Chris Houlder

CEO

Oakland, California, United States31 yrs experience

Most Likely To SwitchAI ML Practitioner

Key Highlights

Over 25 years of cybersecurity leadership experience.
Expert in building global security organizations.
Proven track record in cloud and SaaS security transformations.

Stackforce AI infers this person is a Cybersecurity Executive with extensive experience in SaaS and Biotech industries.

Contact

Skills

Core Skills

Cybersecurity LeadershipCloud SecurityProduct SecurityCyber Risk Management

Other Skills

AI/ML SecurityIdentity and Access Management (IAM)Security Operations & Incident ResponseM&A and Divestiture SecurityHITRUSTThreat Detection & ResponseStrategic PlanningTelecommunicationsInformation Security ManagementIT OperationsSecurityVendor ManagementInformation SecurityManagementInformation Technology

About

I’m a senior cybersecurity and technology executive with more than 25 years of experience building and leading global security organizations, transforming enterprise and product security, and enabling companies to scale securely through cloud, SaaS, data, and AI/ML adoption. Across biotech, analytics, and software companies, I’ve been brought in to solve the hardest security challenges: • Unifying security across multi-company environments • Leading divestiture and M&A security integrations • Migrating large product portfolios to secure cloud platforms • Building Product Security and SDL programs from the ground up • Designing information security risk governance for CEOs and Boards My leadership approach blends deep technical experience with business alignment, operational discipline, and cultural transformation. I’ve built multiple high-performing global teams, improved security maturity from ad hoc to enterprise-grade, and established governance models that drive long-term resilience and trust. I work closely with executive teams, engineering leaders, and Boards to ensure security not only protects the business, but accelerates it.

Experience

31 yrs

Total Experience

3 yrs 7 mos

Average Tenure

6 yrs 7 mos

Current Experience

Norstella

Chief Information Security Officer

Jul 2022 – Present · 3 yrs 11 mos

Leading enterprise and product security across a company formed through the acquisition of five businesses. Built a unified global security organization, centralized all cybersecurity functions, and completed divestiture-driven security requirements ahead of schedule. Oversaw the migration of 100+ products to a secure cloud environment with zero downtime, launched the company’s first Product Security program, and developed the enterprise risk assessment and multi-year roadmap used for Board reporting and strategic planning.

AI/ML SecurityCybersecurity LeadershipIdentity and Access Management (IAM)Security Operations & Incident ResponseCyber Risk ManagementCloud Security+4

Aleada consulting

Advisor

Jun 2021 – Present · 5 yrs

Cybersecurity Leadership

Biomarin pharmaceutical inc.

Global Head of Cybersecurity

Sep 2020 – Jul 2022 · 1 yr 10 mos

Modernized cybersecurity for a global biotech environment spanning research, manufacturing, and corporate functions. Built the company’s first OT security program, unified governance across global teams, and enhanced detection and response capabilities during a period of unprecedented threat activity targeting the life sciences sector.

Cybersecurity LeadershipIdentity and Access Management (IAM)Security Operations & Incident ResponseCyber Risk ManagementCloud SecurityM&A and Divestiture Security+1

Yl ventures

Venture Advisor

Nov 2019 – Present · 6 yrs 7 mos

Cybersecurity LeadershipCloud Security

Rapticore, inc

Board Member

Apr 2019 – Aug 2021 · 2 yrs 4 mos

Cybersecurity LeadershipIdentity and Access Management (IAM)Security Operations & Incident ResponseCyber Risk ManagementCloud SecurityM&A and Divestiture Security+2

Clarivate analytics

VP & Chief Information Security Officer

Jun 2017 – Jul 2019 · 2 yrs 1 mo

Built the security function from the ground up after divestiture from Thomson Reuters. Responsible for enterprise and product security strategy, cloud transformation, and operational readiness en route to an accelerated IPO in 2.5 years.

AI/ML SecurityCybersecurity LeadershipIdentity and Access Management (IAM)Security Operations & Incident ResponseCyber Risk ManagementCloud Security+3

Autodesk

2 roles

Chief Information Security Officer (CISO)

Promoted

Apr 2012 – May 2017 · 5 yrs 1 mo · San Francisco Bay Area

Led global cybersecurity strategy during Autodesk’s transition from perpetual licensing to cloud/SaaS. Built the company’s first SDL, implemented enterprise risk governance used by the CEO and Board, and scaled security operations across a global engineering-led organization.

Cybersecurity LeadershipIdentity and Access Management (IAM)Security Operations & Incident ResponseCyber Risk ManagementCloud SecurityM&A and Divestiture Security+2

Director of Global IT Infrastructure

Aug 2001 – Dec 2006 · 5 yrs 4 mos

Oversaw global infrastructure operations for 6,800 employees across 100 offices, managing a 51-person team and $52M budget. Designed Autodesk’s first secure SaaS infrastructure, modernized M&A integration processes, and strengthened security posture through internal/external audits and SOX remediation. Improved global service availability by implementing ITIL-based operational processes and enhanced vendor performance through structured management frameworks. Held progressive architecture and leadership roles, including positions acquired through Buzzsaw.com.

Cybersecurity LeadershipIdentity and Access Management (IAM)Security Operations & Incident ResponseThreat Detection & Response

Genentech

Associate Director of Communications, Storage & Security Infrastructure

Dec 2006 – Apr 2012 · 5 yrs 4 mos

Led global infrastructure and security services supporting 15,000 employees, overseeing a $50M budget and 35-person team. Delivered $10M in annual savings, modernized core platforms, and raised service satisfaction to over 90%. Directed security integration during Roche’s $46B acquisition, aligning policies and controls across both enterprises. Designed and deployed a 7M sq ft secure enterprise wireless network in four months and strengthened audit outcomes across HIPAA, FDA, SOX, and ICFR.

Cybersecurity LeadershipIdentity and Access Management (IAM)Security Operations & Incident ResponseThreat Detection & Response