Thoughtworks CISO Honored for Building ‘Security-First’ Culture & Business Alignment

CHICAGO, November 6, 2025 – Nitin Raina, Global Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Thoughtworks, has been named the 2025 Chicago CISO of the Year, recognizing his strategic vision in transforming security from a technical necessity to a core business function. The award, managed by the Chicago CISO of the Year Program, celebrates outstanding cybersecurity leaders for their contributions to their organizations, the information security profession, and the local community.

Thoughtworks, a global technology consultancy specializing in digital innovation, has positioned itself as a leader in integrating security into the entire software development lifecycle. Raina’s recognition underscores a growing industry trend: a shift away from purely reactive cybersecurity measures toward a proactive, business-aligned approach.

“Nitin’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening our client partnerships and driving business growth,” said Amit Choudhary, Chief Operating Officer at Thoughtworks, in a statement. “His ‘security-by-design’ vision has truly embedded security into every aspect of our project delivery.”

Beyond Firewalls: A Holistic Security Model

Industry analysts note that traditional cybersecurity approaches often operate in silos, focusing primarily on technical controls and reactive threat mitigation. Raina, however, has championed a more holistic model at Thoughtworks, centered around the ‘Business-Centric Security Maturity Model.’ This model, a key factor in the award decision, prioritizes alignment between security initiatives and core business objectives.

“The biggest challenge for CISOs today isn’t just defending against threats, but demonstrating the value of security to the business,” explains one anonymous industry consultant familiar with Thoughtworks’ approach. “Raina’s model effectively bridges that gap by framing security as an enabler of innovation and growth, not just a cost center.”

The model emphasizes shared responsibility, moving away from a centralized ‘security team’ model toward a culture where security is integrated into all teams and processes. A cornerstone of this approach is the ‘Security Champions Program,’ an initiative that empowers developers and other non-security professionals to become advocates for secure coding practices and security awareness.

“The program isn’t about training people to be security experts,” explains another anonymous source within Thoughtworks. “It’s about equipping them with the knowledge and tools to identify and mitigate risks in their day-to-day work.”

A Proactive, Risk-Based Approach

Thoughtworks’ commitment to a proactive, risk-based approach is further exemplified by its use of AI and machine learning in security. The company leverages these technologies for threat detection, risk assessment, and incident response, enabling it to identify and address vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.

“AI isn't a silver bullet, but it can significantly enhance our ability to detect and respond to threats,” says a security engineer at Thoughtworks. “We're using it to automate repetitive tasks, analyze large datasets, and identify patterns that would be difficult for humans to detect.”

Why Business Alignment Matters

The shift toward business-aligned security is driven by several factors, including the increasing sophistication of cyberattacks, the growing complexity of IT environments, and the increasing regulatory pressure on organizations to protect sensitive data.

“Cyberattacks are becoming more targeted and more sophisticated,” says an anonymous cybersecurity analyst. “Organizations need to be able to quickly identify and respond to threats, and that requires a proactive, risk-based approach that’s aligned with their business objectives.”

The benefits of business-aligned security extend beyond risk mitigation. By framing security as an enabler of innovation, organizations can unlock new opportunities for growth and competitiveness.

“If security is perceived as an obstacle to innovation, it will inevitably be bypassed,” explains one industry expert. “But if it’s seen as an integral part of the innovation process, it can actually accelerate it.”

The Future of Cybersecurity Leadership

Nitin Raina’s recognition as Chicago CISO of the Year serves as a reminder that effective cybersecurity leadership requires more than just technical expertise. It requires a strategic vision, a deep understanding of business objectives, and the ability to foster a culture of security awareness throughout the organization.

As cyber threats continue to evolve, organizations will increasingly need leaders who can bridge the gap between security and business, and drive innovation while protecting their critical assets. Raina’s work at Thoughtworks provides a compelling example of how to achieve that goal, and signals a broader shift in the cybersecurity landscape toward a more proactive, business-aligned approach.