Key Takeaways
- Allied Universal has appointed Jordan Avnaim as its Global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), placing him in charge of the company’s worldwide cybersecurity strategy and operations.
- Avnaim brings more than 20 years of experience leading cybersecurity, technology‑risk, and regulatory‑compliance programs for large multinational organizations.
- He will report to Loretta Cecil, Global General Counsel, and will oversee cybersecurity resources and teams across more than 100 countries and territories.
- His mandate includes developing a risk‑based program to protect employees, systems, data, and technology platforms while strengthening cyber resilience and supporting innovation and growth.
- Avnaim’s background features senior roles at Hyundai AutoEver America, Entrust Corp., and the Capital Group Companies, with responsibility for global information‑security programs spanning up to 150 countries.
- He holds a Master of Engineering in Management of Technology (information‑security focus), a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering and Mathematics, and holds CISSP, CISA certifications, plus active membership in InfraGard, ISACA, and (ISC)².
Appointment Overview
Allied Universal announced the hiring of Jordan Avnaim as its new Global Chief Information Security Officer. In this senior executive role, Avnaim is tasked with directing the company’s global cybersecurity strategy and overseeing all related operations. He will report directly to Loretta Cecil, the company’s Global General Counsel, ensuring that cybersecurity initiatives are aligned with legal and governance frameworks. The appointment underscores Allied Universal’s commitment to elevating the importance of information security at the highest levels of leadership. By placing a seasoned cybersecurity executive in a C‑suite‑adjacent position, the firm signals its intent to treat cyber risk as a core business concern rather than an isolated IT function.
Strategic Responsibilities
Avnaim’s primary charge is to develop and implement a risk‑based cybersecurity program designed to safeguard Allied Universal’s employees, systems, data, and technology platforms. This involves identifying threats, assessing vulnerabilities, and prioritizing mitigation efforts based on potential impact to the organization. He will also be responsible for overseeing the company’s cybersecurity resources, including personnel, tools, and budgets, ensuring that teams are adequately equipped to defend against evolving threats. By adopting a risk‑based approach, Avnaim aims to allocate security investments where they yield the greatest protective value, thereby enhancing overall resilience while avoiding unnecessary expenditure on low‑risk areas.
Global Scope and Collaboration
Given Allied Universal’s presence in more than 100 countries and territories, Avnaim must coordinate cybersecurity efforts across a highly dispersed and diverse operational footprint. He will work closely with technology, legal, operations, and business units to integrate security considerations into everyday processes and strategic initiatives. This cross‑functional collaboration is essential for ensuring that security policies are both globally consistent and locally adaptable, taking into account regional regulatory requirements and threat landscapes. Avnaim’s role also includes fostering a culture of shared responsibility, where every employee understands their part in protecting the organization’s digital assets.
Leadership Endorsements
Steve Jones, Global Chairman and CEO of Allied Universal, praised Avnaim’s appointment, stating that protecting people, systems, and data is fundamental to serving customers and operating effectively worldwide. Jones highlighted Avnaim’s deep technical expertise combined with a clear grasp of business operations and enterprise risk, expressing confidence that his leadership will bolster the company’s cyber resilience while supporting innovation and growth. Loretta Cecil echoed these sentiments, noting Avnaim’s ability to translate complex technical risks into clear business priorities, respond effectively to incidents, and establish accountability across large global organizations. She emphasized that Avnaim will provide independent oversight and transparency while partnering with the firm’s technology and operational leaders.
Professional Background
Before joining Allied Universal, Avnaim served as Chief Information Security Officer at Hyundai AutoEver America and at Entrust Corp. At Entrust, he managed the global information‑security program across more than 150 countries, 40 offices, and 20 data centers, demonstrating his capacity to handle vast, complex infrastructures. Earlier in his career, he held senior technology‑risk and information‑security leadership positions at the Capital Group Companies, where he advised boards and executive teams on strengthening enterprise security capabilities. Throughout these roles, Avnaim has built teams focused on protecting critical infrastructure, sensitive information, and core business operations, gaining a reputation for translating security initiatives into measurable business outcomes.
Education and Certifications
Avnaim holds a Master of Engineering in Management of Technology with an emphasis in information security and risk management, and a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering and Mathematics, both from Vanderbilt University. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA). His professional affiliations include active membership in InfraGard, ISACA, and (ISC)², reflecting his ongoing engagement with the broader cybersecurity community and commitment to staying current with emerging threats and best practices.
Avnaim’s Statement
Upon his arrival, Avnaim expressed honor at joining Allied Universal, an organization whose mission centers on keeping people and businesses safe. He characterized cybersecurity as a shared responsibility that demands strong governance, operational readiness, and collaboration across every part of the organization. Avnaim emphasized his intention to work alongside colleagues to build a security posture that not only defends against threats but also enables the company’s strategic objectives. His outlook aligns with Allied Universal’s vision of leveraging robust cybersecurity as a foundation for safe, reliable service delivery worldwide.