Mark Akinyode
Chief Information Security Officer
Accra
Summary
Innovative and results-driven technology enthusiast with a robust background in security architecture and security consultancy across diverse sectors, notably Telecom, Service Providers, and Finance. Offering a seamless blend of technical expertise and strategic insight, I have a proven track record of developing and implementing impactful strategies and programs. Currently, I hold the position of Information Security Leader, steering the strategic direction and programs for the Ecobank group.
Results-driven executive with extensive experience in strategic leadership and operational excellence. Proven track record in driving growth, optimizing processes, and fostering team collaboration. Exceptional skills in strategic planning, financial management, and stakeholder engagement. Adaptable and reliable, consistently achieving high-impact results in dynamic environments.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
10
10
Certifications
Work History
VP /Group Chief Information Security Officer
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (Ecobank Group)
04.2021 - Current
- Developed and executed a 5-year Group Information Security strategy and roadmap, aligning security functions with critical business objectives, enterprise risk management, and regulatory compliance (PCI-DSS, SWIFT, GDPR), resulting in a reduction in overall enterprise risk exposure.
- Initiated and oversaw GRC programs across 35 Ecobank Group affiliates, maintaining 100% certification to industry standards and requirements (ISO 27001, ISO 22301, PCIDSS, SWIFT CSP), demonstrating commitment to best practice, avoidance of non-compliance related sanctions, breaches and financial penalties.
- Developed compliance programs that ensures compliance to local cybersecurity, data protection, business continuity and other regulatory requirements across Ecobank’s 35 affiliates/countries.
- Enhanced business resilience & crisis management- by aligning business continuity objectives with the business strategic goals (RTO/RPO), ensuring 92% service availability, ability to provide support during disaster scenarios and achieving zero financial loss in FY2021-2025 during crisis situations.
- Established a comprehensive risk management framework, including group-wide information security risk assessments, third-party assessments, business continuity risk assessments, business and enterprise assurance and annual red team exercises, resulting in a 35% improvement in threat detection capabilities and ongoing risk reduction through regular assessment and mitigation efforts.
- Accelerated time-to-market by 40% and improved product security through security assurance, security automation practices in the software development lifecycle.
- Championed the integration of security solutions for digital products, mitigating customer-side attacks and reducing successful fraud by 65%, and expected to further improve when fully implemented.
- Developed groupwide staff, and customer security awareness program, and enforcement policy leading to 96% participation rate, 57% reduction in human error related cyber incidents and overall improvement in information security culture.
- Developed and implemented a Data Governance Framework, ensuring effective data lifecycle management and incremental 78% data privacy compliance rate for business initiatives and 18-20% annual reduction in privacy related incidents.
- Enhanced team performance through specialized trainings, performance reviews, career development planning, and succession planning, resulting in a 25% increase in team efficiency and deliverables in the last 2 years.
- Led the initiative for the implementation of converged security architecture (SASE), to improve service availability/customer’s experience, improved security posture and significant 65% cost savings from network/security convergence.
- Established a metric driven performance and risk management approach through the development of a real-time security metrics dashboard, elevating enterprise-wide visibility into security posture and enabling more informed, timely executive decisions.
Head Cybersecurity
eProcess International SA, Ecobank Group
03.2018 - 04.2021
- Provided strategic leadership and coordination for all Cybersecurity Initiative programs and activities across the group (35 affiliates)
- Developed, equipped and led a high-performing cybersecurity team of 25, resulting in significant increase in team efficiency and turn-around times
- Orchestrated and executed a robust cybersecurity strategy aligned with Microsoft Cybersecurity Reference Architecture and ISO 27001 frameworks, leading to zero monetary loss from enterprise-side cyberattacks for seven consecutive years.
- Implemented the cybersecurity program across the 35 Ecobank affiliates across 35 countries.
- And a Security Convergence Strategy, resulting in $2 million in cost savings through the elimination of obsolete equipment and duplicated capabilities.
- Enhanced threat detection and response capabilities, SOAR, threat detection & response by deploying Microsoft M365 / Sentinel SIEM, leading to significant reduction in security incidents and improved incident response time.
- Established and led an Information Protection capability, reducing sensitive data exfiltration incidents by 25% over 2 years.
- Managed and implemented a $4m cybersecurity budget ensuring strategic alignment with business objectives.
- Implemented a targeted skills acquisition program that resulted in a 40% reduction in knowledge gaps within the security team.
Head Technology Infrastructure Engineering
eProcess International SA, Ecobank Group
05.2017 - 03.2018
- Led and implemented technology convergence and consolidation, unified messaging platform, productivity tools, and siloed technology $ security services into Microsoft M365, leading efficiency and $1.5 million in cost savings over three years.
- Developed and implemented a multi-factor authentication convergence strategy, consolidating four (4) various authentication solutions into one, eliminating costs duplication and inefficiency.
- Led the development of a remote work platforms, which years later also provided the platforms for remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic and business continuity during crises situations.
- Spearheaded the Group Wide Area Network transformation, replacing MPLS and VSAT with IPLC, reducing latency by 90% and achieving $5 million in cost savings over five years, and further provided the platform for other technology innovations.
- Developed and implemented a digital contact center strategy, integrating SMS, social media, and AI-driven chatbots (IBM Watson), leading to a 40% reduction in call drop rates and a 25% increase in customer satisfaction.
- Managed a technology budget exceeding $25 million, focusing on strategic investments aligned with business goals.
- Developed and implemented a "Cloud-First" strategy, enabling faster time-to-market for new products, improved scalability, and a 20% reduction in infrastructure costs
- Developed and implemented the two data center strategy to support the group centralized services and data center strategies.
Head, Telecoms and Network Engineering
eProcess International SA
09.2016 - 05.2017
- Led the consolidation of 33 affiliates siloed VOIP platforms into a centralized platform, eliminating affiliates-level Voice IP infrastructure, improved efficiency, and achieved 30% cost savings on infrastructure and support.
- Developed and implemented a group network infrastructure standardization plan, improving network stability and reducing procurement and support costs by 18%.
- Created and executed a Network Security Roadmap consisting of: group wide network assessment, segmentation, distributed secure internet edges / access, enhancing secure access to services, and reducing network vulnerabilities by 35%.
- Enhanced ATM network security by segmenting the ATM network from the user LAN, mitigating potential insider risks and fraud.
Solution Architect (acting to Head, Technology Infrastructure Engineering)
eProcess International SA, Ecobank Group
05.2013 - 09.2016
- Developed technology standards aligned with best practices and policies, optimizing operational efficiencies and reducing costs by 12%.
- Developed a remote work support capability (VPN) enabling 24-hour support and reducing operational costs.
- Centralized internet access for the group, improving security and reducing fraud incidents by 28%.
- Initiated and led the implementation if Network Admission Control for policy enforcement and control access to the network.
- Defined frameworks for 3rd party engagement and procurement, improving vendor management and technology alignment.
Network & Security Consultant
Summary
Europe
01.1993 - 05.2013
- I have a proven track record of delivering services ranging from technical design, architecture to strategic consultancy. My roles included designing, architecting secure complex critical infrastructure within highly regulated sectors (Telecom, Service Providers and Banking). I provided services in contract roles to the following organizations: Versatel Telecom-Netherlands, Danske Bank-Denmark, Deutsche Bank, ThruPoint Ltd, EDS, Colt Telecoms, British Telecom, Nokia and NBC Universal (all in the UK) prior to joint eProcess International SA (Ecobank Group) in May 2013. Throughout my journey, I have consistently demonstrated commitment, professionalism, innovation, strategic thinking, and leadership, contributing to the success of these organizations.
Education
Master of Science - Information Systems Engineering
London SB Univeristy
London 04.2001 -
Diploma - Electronics and Computer Technology
University of Westminster
London 04.2001 -
BA (Hons) - Philosophy
University of Lagos
LagosSkills
Proven strategic leadership skills
Certification
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
Affiliations
Memberships British Computer Society, UK.
Timeline
VP /Group Chief Information Security Officer
Ecobank Transnational Incorporated (Ecobank Group)
04.2021 - Current
Head Cybersecurity
eProcess International SA, Ecobank Group
03.2018 - 04.2021
Head Technology Infrastructure Engineering
eProcess International SA, Ecobank Group
05.2017 - 03.2018
Head, Telecoms and Network Engineering
eProcess International SA
09.2016 - 05.2017
Solution Architect (acting to Head, Technology Infrastructure Engineering)
eProcess International SA, Ecobank Group
05.2013 - 09.2016
Master of Science - Information Systems Engineering
London SB Univeristy
04.2001 -
Diploma - Electronics and Computer Technology
University of Westminster
04.2001 -
Network & Security Consultant
Summary
01.1993 - 05.2013
BA (Hons) - Philosophy
University of Lagos