CISO Global Taps AI Vet Dhaval Damania to Steer Cyber Strategy

SCOTTSDALE, AZ – February 23, 2026 – CISO Global, the AI-focused cybersecurity and compliance firm, has appointed Dhaval Damania as its new Executive Vice President of Cybersecurity & IT, a strategic move signaling a deeper commitment to technological innovation and operational rigor. The appointment comes as the company navigates a challenging financial market while aiming to solidify its position in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.

Damania, an experienced leader in AI operations and enterprise IT, is tasked with a broad and critical mandate. He will spearhead the company's internal cybersecurity and IT functions while simultaneously driving the advancement of its portfolio of AI-powered software solutions. His role is central to the company's effort to enhance its security architecture, optimize operational efficiency, and scale its technology for a growing client base.

A Strategic Bet on AI and Operational Discipline

The decision to bring Damania into the executive fold underscores CISO Global's strategic pivot toward a more integrated and AI-centric future. According to the company, his responsibilities will include aligning the technology roadmap with overarching business goals, accelerating automation initiatives, and cultivating talent to foster innovation.

“Dhaval’s deep expertise in AI-driven operations and enterprise technology leadership comes at a pivotal time for CISO Global,” said David Jemmett, Chief Executive Officer of CISO Global. “His operational discipline, strategic vision, and proven ability to build high performing teams will help accelerate innovation, strengthen our security architecture, and drive long-term shareholder value as we execute our long-term growth strategy.”

Damania's professional history makes him a tailored fit for the role. He joins CISO Global from CyraCom International, where he served as AVP of Information Technology. His resume also boasts senior leadership roles at Iridium, where he was Director of Information Technology, and IO Data Centers, where as Senior Director of Global Services he was responsible for large-scale global infrastructure and cybersecurity operations. This extensive background in managing complex, technology-driven environments is expected to be a significant asset as CISO Global looks to streamline its own operations and enhance its product offerings, which include managed compliance, security testing, and its proprietary Checklight cybersecurity software.

Fortifying Operations Amid Financial Headwinds

Damania’s appointment is not just about technological advancement; it is also a crucial move to bolster the company's operational and financial standing. CISO Global (NASDAQ: CISO) has faced significant market pressure over the last year. The company's stock has seen a substantial decline of approximately 68% over the past twelve months, with its market capitalization currently standing around $14.81 million. The company remains unprofitable, reporting an annual loss of $24.2 million for the 2024 fiscal year.

Recent quarterly results paint a mixed picture. While total revenue for the third quarter of 2025 decreased to $20.34 million, the company demonstrated improved fiscal management, reducing its loss from operations by nearly $6 million compared to the same period in the previous year. This suggests a concerted effort to control costs and improve efficiency is already underway.

In this context, Damania's mandate to “optimize operational efficiency” and “foster deeper cross-functional collaboration” takes on heightened importance. His leadership is expected to contribute directly to creating a leaner, more resilient organization capable of weathering market volatility while continuing to invest in growth. The focus on strengthening the company’s core architecture is a foundational step toward building the sustainable, scalable business model needed to restore investor confidence and deliver on the promise of long-term shareholder value.

Vying for Position in a Crowded AI Arena

CISO Global operates in one of the most dynamic and competitive sectors in technology. The AI-powered cybersecurity market is projected to swell to nearly $94 billion by 2030, attracting a host of formidable players. Industry giants like CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet, along with specialized AI-native firms such as Darktrace and Vectra AI, command significant resources and market share.

For a smaller company like CISO Global, differentiation is key to survival and growth. The company’s strategy hinges on providing a holistic suite of AI-powered software and managed services, often built out through strategic acquisitions. Damania’s role is pivotal in integrating these technologies and ensuring the company's product portfolio is not just comprehensive but also innovative and competitive.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Damania stated, “CISO Global is uniquely positioned at the intersection of AI, automation, and proactive cybersecurity. I am excited to join the leadership team and contribute to the advancement of the Company’s next-generation cybersecurity solutions.” His vision involves a tight coupling of technology initiatives with business strategy, a crucial element for carving out a defensible niche in a market dominated by larger entities.

Winning the War for Top-Tier Talent

Damania's hiring also highlights a broader strategic imperative in the cybersecurity world: the intense competition for talent. The industry faces a staggering global shortage of qualified professionals, with an estimated 3.5 million unfilled jobs. This deficit is complicated by the rise of AI, which is simultaneously automating routine tasks and creating a pressing need for new, advanced skill sets that combine security expertise with data science and machine learning.

By successfully recruiting a seasoned executive like Damania, CISO Global sends a strong signal to the market about its ambitions and its ability to attract high-caliber leadership. This appointment, which follows the recent addition of Michael Czerneda as Vice President of Sales, suggests a deliberate strategy to build a robust management team. This leadership bench is essential not only for executing the company's growth plans but also for navigating the complex challenges of the industry.

Furthermore, Damania's responsibility for supporting “talent development programs” indicates a forward-thinking approach. In an industry where talent is scarce, cultivating expertise from within is as important as attracting it from the outside. By investing in its people, CISO Global is building a long-term competitive advantage that goes beyond its technology stack, creating an organizational culture capable of sustained innovation and excellence.