Douglas Gerhardt

WORK HISTORY

EDUCATION

SKILLS

ABOUT DOUGLAS GERHARDT

I am an information security professional who thrives at the intersection of technical rigor, regulatory complexity, and strategic innovation. Recognized as a material risk taker by regulators, I embrace the responsibility of making critical decisions that safeguard organizational integrity while enabling business growth. My approach combines a deep technical foundation with instinctive problem-solving and a strong emphasis on empowering teams to succeed autonomously.In my role as Head of Information Security (EMEA & APAC) at MarketAxess, I navigate complex, heavily regulated environments to deliver results that not only meet but often exceed expectations. My leadership philosophy centers on trust, resilience, and adaptability. I reject complacency, preferring instead to challenge the status quo and drive innovation.Highlights of my career include:· ISO 27001 Implementation: Spearheading the development of an ISO 27001-certified Information Security Management System (ISMS) in record time, gaining high-level recognition company-wide.· Strategic Leadership During Acquisition: Ensuring seamless integration of European clients during a major acquisition, addressing intricate security and regulatory challenges with precision.· Interim CISO Role: Stepping in as interim CISO during a critical period, earning unanimous praise from the Board of Directors, C-suite, and clients for exceptional leadership.· AI-Driven Security Frameworks: Designing and launching AI-enabled frameworks, integrating LLM-based functionalities into auto-trading systems, and managing associated risks to create operational efficiencies.· DORA Compliance Leadership: Pioneering a company-wide impact analysis of DORA regulations, fostering cross-functional collaboration to achieve compliance with emerging cybersecurity standards.I believe the most effective solutions emerge from diverse perspectives, which is why I build teams that are empowered to act and innovate. Fluent in multiple languages, I navigate international regulatory landscapes with cultural competence and strategic clarity, managing security programs across regions that include the UK, Netherlands, Singapore, and beyond.Driven by a commitment to excellence and a focus on creating scalable, future-proof systems, I welcome challenges as opportunities to innovate and grow. If you share a vision for advancing information security while fostering trust and collaboration, let’s connect.