Japan CISO and Head of Security Architecture

Japan CISO and Head of Security Architecture

Join a leading global financial institution in a senior cybersecurity leadership role combining Regional CISO responsibilities with ownership of Security Architecture and Engineering. This Executive Director-level position offers the opportunity to shape cybersecurity strategy, drive security transformation, and lead enterprise security architecture across a complex, highly regulated environment.

This role is ideal for experienced CISOs, Deputy CISOs, Heads of Cyber Security, Security Architecture Leaders, or Cybersecurity Executives looking to influence both business strategy and technical security direction.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Information Security strategy, governance, and cyber risk management across the Japan organization.
• Drive Security Architecture & Engineering strategy across cloud, network, endpoint, application, data, and AI security domains.
• Partner with executive leadership, business units, regulators, and global security teams to strengthen security posture.
• Define and implement security architecture standards, reference architectures, and security-by-design principles.
• Lead enterprise security transformation initiatives, including cloud security, DevSecOps, AI security, and security automation programs.
• Oversee Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC), regulatory engagement, data protection, and third-party risk management activities.
• Lead cybersecurity incident management, cyber resilience planning, business continuity, and crisis response activities.
• Drive security architecture reviews, threat assessments, and risk mitigation programs.
• Support adoption of emerging technologies and evaluate innovative cybersecurity solutions.
• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing security leadership, architecture, and engineering teams.

Requirements

• 10+ years of leadership experience within Information Security, Cybersecurity, or Technology Risk.
• 8+ years of experience in Security Architecture, Security Engineering, or Enterprise Security leadership.
• Experience leading cybersecurity functions within global, highly regulated organizations.
• Strong expertise across Security Architecture, Security Engineering, Cloud Security, Network Security, Data Security, and Application Security.
• Experience managing cyber risk, regulatory requirements, audit programs, and governance frameworks.
• Deep understanding of ISO 27001, NIST, OWASP, security controls, and enterprise security frameworks.
• Proven ability to engage executives, regulators, boards, and senior business stakeholders.
• Strong people leadership, organizational management, and transformation experience.
• Fluent Japanese and business-level English.
• CISSP, CISM, or equivalent cybersecurity certification.

Preferred

• Experience within Banking, Securities, Asset Management, Insurance, FinTech, or Financial Services.
• Background leading large-scale cloud security, cybersecurity transformation, or DevSecOps programs.
• Experience with AI Security, Security Automation, Security Operations, Threat Management, or Cyber Resilience initiatives.
• Strong regulatory engagement experience with Japanese and global oversight bodies.
• Participation in industry security forums such as FS-ISAC and cybersecurity leadership communities.
• Experience leading global and matrixed security organizations.

Location: Tokyo

Level: Executive Director

This is a rare opportunity to lead both cybersecurity strategy and security architecture & engineering for a major global organization, influencing enterprise-wide security transformation while partnering closely with executive leadership, regulators, and global technology stakeholders.