Malini Rao has taken on the role of Global Head of Cybersecurity Product Operations at Haleon. With over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), she has established herself as a leader in securing digital transformation. Her expertise spans AI governance, cloud security, application security, IT risk management, and identity and access management.
Before joining Haleon, Malini Rao held a key leadership role at DeepLearnCyber.AI as the Chief Information Security Officer, Chief AI Governance & Risk Advisor, and Data Protection Officer. She led a team of AI engineers, cybersecurity professionals, and software developers, focusing on AI-driven cybersecurity solutions, compliance, and risk mitigation. Her strategic approach ensured seamless security operations while aligning cybersecurity frameworks with business objectives.
Beyond her corporate roles, Malini Rao actively contributes to the cybersecurity community. She serves as a Board of Advisors member at World Wide Women in Cyber Security (W3-CS) and is part of the Board of Mentors for ISSA India, where she supports women in cybersecurity. She is also a mentor with Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in the field.
Her commitment to cybersecurity extends to certifications and training in multiple domains, including CISSP, CCISO, CISM, CCSK, AWS certifications, GDPR compliance, and blockchain security. With a strong academic foundation from Harvard University and The Wharton School, she continues to stay at the forefront of cybersecurity trends and emerging technologies.
At Haleon, Malini Rao will lead cybersecurity product operations, focusing on strengthening security frameworks, driving innovation, and ensuring compliance with global standards. Her experience in managing large cybersecurity teams and securing cloud infrastructures will play a crucial role in the company’s digital resilience.
As a thought leader and speaker, she has shared insights on AI governance, risk management, and cybersecurity strategy at various industry forums. Her ability to integrate AI and cybersecurity practices has set benchmarks in risk mitigation and security operations across global enterprises.
Malini Rao’s addition to Haleon marks a significant step in fortifying the company’s cybersecurity strategy. Her leadership is expected to enhance operational security, drive advanced risk management solutions, and contribute to the overall digital safety of the organization.