Philip Morris International

Acting as the primary responsible for first line of defense functions, I am currently leading PMI’s global cybersecurity program and BAU security/ compliance services across Product/ Device and Operations business units (covering Research & Development, Product Innovation, Product Engineering, Quality Regulatory Affairs, Manufacturing Engineering Services, Manufacturing Solutions and Services, Supply Chain and Track & Trace Solutions).

I am currently overseeing the orchestration and delivery of a global Industrial/ OT cybersecurity program across all PMI factories, in alignment with ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards.

I am also in charge of designing and executing the cybersecurity program for Product to fortify “Device to Cloud” defense for smoke-free portfolio, which includes heated tobacco (IQOS), e-vapor, and oral smokeless products.

My current role, also acting as the global BISO and working closely with the CISO, is to bridge the gap between security and business interests, contributing to security awareness and overseeing the strategy implementation across all areas of the business units. As the cybersecurity champion for the business, my responsibilities span a wide range of activities (from project to BAU), including defining and prioritizing risk treatment strategy, developing capabilities across the cybersecurity value chain, orchestrating the execution of risk treatment activities, and embedding “security by design” across processes and technologies.

Global Head - Product and Operations Cybersecurity

HFS Research

Built and led the Digital Trust and Cybersecurity research practice. I successful managed to setup a global research team and delivered a wide range of initiatives for global service providers and enterprise clients. 

I don’t look at cybersecurity as a tech-only puzzle. My research agenda gravitates around two domains, augmentation and protection, and focuses on six core thematic research pillars: the remit and goals of the CISO in the hyperconnected world, reducing the IT risk and security skill gap, augmenting IT and security functions (across the 3 lines of defense) with intelligent solutions, trusting the cloud security environment, managing identity and access risks, and responding to modern security threats.

My custom research projects allowed me to work very closely with cybersecurity executives in Global 2000 enterprises. The goal of such projects was to provide data-driven analysis and strategic recommendations in areas such as ransomware, zero trust, digital identity, next generation SOC, cyber risk quantification, cloud security, Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS) models, GRC, Cyber Ranges, and security automation and orchestration.

Vice President & Practice Leader - Digital Trust & Cybersecurity/ Applied Automation

I was part of the Core Tech Strategy & Transformation Leadership Team in the capacity of Senior Director. Working closely with the CISO leadership team, my key objective was to build/design/operate a new global Cybersecurity and Control Governance function aimed at managing and governing cybersecurity risks across GSK corporate and business-unit specific areas.

Led the design, build and deployment of a global environment to manage privileged access across IT and OT environments (supported by CyberArk, SailPoint, Splunk and Imperva solutions).

Led the deployment of new breed of managed security services (looking beyond cybersecurity-centric services, delivered through traditional MSSP models, and deploying a more evolutionary model that unifies cybersecurity and compliance “by design”).

Designed the Cybersecurity Target Operating Architecture and Model for Haleon, the new consumer healthcare company.

Led the global Security Governance program with an “automation-first” mindset. I managed the deployment of advanced automation and monitoring mechanisms via different technological enablers (dedicated off-the-shelf solutions, custom build engine, RPA, Intelligent Automation, ML) to continuously monitor and measure the operating effectiveness of existing risks and controls.

Senior Director - Core Tech Strategy and Transformation

Director - Core Tech Strategy and Transformation

My role was to setup a global GRC function to manage risks and controls governing the most critical processes supported by global applications at GSK (such as the global ERP system, SAP, that supports all core operations from manufacturing to finance).  My initial goal was to support the deployment of security framework across all regions and implement a “GRC by design” template to ensure risk and compliance standardization across global and BU-specific IT and Business functions.

I have also led the design and deployment of one of the largest global Intelligent Automation programs across all GSK Business Units (including the implementation of a global Automation Centre of Excellence and enablement of regional scalable Automation Deliver Hubs).

Director - Global Applications and Development

Senior Manager - IT Advisory Services

Senior Manager - Risk Advisory Services

Manager - Technology Security and Risk Services

KPMG

Senior Consultant - IT Audit Services

Follow me if you are looking for an honest, pragmatic and above all funny perspective on technology, workplace, cybersecurity, automation and AI.

The statements, views, or opinions expressed in my LinkedIn profile and related articles represent my own views and not necessarily those of my employer.

Ralph Aboujaoude Diaz

Companies pay millions so YouTube can shove ads down our throats, and then we pay YouTube to stop shoving ads down our throats. 

Someone managed to create a business model where everyone pays and no one wins. Genius.

#technology #ai #workplace

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Global Head - Governance, Risk, and Compliance for Digital & Tech @ Haleon

She said she is powered by love but it turns out it is an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090.

Maybe I am too old and that is what love looks like in the age of AI.

#technology #ai #workplace

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No alternative text description for this image

It turns out the secret to financial success was just telling Mom to get her own account. Small things can have a big impact.

#technology #ai #workplace

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I finally found a book that truly understands my daily reality of carrying the burden of always being correct.

The problem at work is that people just see the outcomes, but not the behind-the-scenes challenge of being the person who consistently has the right answer.

Believe me, it is hard to be always right, but someone has to bear the weight.

#technology #workplace

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This sums up pretty well the current career climate.

#technology #ai #workplace

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University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science

Assistant Professor

IEEE Transactions on Technology and Society

The IEEE Transactions on Technology and Society publishes research papers on the interactions among technology, science, and society; on the impact of such interactions on individuals and society; and on the ethical, professional and social responsibility in the practice of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The publication also provides a forum for open discussion of resulting issues.

Senior Editor

EIT Urban Mobility Master School

The EIT Urban Mobility Smart Mobility Data Science and Analytics programme is part of EIT Urban Mobility Master School. The EIT Urban Mobility is the Europe's largest community for urban mobility innovation. It is committed to decarbonising the mobility sector and accelerating the transition to sustainable urban mobility.

The Smart Mobility Data Science and Analytics programme, in particular, is designed in an interdisciplinary fashion and emphasises new and emerging transportation technologies and services for citizens, goods and logistics. As an EIT Urban Mobility Master School programme, it integrates entrepreneurship and innovation throughout the coursework, specifically designed to train future elite data scientists in urban mobility and innovation.

The EIT Urban Mobility Master's programmes are two-year, double degree programmes (120 ECTS) leading to two degrees, one from the Entry University and one from the Exit University. The programme curricula include a mandatory minor in Innovation & Entrepreneurship of min. 30 ECTS, a mandatory MSc thesis of 30 ECTS and a mandatory organizational and international mobility. Students will take part in an intensive summer school and a Kick-off event as part of the curriculum, focused on addressing critical city-based challenges. Visit EIT Urban Mobility Master School's website for more information.

EIT Urban Mobility is implemented by Aalto University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology & Cities at KTH, University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science (University of Tartu), Eindhoven University of Technology, Ghent University, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya & Escola de Camins, University of Lisbon & Instituto Superior Técnico.
Read more -> https://www.eiturbanmobility.eu/what-we-offer/education-and-training/masters-programmes/

Admission Committee Member

Digital Government Society

Communcation Committee

EOSC Association

The FAIR metrics and Digital Objects Task Force focuses on the issues of the federation of FAIR data, extending the traditional FAIR metrics that focus mainly on features related to the repository.
The TF pursues analysing the issues on the different schemas, access models, domain standards, basic provenance and data usage models to define new FAIR metrics that could assess the suitability for federation of data and repositories.
The main principles and delivery objectives of the specific TF are:
• Identify the limitations of the current FAIR assessment, which is mainly focused on the FAIRness of the repository, for evaluating the reusability of data. Currently, the FAIR assessment is mainly focused on the discoverability of data, which is insufficient for assessing the capability of data to be federated.
• Watch and promote initiatives (such as GREI, Signposting, RO-Crates, etc) to facilitate the definition of common metadata schemas and their interoperability.
• Identify issues on data privacy, considering data usage, data access and data licensing and specification for machine-actionable data usage policies (e.g. ODRL)
• Analyse the impact of provenance, especially in the context of federated environments.
• Identify synergies with the Data Spaces initiative.
• Define FAIR metrics according to the objectives of the task force.
• Engage with research clusters, empowering them to implement data quality practices tailored to their unique contexts by actionable recommendations, like DQ indicators to ensure data quality, addressing areas, for example, AI training and input data

Task Force member

International Journal of Information Management

Editorial Board Member

Switch

Part of Scientific & Technical Advisory Board of Connectome Project. Connectome Project increases the scientific impact of open data from non-academic domains by aggregating their metadata to the knowledge graph. It facilitates the discovery of this data and its relationship to scientific knowledge, thereby supporting its reuse by data service providers and end users.

Advisory board:
(1) evaluate proposals to Help the Executive Board decide which proposals should be implemented in subsequent sprints by reviewing and ensuring the quality and feasibility of proposed features or changes. This includes assessing technical soundness and potential impact on user experience (Quality Assurance) and conducting Risk Assessment to identify and evaluate potential risks associated with new features or changes;
(2) advises on strategic Issue critically reflecting strategic decisions related to the project.

Read more about project here -> https://opendatanavigator.switch.ch/

Advisory Board

Government Information Quarterly

Editorial Board Member of Government Information Quarterly - an international journal that examines the intersection of policy, information technology, government, and the public. 
In particular, GIQ focuses on how policies affect government information flows and the availability of government information; the use of technology to create and provide innovative government services; the impact of information technology on the relationship between the governed and those governing; and the increasing significance of information policies and information technology in relation to democratic practices.
As the leading journal in the field, Government Information Quarterly seeks to publish high quality scholarly research, viewpoint articles and editorials that inform both researchers and practitioners regarding the relationship between policy, information technology, government, and the public. The journal seeks submissions drawn from a variety of disciplines, including but not limited to information science, public policy, public administration, political science, business, law, geography, information systems, communications, economics, sociology, computer science, and public health.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/government-information-quarterly

eJournal of eDemocracy and Open Government (JeDEM)

Cambridge University Press, Asia (Academic & Professional)

Area Editor for  Cambridge University Press journal Data & Policy, Area 1: Focus on Data-driven Transformations in Policy and Governance

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/data-and-policy

Area Editor

Anastasija Nikiforova (PhD in Computer Science – Data Processing Systems and Data Networking) is an assistant professor of Information Systems at University of Tartu (Faculty of Science and Technology, Institute of Computer Science, Chair of Software Engineering), part of European Open Science Cloud Task Force “FAIR Metrics and Digital Objects” (Belgium), and part of Scientific & Technical Advisory Board of Switch Connectome Project (Switzerland).

She is committed to advancing the field through innovative and impactful research that contributes to the evolution of Information Systems with societal implications. Her research focuses on data governance, digital transformation, and the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, particularly AI. She examines AI’s role in optimizing processes, enhancing data governance, and ensuring data quality, within (public) data and digital ecosystems, incl. ethical implications. Additionally, her work includes the development of AI-powered user-system interaction tools, such as recommender systems and chatbots/virtual assistants, aimed at improving user experiences and decision-making. By exploring the intersection of technology, society, and policy, her research addresses the challenges and opportunities of AI and other innovations. By exploring the social dynamics of these complex sociotechnical systems, her work aims to enhance their resilience, sustainability, and inclusivity.

She is an Editorial Board Member and an Associate Editor for several journals (e.g., International Journal of Information Management (IJIM), Government Information Quarterly (GIQ), Data & Policy (Cambridge Press), International Journal on Semantic Web and Information Systems (IJSWIS) (IGI Global)), and track chair for several leading IS and public administration conferences. She is an associate member of the Latvian Open Technology Association, member of International Federation for Information Processing Working Group 8.5 (IFIP WG8.5 on ICT and Public Administration), part of Digital Government Society Committee and Women in AI.

In 2023, she was listed in the Stanford University’s database of top 2% scientists in Artificial Intelligence sub-field, while in 2024, ScholarGPS included Anastasija in the top 0.5% of all scholars worldwide (0.2% in Government specialty).

For more information see -> https://anastasijanikiforova.com/

Anastasija Nikiforova

📢 Call for Expression of Interest – PhD in Responsible, Sustainable & Governed AI
 University of Tartu · Information Systems Research Group

We are planning to open fully funded 4-year PhD position(s) starting in 2026/2027, seeking ambitious and dedicated applicants to pursue a PhD project on Sustainable / Green AI, including organisational capability development, AI lifecycle sustainability, and data ecosystem impacts. We also welcome proposals related to Responsible AI and AI Governance in organisational or public sector contexts.

The University of Tartu is among the top 1% cited universities globally, consistently ranking high in international rankings (THE 301–350, QS 362) and the highest-ranked university in the Baltic States.

🔹 Research areas:
• Sustainable / Green AI & AI lifecycle sustainability
• Organisational capability models for Sustainable AI
• Responsible AI adoption & governance (organisations / public sector)
• AI for trust, transparency & organisational impact

💡 Illustrative example topics:
 • Sustainable / Green AI capability models
• Green AI lifecycle & data ecosystem sustainability
• Responsible GenAI adoption & governance
• AI-enabled ESG reporting and impact assurance
(These are examples - candidates may propose their own angle.)

🎓 Who can apply:
Candidates with backgrounds in Information Systems, digital government, sustainability, management, computer science, public administration, or related fields. Experience in qualitative/quantitative research, mixed methods, or Design Science Research is an advantage. Limited experience is welcome if there is strong motivation to learn and conduct research in these areas.

📄 To express interest, send a brief note with:
CV
1–2 page research idea 
Transcript of records
(optional) Writing sample

📬 Send to: anastasija.nikiforova@ut.ee with the subject line:
EOI — PhD in Responsible/Sustainable AI and Information Systems
We will notify all interested candidates when the official call opens.

📄 Why to apply?
It is not yet a formal call to apply, and it does not guarantee the position. However, it can improve applicant' chances as we receive 50+ applications per position, hence, competition is quite tough. Thus, selected candidates may have the opportunity to discuss and refine their research ideas, receive guidance on aligning their proposal with our Information Systems research focus, and prepare a strong formal application when the official PhD call opens.
We will notify all interested candidates when the official call opens.

Join us in shaping the future of responsible, sustainable, and trustworthy AI at the University of Tartu Institute of Computer Science!

#unitartucs
 #PhD #ResponsibleAI #GreenAI #SustainableAI #DigitalGovernment #InformationSystems #ESG

Associate Professor of Applied AI and Information Systems at University of Tartu | Data Quality Management & Data governance | Public administration | Data ecosystems | Responsible AI adoption

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