Speaker Bio
Ms. Gopal is a Director Analyst at Gartner Research & Advisory, with nearly two decades of hands-on experience in Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy for Global enterprises. She has shaped and led the agendas of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) in her previous roles, and continues to support CIOs and CISOs in developing their strategic priorities in her current role. Ms. Gopal is recognized for her ability to translate strategic vision into tangible operational outcomes, having successfully led organizations through complex transformations such as mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, IPOs, new business launches, and market expansion initiatives. She has also been instrumental in establishing international subsidiaries to support global growth.
Ms. Gopal specializes in aligning the strategic priorities of Executive Leadership (CEO, Executive, non-executive directors) with the operational demands of Cybersecurity and Information Technology, ensuring that technology and security programs advance overall business objectives. Drawing on her extensive practitioner experience and leadership skills, she now assists clients in designing and implementing effective, outcome-driven cybersecurity and risk management frameworks that are tightly integrated with business strategy. Ms. Gopal champions a comprehensive approach to cybersecurity, viewing it not merely as a technical necessity, but as a strategic asset and value driver that directly supports organizational success. Ms. Gopal promotes a "bi-directional" risk management approach to enhance organizational effectiveness.
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Sessions
Monday, 16 March, 2026
10:30 AM - 11:00 AM AEDT
Outlook for Cyber Risk Management
Deepti Gopal,
Director Analyst, Gartner
This session examines the evolving cyber risk landscape and strategic imperatives for effective mitigation. With rising cyber attacks and new regulatory mandates, a proactive and quantifiable risk management framework is essential. The session underscores aligning risk investment strategies with business objectives to ensure robust protection and strategic alignment.
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Monday, 16 March, 2026
02:00 PM - 03:30 PM AEDT
CISO Circle: Leadership Exchange: The CISO/CIO Collaboration Playbook
Richard Addiscott,
VP Analyst, Gartner
Deepti Gopal,
Director Analyst, Gartner
Whether a CISO reports into IT or the CIO is a peer, CIOs play a critical role in CISO effectiveness and cybersecurity readiness. This playbook is designed to address aspects of security that fall under joint CISO/CIO responsibility and influence. Covering key topics such as the cybersecurity operating model, board engagement, balancing security with IT operations, and investing in security to support business growth, this playbook is a must-have for all CISOs and the CIOs they work with.
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Tuesday, 17 March, 2026
11:45 AM - 12:15 PM AEDT
The CISO’s Guide to Their First Year In Role
Deepti Gopal,
Director Analyst, Gartner
Your first 100 days as a CISO determine your success in creating a security-conscious organization. This presentation provides guidance and support to help new cybersecurity leaders maximize their success during this pivotal transition phase.
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Tuesday, 17 March, 2026
01:45 PM - 03:15 PM AEDT
CISO Circle: Elevating Power Skills to Influence Key Stakeholders
Deepti Gopal,
Director Analyst, Gartner
Richard Addiscott,
VP Analyst, Gartner
As cybersecurity becomes central to achieving business outcomes, the need to engage and partner with a broader range of senior management increases. Join this session to elevate your power skill of influencing key stakeholders and maximize your executive impact.
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