Gartner Expert

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.

Previous experience

Professional background