled with his engaging storytelling approach and genuine passion for cybersecurity leadership development, ensures that event organizers and attendees alike will benefit significantly from his participation. For any questions about David's speaking experience with our organization or to discuss specific event requirements, please feel free to contact me directly. Dr Sammy Ho Managing Director, Plus Concepts Senior Consultant, HKIB Email: sammy.ho@plus-concepts.com Tel: +852 8203 6093
Dr Sammy Ho Managing Director, Plus Concepts (HK Institute of Bankers)

New Testimonial ContentEXECUTIVE SUMMARY As Editorial Director for Foundry in the Australia New Zealand, I am pleased to provide this recommendation for David Gee as a keynote speaker. David writes for our masthead publications CIO and CSO and was professionally engaged for our CIO Summit in 2025 to deliver a keynote. SPEAKING EXPERIENCE WITH OUR ORGANIZATION David's closing keynote at the CIO Summit was one of the highlights of the conference. There were 250-300 CIO and senior technology executives in attendance in Sydney. We had asked David to prepare a bespoke keynote on The CIO in 2035. This presentation was a fast forward view of how the CIO role will change in 10 years' time and the metrics that will be required for the position. David provided a fascinating insight into the future, and it was extremely thought provoking. His presentations have consistently received excellent feedback from participants across multiple high-profile industry events. DAVID's KEY STRENGTHS Thought Leadership David demonstrated at the CIO Summit what is a futurist perspective on how the CIO's role will change with Agentic AI and other strategic forces. This keynote provided concrete and practical examples of how today's CIO will need to adapt and change to thrive in the future. Professional Presentation Skills David has a great style and delivery. He has a clear communication style, and confident stage presence that is very engaging for the audience of his peers. AUDIENCE FEEDBACK AND IMPACT The feedback from CIO Summit was excellent. RECOMMENDATION I would be delighted to recommend David as a keynote speaker given his CIO, CISO and Risk Executive background he is able to cover many topics with ease. His articles for CIO and CSO magazines reflect his strategic mindset, and he can explain complexity without having to make this complicated. For any questions about David's speaking experience with our organization or to discuss specific event requirements, please feel free to contact me directly.
Cathy O’Sullivan - Editorial Director, ANZ Foundry (CIO Conference)

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY As Editorial Director for Foundry in the Australia New Zealand, I am pleased to provide this recommendation for David Gee as a keynote speaker. David writes for our masthead publications CIO and CSO and was professionally engaged for our CIO Summit in 2025 to deliver a keynote. SPEAKING EXPERIENCE WITH OUR ORGANIZATION David's closing keynote at the CIO Summit was one of the highlights of the conference. There were 250-300 CIO and senior technology executives in attendance in Sydney. We had asked David to prepare a bespoke keynote on The CIO in 2035. This presentation was a fast forward view of how the CIO role will change in 10 years' time and the metrics that will be required for the position. David provided a fascinating insight into the future, and it was extremely thought provoking. His presentations have consistently received excellent feedback from participants across multiple high-profile industry events. DAVID's KEY STRENGTHS Thought Leadership David demonstrated at the CIO Summit what is a futurist perspective on how the CIO's role will change with Agentic AI and other strategic forces. This keynote provided concrete and practical examples of how today's CIO will need to adapt and change to thrive in the future. Professional Presentation Skills David has a great style and delivery. He has a clear communication style, and confident stage presence that is very engaging for the audience of his peers. AUDIENCE FEEDBACK AND IMPACT The feedback from CIO Summit was excellent. RECOMMENDATION I would be delighted to recommend David as a keynote speaker given his CIO, CISO and Risk Executive background he is able to cover many topics with ease. His articles for CIO and CSO magazines reflect his strategic mindset, and he can explain complexity without having to make this complicated. For any questions about David's speaking experience with our organization or to discuss specific event requirements, please feel free to contact me directly.
Murali Ramesh - Production Director, FST Media

SPEAKER RECOMMENDATION Speaker: David Gee EXECUTIVE SUMMARY I am pleased to provide this recommendation for David Gee as a keynote speaker for cybersecurity and digital transformation events. Over the past year, David has delivered several well received presentations for our organisation - ADAPT, consistently demonstrating the expertise, engagement, and leadership insights that make him a valuable addition to any professional conference or corporate event. SPEAKING EXPERIENCE WITH OUR ORGANIZATION David presented at two of our major conferences including CIO Edge and Security Edge. This included "What Makes a World-Class CISO" to audiences of ~350 attendees comprising CIO, CISO, and senior leaders. His presentations have consistently received excellent feedback from participants across multiple events in both Sydney and Melbourne. KEY STRENGTHS AS A KEYNOTE SPEAKER Exceptional Storytelling and Engagement David was able to transform complex cybersecurity concepts into compelling narratives that resonate with senior-level audiences. His engaging storytelling style keeps attendees fully invested throughout his presentations, making technical and strategic content both accessible and memorable. Deep Industry Expertise David's part deep expertise brings authentic, real-world insights to his presentations. His understanding of current cybersecurity challenges, emerging threats, and leadership best practices provides genuine value to executive-level audiences seeking actionable intelligence. Audience-Focused Delivery David demonstrates skill in reading his audience and adapting his content accordingly. Whether addressing CISOs, senior cyber leaders, or mixed executive audiences, he tailored his message to ensure relevance and impact. Professional Presentation Skills David has a polished delivery, clear communication style, and confident stage presence create an engaging experience that maintains audience attention and drives meaningful discussions long after the presentation concludes. AUDIENCE FEEDBACK AND IMPACT Feedback from our events has been consistently positive, with attendees citing David's presentations as a highlight. RECOMMENDATION I recommend David Gee without reservation for keynote speaking opportunities at cybersecurity and digital transformation events. His combination of deep technical expertise, leadership acumen, and solid presentation skills makes him an ideal choice for organizations seeking to deliver high-value content to senior cybersecurity professionals. David's proven track record with our audiences, coupled with his engaging storytelling approach and genuine passion for cybersecurity leadership development, ensures that event organizers and attendees alike will benefit significantly from his participation. Jim Berry Chief Executive Officer ADAPT jim.berry@adapt.com.au
Jim Berry - Chief Executive Officer, ADAPT

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