ECSO CISO Community
The largest independent CISO Community in Europe
Who are we?
The ECSO CISO Community hosts Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and other cybersecurity executives working in the CISO Team, from all across Europe and sectors. Its objective is to promote the exchange of information, good practices, threat intelligence, and to develop common positions among cybersecurity practitioners.
International presence
The Community maintains a strong international presence by collaborating with existing leading National and Regional CISO Groups and facilitating their creation in other regions. The medium-term goal is to establish partnerships or launch National Chapters in all European countries, creating a unified network of CISOs committed to advancing cybersecurity.
If you are part of a National CISO Group and would be interested in partnering with the ECSO CISO Community, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team.
Benefits of joining the community
Join a network of 600+ leaders in cybersecurity across 35 European countries. Our independent, non-profit organisation brings together security professionals committed to advancing the field through knowledge sharing and collaborative community building.
Stay informed on the key EU cybersecurity legislative files (e.g. NIS2, CRA), and contribute to ensuring practitioner perspectives are represented through coordinated advocacy and position papers.
Engage in confidential peer-to-peer collaboration to address common security challenges, share mitigation strategies, and establish industry best practices.
Exclusive access to curated cybersecurity intelligence, including daily threat and vulnerability feeds, monthly briefings and specialised webinars led by industry experts.
Access to 4 Signal Group Chats – Main Discussion Channel, Daily News Feed, OT Specific Topics, and CISO Job Corner.
Participation in cross-sector Meetings with fellow Community Members in the Annual ECSO CISO Meetup.
Access ECSO-developed resources, including practical tools, mentorship opportunities, and community-driven operational initiatives designed for security leaders.
ECSO Annual CISO Meetup
The ECSO Annual CISO Meetup is the largest gathering of CISOs in Europe, recognised across the industry as a key event for cybersecurity leaders. Bringing together over 200 CISOs each year, it offers unmatched opportunities for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and peer networking. More than just a conference, it strengthens a lasting community where CISOs can exchange insights and shape the future of European cybersecurity.
Where are we going this year?
The ECSO CISO Meetup 2025 will take place in Valencia (Spain) on 23-24 September. Registrations are now open, secure your spot to meet your peers in this exclusive annual event. Read more.
Past editions:
> ECSO CISO Meetup 2024 (Vienna, Austria)
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Who can join the ECSO CISO Community?
Primary Eligibility Requirements:
- Individual membership (ad personam), not corporate representation.
- Current CISO or equivalent senior cybersecurity leadership role (Deputy CISO, Head of Information Security, etc.).
- Role must be leadership and operationally focused on cybersecurity (excluding sales, business development, or product development functions).
- Participation is open to both ECSO and non-ECSO members.
Special Considerations:
- Cybersecurity Solution/Product providers: Must demonstrate internal security function responsibility (not customer-facing roles).
- Consultancies: Limited to employees serving as internal CISOs only. External advisory roles (vCISO, fractional CISO, consulting CISOs) are excluded.
- Public Sector: Eligible if serving in internal-facing security roles (CISO, CSIRT Head, equivalent positions).
Process Requirements:
- Role changes must be reported promptly to ECSO for continued eligibility verification.
- Exceptional cases may be considered where roles closely align with CISO responsibilities and no conflicts of interest exist.
What is the price of Membership?
Joining the ECSO CISO Community is completely free of charge.
Is an ECSO Membership required?
No, the ECSO CISO Community is open to CISOs from all kinds of organisations, including those who are not ECSO Members.
Join the ECSO CISO Community today!
Fill in the form below to submit your application. A member of our team will review your submission and get in touch with you as soon as possible. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact any of our team members for any questions you may have.
Initiative administration
Sebastijan Čutura
Senior Manager, Industry Cybersecurity
sebastijan.cutura[at]ecs-org.eu
Tomasz Michałowski
Junior Manager for European Cyber Security Community
tomasz.michalowski[at]ecs-org.eu
Chairpersons
Frank Van Caenegem
Cybersecurity VP & CISO EMEA
Schneider Electric (FR)
Matthias Muhlert
Group CISO
Die Oetker Gruppe (DE)
Olivier Caleff
CISO
Erium (FR)
Paul Bayle
Head of Security, Group CSO & CISO
Atos (FR)
Stephane Lenco
CISO
Thales (FR)
