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Executive Leadership Team

Meet the experienced cybersecurity professionals and recruitment experts who guide SLONE Partners Cybersecurity' strategic direction, drive innovation in talent solutions, and ensure exceptional outcomes for our clients and candidates.

Leadership That Understands Cybersecurity

At SLONE Partners Cybersecurity, our leadership team comprises professionals who have not only mastered the art of executive search but have also lived the cybersecurity experience firsthand. With an average of 18+ years in cybersecurity and recruitment, our leaders bring authentic understanding of the technical challenges, strategic imperatives, and organizational dynamics that define successful security leadership.

Our approach to leadership is rooted in the principle that effective cybersecurity talent solutions require deep domain expertise. Unlike traditional recruitment firms led by generalist executives, our leadership team includes former CISOs, security architects, and risk management professionals who have navigated the same challenges our clients face daily. This firsthand experience informs every aspect of our methodology, from candidate assessment to client consultation.

The diversity of our leadership team—spanning financial services, healthcare, government, and technology sectors—ensures we bring multifaceted perspectives to every engagement. This cross-industry expertise enables us to identify transferable skills, anticipate emerging trends, and provide strategic counsel that addresses both immediate talent needs and long-term security objectives.

Executive Leadership Team Collaboration
Image Source: Unsplash - Executive leadership discussion

Executive Leadership

Alexandra Chen

Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Founder since 2012
Alexandra founded SLONE Partners Cybersecurity in 2012 after recognizing the critical gap between organizations' cybersecurity needs and available talent. With 22 years of cybersecurity experience, including 8 years as CISO at a global financial services firm, she brings firsthand understanding of the challenges security leaders face.
"Effective cybersecurity begins with exceptional talent, and exceptional talent requires specialized recruitment expertise. We bridge the critical gap between organizational needs and available cybersecurity professionals."

Key Expertise Areas

  • Cybersecurity Executive Leadership
  • Financial Services Security
  • Board & Executive Communication
  • Security Program Transformation
  • Regulatory Compliance Strategy

Credentials & Background

CISSP
CISM
CRISC
MBA
Former CISO
22 Years Experience
Email LinkedIn
Based in New York

Marcus Rodriguez

Chief Talent Officer
With SLONE since 2014
Marcus leads our talent strategy and assessment methodologies, bringing 20+ years in cybersecurity recruitment and talent development. Previously, he served as Head of Security Talent at a leading technology company, where he built their global cybersecurity recruitment function and developed innovative assessment frameworks.
"The right cybersecurity talent isn't just about technical skills—it's about cultural alignment, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate security risk into business language. Our assessment methodology evaluates all these dimensions."

Key Expertise Areas

  • Talent Assessment Methodologies
  • Cybersecurity Competency Frameworks
  • Executive Interview Design
  • Cultural Alignment Assessment
  • Succession Planning & Development

Credentials & Background

SHRM-SCP
CISSP
MA Psychology
20 Years Experience
Tech Talent Expert
Author & Speaker
Email LinkedIn
Based in San Francisco

Dr. Sarah Johnson

VP of Research & Analytics
With SLONE since 2016
Dr. Johnson leads our data-driven approach to talent matching and market intelligence. With a PhD in Organizational Psychology and 15 years in HR analytics, she develops the algorithms and frameworks that power our proprietary assessment platform and predictive analytics for placement success.
"Data transforms recruitment from art to science. By analyzing thousands of data points across successful placements, we've developed predictive models that identify not just qualified candidates, but those most likely to succeed in specific organizational contexts."

Key Expertise Areas

  • Predictive Analytics
  • Organizational Psychology
  • AI-Powered Talent Matching
  • Market Intelligence & Trends
  • Success Metric Development

Credentials & Background

PhD
MS Statistics
Published Author
15 Years Experience
AI/ML Certified
Ex-Fortune 100
Email LinkedIn
Based in Boston

Regional Leadership

David Park

Managing Director, APAC
Singapore
David leads our Asia-Pacific operations with 18 years cybersecurity experience across the region. Formerly Regional CISO for a multinational technology corporation, he brings deep understanding of APAC cybersecurity markets, regulatory environments, and talent dynamics.
8
Countries
120+
Placements
15
Team Members

Eleanor Schmidt

Managing Director, Europe
London
Eleanor oversees European operations with expertise in GDPR, European cybersecurity regulations, and cross-border talent mobility. With 16 years in European cybersecurity markets, she has built strong networks across financial services, manufacturing, and technology sectors.
12
Countries
180+
Placements
18
Team Members

Michael Thompson

Managing Director, North America
New York
Michael leads our largest region with 20 years in North American cybersecurity. Former CISO at a Fortune 500 company, he specializes in complex executive searches, regulatory compliance talent, and building security organizations from the ground up.
3
Countries
450+
Placements
25
Team Members

Our Leadership Principles

Cybersecurity First

Every leader at SLONE Partners has authentic cybersecurity experience. We understand the technical challenges, strategic imperatives, and organizational dynamics because we've lived them.

Client Partnership

We view every engagement as a strategic partnership, investing time to understand not just immediate needs but long-term organizational objectives and cultural context.

Data-Driven Decisions

Our decisions are informed by data, analytics, and evidence. We track outcomes, measure success, and continuously refine our approaches based on empirical results.

Talent Development

We invest in developing our team's expertise, providing ongoing training, mentorship, and growth opportunities to ensure we remain at the forefront of cybersecurity recruitment.

Ethical Excellence

We maintain the highest ethical standards in all engagements, ensuring transparency, confidentiality, and integrity in every interaction with clients and candidates.

Innovation Mindset

We continuously explore new approaches, technologies, and methodologies to improve outcomes, embracing innovation while maintaining proven foundational principles.

Connect with Cybersecurity Leadership Experts

Our leadership team brings decades of combined experience in both cybersecurity and executive search. Whether you're seeking strategic counsel on building your security organization or considering a career move in cybersecurity leadership, we offer unparalleled expertise and insight.

Contact Our Leadership Team