Meet Our Speakers

Summit Leaders

  • Chief Information Security Officer, Carnival Corporation

  • As the Global Chief Information Security Officer of Carnival Corporation & plc, Margarita Rivera has over 20 years of expertise in protecting digital landscapes for Fortune 50 & Fortune 200 companies. Starting as Vice President and Head of Brand Information Security, she now directs the global information security strategy.

    Margarita collaborates with senior executives to support growth, drive efficiencies, and enable secure innovation. She plays a key role in mitigating risks, ensuring compliance, and enhancing cybersecurity across Carnival’s nine cruise line brands.

    She holds a Master’s Degree in Information Systems from Harvard University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Florida International University. Margarita also has several certifications, including C-CISO, CISSP, CISM, CRISC, CISA, and CIPT. Recognized as a thought leader, she has received numerous awards, including the 2024 Authentic Leadership Award from the National Diversity Council.

  • VP Maritime Cyber Safety, Carnival Corporation

  • Leigh Carr serves as the Vice President of Global Maritime Cyber Safety at Carnival Corporation. She established and leads the Maritime Cyber Safety program, which works to safeguard the fleet's critical operations technology (OT) from cyber threats.

    Under her leadership, the team develops and manages a comprehensive global cyber safety program designed to counter digital threats targeting maritime OT such as navigation, propulsion, and automation systems. They ensure regulatory compliance for OT cybersecurity across all Carnival Corporation vessels and enhance security controls for shipboard OT environments. Additionally, the team acts as the primary liaison between Carnival Corporation's Maritime groups and IT, facilitating the integration of cybersecurity protections for OT on a global scale.

    Leigh holds a bachelor's degree in Business Management and Accounting, an MBA, a CISSP certification, and a Master's Certificate in Enterprise Cybersecurity from the Professional Development Academy.

  • Fleet Cruise Director, Carnival Cruise Line

  • Lee Mason, Fleet Cruise Director with Carnival Cruise Line, is from Cumbria, England. Previously, he has served as Inaugural Flagship Cruise Director onboard the award-winning Carnival Celebration. 

    He's served as Cruise Director on over a dozen ships across Carnival’s fleet, not only in North America, but also sailing in the European and Australaisan regions. Recognized across the industry with several awards and recognition, including Porthole Cruise & Travel Magazine's Readers Choice "Best Cruise Director" 2023 & 2024, Carnival Cruise Line's "Cruise Director of the Year" 2024 and "Ambassador of the Year" for St Jude Children's Research Hospital.  

Speakers

  • USN (Ret.), Former Director of the National Security Agency, & Former Commander of U.S. Cyber Command

  • Adm. Michael Rogers, a Chicago native, graduated from Auburn University in 1981 through the Naval ROTC and later earned a Master of Science in National Security Strategy. He is a distinguished graduate of the National War College, a graduate of highest distinction from the Naval War College, and an alum of Harvard’s Senior Executive in National Security program. He is also a Massachusetts Institute of Technology Seminar XXI fellow.

    Originally a surface warfare officer, Rogers transitioned to cryptology (now Information Warfare) in 1986. Over his career, he held several key intelligence and cybersecurity leadership roles, including serving as director for Intelligence for both the Joint Chiefs of Staff and U.S. Pacific Command. He later commanded U.S. Fleet Cyber Command/U.S. 10th Fleet before assuming his final role as commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the National Security Agency.

    Rogers’ operational experience includes service aboard USS Caron (DD 970), senior cryptologist for Carrier Group 2/John F. Kennedy Carrier Strike Group, and fleet information operations officer for U.S. 6th Fleet. He has also led cryptologic direct support missions aboard U.S. submarines and surface units in the Arabian Gulf and Mediterranean. Ashore, he commanded Naval Security Group Activity Winter Harbor, Maine, and served in various intelligence and personnel roles across the Navy and Joint Staff.

    His extensive joint service includes assignments at U.S. Atlantic Command, Joint Task Force 120 for Operation Support Democracy (Haiti), Joint Force Maritime Component Commander, Europe, and several leadership roles on the Joint Staff. Before becoming a flag officer, he led operations in computer network attack and defense, served as a special assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and directed the Chairman’s Action Group.

    In March 2014, Rogers assumed his final assignment as commander of U.S. Cyber Command and director of the NSA, leading the nation’s cyber defense and intelligence efforts during a critical period of evolving global threats.

  • Head of Digital Business, ABB Marine & Ports

  • Osku Kälkäjä has a passion for driving sustainability to the marine industry, making it available for ship owners with digital solutions and services, ultimately creating a positive impact to the world. In his role as the Head of Digital Business in ABB Marine & Ports, Osku is responsible in driving digitalization as an enabler to decarbonization to the marine industry, whilst ensuring the ABB Marine & Ports offering to marine digitalization reflects the industry needs.

    He has an extensive background in shipping industry, having worked in the Finnish Navy before joining ABB Marine & Ports.

  • Director of Maritime Cybersecurity, Wärtsilä Marine

  • Matti Suominen leads cyber security across the Wärtsilä Marine business, focusing on security of products and services. For the past 20 years, he has worked on cyber security and software development across different industries. 

  • Head of Section Digital Ship Systems, DNV

  • Jarle Coll Blomhoff is Head of Digital Ship Systems in DNV where he leads the team responsible for the development of rules and approval of vessels and vessel systems when it comes to maritime cyber security, data connectivity and autonomous and remotely operated vessels. He holds a Master of Science in Engineering with specialization in Navigation, Guidance and Control of Ships from Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and has more than 15 years of experience from both advisory and classification.

  • Lead Specialist for IT /Navigation/ Communication, Fincantieri

  • Matteo Lenardon is the lead specialist for IT/Navigation/Communication at Fincantieri Merchant Ship Business Unit. After the master’s degree in electronic engineering with telecom specialization at University of Trieste, he started working as R&D engineer for industrial telecom applications at Finmek Space. He joined Fincantieri in 2004 working in electrical technical dept., contributing to the design and development of navigation and internal/external communication systems of newbuilds and becoming the technical reference for these systems, focusing on their digital evolution, including their cyber resilience.

  • Cyber Security Expert, NAPA

  • TBD

  • Sr. Director, Maritime Cyber Safety Engineering, Carnival Corporation

  • Viurniel Sanchez joined Carnival Corporation in 2018, bringing over 6 years of Operational Technology (OT) experience in the utilities sector. He began his Carnival journey as a Project Manager in 2018. He was then promoted to Program Manager and subsequently to Director, showcasing exceptional skill in delivering critical IT and OT projects such as Firewall Analyzer, Antivirus Consolidation, Pentest Remediations, and USB Scanners.

    Additionally, Viurniel has played a key role in helping complete risk assessments and in the introduction of cyber safety OT procedures into our safety management system.  Today he serves as the Director of Maritime Cyber Safety Engineering, focused on OT cyber architecture, engineering, and operations. 

  • Executive Director, MTS-ISAC

  • Shawn Whiteside is a 25-year cybersecurity veteran and retired U.S. Coast Guard officer with extensive experience in maritime threat intelligence, critical infrastructure security, and national security strategy. As SVP of Commercial Practice at OneZero Solutions and Executive Director of the MTS-ISAC, he has been at the forefront of maritime cybersecurity and intelligence-sharing. Shawn holds a Master of Public Administration from Harvard Kennedy School and an MBA, equipping him with a unique blend of technical insight, policy expertise, and leadership acumen.

  • SVP, Technical Operations, Carnival Cruise Line

  • Martina Gallus is the Senior Vice President of Technical Operations at Carnival Cruise Line, bringing over 20 years of industry experience. She holds a Master of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from the Università degli Studi di Genova, Italy.

    Martina began her career in ship design and repairs. She joined Carnival Corporation in 2008 as a Costa New Building Superintendent and later became a Ship Manager. In 2013, she was promoted to Fleet Safety Enhancement Manager for the Costa fleet.

    In 2014, Martina transitioned to Carnival Cruise Lines as Deck and Safety Asset Director, overseeing Safety Systems, Stability, and Fire Safety for the fleet. By 2019, she also took on the role of Fleet Director for eight ships, in addition to her responsibilities as Deck and Safety Director. In 2021, Martina was promoted to Vice President of Technical Operations.

  • VP Global Maritime Information Systems, Carnival Corporation

  • Andrew (Andy) Paul currently serves as Vice President of Global Maritime Technology Systems at Carnival Corporation.  He brings over 10 years of corporate experience, working closely with all Carnival Corporation brands across key strategic business areas. His background in maritime innovation, research, and development has enabled him to successfully lead and support the development and implementation of several large, complex global systems and technologies across the corporation. Andy has been with the organization for more than 15 years, starting his career with Carnival as a deck officer onboard four of our Carnival brands.

  • Director, IT Security and Compliance, Carnival Cruise Line

  • Michelle Garcia is the Director of IT Security & Compliance at Carnival Cruise Line, where she plays a pivotal role in safeguarding the digital assets and infrastructure of one of the world’s leading cruise operators with industry experience that includes call centers, guest services, e-commerce, newbuilds, dry docks, safety systems and people tracking. With a robust background in information security and industry experience, Michelle is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive security strategies to protect the company’s critical systems and ensure compliance with international regulations and standards.

    Michelle holds a master's degree in cyber security management and policy and has over 15 years of experience in the IT security industry with over 30 years of cruise experience. Her career is marked by a commitment to innovation and excellence in cybersecurity, focusing on risk management, threat identification, and the development of secure IT environments. Before joining Carnival Cruise Line, she held key positions at several major corporations where she implemented advanced security solutions and helped to elevate their cyber defense mechanisms.

    At Carnival, Michelle leads a talented team dedicated to ensuring the privacy and security of both customer and corporate data. She collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to facilitate a secure digital transformation and adopts a proactive approach to cybersecurity challenges. Under her leadership, the IT Security & Compliance division has successfully navigated the complexities of maritime regulations while maintaining high standards of data protection.

    Michelle is also a passionate advocate for diversity in tech and actively mentors young professionals entering the cybersecurity field. Her ability to balance strategic vision with technical expertise makes her an invaluable asset to Carnival Cruise Line as it continues to adapt to the digital age. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys traveling and exploring new destinations, embodying the spirit of adventure that is central to Carnival’s mission.

  • Senior Manager Automation, Princess Cruise Lines

  • James Webb is the Senior Manager, Automation for Princess Cruise Lines. James has been working in the marine industry for 22 years. His seagoing career started as a joint ETO/Engineering cadet with P&O ferries before joining Princess Cruise Lines in 2005. James worked his way through various electrical positions onboard before leaving Island Princess as Chief Electrical Officer in 2019, moving into the Technical Operation/Electrical Asset Management Team supporting the ships he sailed on. Having emigrated from England, James is now based in and calls Nova Scotia, Canada home.

  • AVP Threat Management & Intel, Carnival Corporation

  • Alex Tabares is an accomplished security and regulatory compliance professional, presently serving as the Associate Vice President of Threat Management for the Global Cybersecurity Services (GCS) team. With a distinguished career at Carnival Corporation, Alex has honed his expertise across diverse security domains, consistently enhancing his capabilities in each successive role.

    Demonstrating proficiency in security operations, Alex possesses a comprehensive understanding of regulatory frameworks such as SOX and PCI-DSS. His proficiencies extend to security management, vulnerability management, identity and access management, web application security, incident response, security monitoring, and project management. Alex excels in fostering collaborative relationships across organizational boundaries, facilitating seamless coordination and cooperation.

    Backed by an MBA and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management of Information Systems (MIS), Alex combines academic rigor with practical acumen. Most recently completing the CISO Certification Program from the Carnegie Mellon University Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy. Moreover, he holds a spectrum of esteemed industry certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (ICS2-CISSP), Certified Information Security Manager (ISACA-CISM), Certified Information System Auditor (ISACA-CISA), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (SANS-GIAC), Microsoft (MCSA, MCP), and several CompTIA (Security+, Network+), underscoring his commitment to ongoing professional development and mastery within the security landscape.

  • Sr. Research Scientist, ReliaQuest

  • A.J. Ledwin is a Senior Research Scientist specializing in operational technology security threat visibility and response. With over a decade of experience in cybersecurity, A.J. helps organizations protect their OT environments through enhanced monitoring and incident response capabilities. Previously serving as an Information Security Analyst and Incident Response Manager, A.J. brings practical expertise in identifying cyber threats and implementing effective defensive strategies.

  • GreyMatter Engineer, ReliaQuest

  • Matthew Byers is a GreyMatter Engineer at ReliaQuest with over four years of experience in the cybersecurity industry. He is passionate about working directly with customer technical teams to help optimize their security platforms and empower organizations to build stronger, more resilient defenses.

    When not focused on "making security possible," Matthew is a part-time security expert and a full-time Dungeon Master, blending strategic thinking and creativity both in his professional life and hobbies. He thrives on tackling challenges in the ever-evolving threat landscape and helping teams navigate their way to success.