In the Leadership category, Manasseh Paradesi, formerly of Tyro Payments, took the top honour. Recognising that organisational resilience depends on sustainable expertise, Paradesi championed stakeholder engagement and implemented comprehensive mentoring programs both internally and across the broader industry.
Joss Howard of Scyne Advisory was highly commended in this category. During a period of major organisational transformation, Howard built the cyber team from the ground up, with a focus on diversity, capability uplift, and sustainable career pathways.
Meanwhile, an emerging leader was recognised with the 2025 Next CISO Award. Duné Sookloll, Cyber & Information Security Officer at Horizon Power, won this year’s award, with Jumar Pando, Cyber Security Operations Manager at Emeis Cosmetics Pty Ltd (Aesop), also named as a finalist.
