AXA Philippines has proudly announced that Caloi Santos, the company’s Chief Transformation and Technology Officer (CIO), has been recognized as one of the Best Chief Information Officers of the Year in the insurance sector at the prestigious ISOG I Am Secure Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, Season Two.

AXA Philippines’ Chief Transformation and Technology Officer Caloi Santos is recognized as Best Chief Information Officer in the Insurance Industry at the ISOG I Am Secure Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, joined by Allan Malig ISOG board member (left), and Philip Casanova, one of the ISOG Awards jurors (right).

The award, organized by the Information Security Officers Group (ISOG), is a significant accolade in the cybersecurity industry, honoring professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and achievements in safeguarding their organizations against evolving cyber threats.

The ISOG I Am Secure Cybersecurity Excellence Awards, now in its second season, recognizes the efforts of cybersecurity leaders from various industries who have significantly contributed to enhancing data security practices. This year, Santos is one of 16 awardees from diverse sectors, each acknowledged for their dedication to strengthening their organizations’ cybersecurity frameworks amidst the increasingly complex digital landscape.

Recognizing leadership in cybersecurity

ISOG, a coalition of cybersecurity, risk, and compliance professionals, launched the awards to promote best practices in data security across the country. In terms of cybersecurity, the Philippines is currently grappling with the dual challenges of AI innovation and data privacy, which is also creating a wealth of opportunities for innovation and transforming industries worldwide.

The awards have since gained increasing importance as organizations face growing challenges related to cyber threats, data breaches, and evolving regulations. The recognition underscores the vital role of cybersecurity leadership in ensuring business continuity, trust, and resilience in an interconnected world.

Santos’ recognition as one of the country’s top Chief Information Officers highlights his significant contributions to AXA Philippines’ cybersecurity transformation.

In his role, Santos has been instrumental in implementing robust security protocols that ensure the safety and privacy of sensitive customer data. His work has been pivotal in enhancing AXA’s information security measures, minimizing incidents, and achieving strong audit results, demonstrating the company’s unwavering commitment to data security excellence.

A career built on trust and security

For Santos, this prestigious award marks a significant milestone in a distinguished 20-year career dedicated to information security. His expertise spans a variety of industries, having held key roles in global corporations such as Procter & Gamble and JG Summit, before bringing his knowledge and experience to AXA Philippines.

His leadership at AXA has been central to the company’s ability to stay ahead of cybersecurity threats and continually improve its systems to meet the growing expectations of customers and regulators alike.

Santos attributes the award not only to his personal efforts but to the collective commitment of his team and AXA Philippines’ broader leadership. “This award is a reflection of AXA Philippines’ ongoing commitment to data security excellence, which is critical to building and maintaining trust with our customers,” Santos said. “We work tirelessly to ensure that we are at the forefront of cybersecurity, keeping our stakeholders’ information safe and secure.”

The ISOG award process involved a rigorous evaluation of nominees’ leadership qualities, the impact of their cybersecurity initiatives, and their engagement with the cybersecurity community.

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Under Santos’ guidance, AXA has made significant strides in securing its digital infrastructure, implementing proactive measures that have resulted in fewer security incidents and stronger protection for its customers.

A vision for the future of cybersecurity

Looking ahead, Santos remains deeply committed to embedding cybersecurity into the strategic goals of AXA Philippines. His vision is to position the company as an industry leader not only in innovation but also in data protection.

“As we continue to grow and evolve, it’s crucial that we integrate security into every aspect of our business,” Santos shared. “We must always be one step ahead to ensure that our customers’ data remains secure.”

In addition to his leadership role at AXA, Santos has a passion for teaching and mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Although he paused his teaching career during the pandemic, he is eager to resume sharing his knowledge and expertise with others.

“Cybersecurity is becoming more important across all industries, and I look forward to contributing to the development of future cybersecurity leaders,” he said.

AXA Philippines: A leader in financial security

Established in 1999, AXA Philippines is one of the largest and fastest-growing insurance companies in the country, providing financial security to nearly 2 million individuals through its life and general insurance products.

The company is a pioneer in bancassurance and investment-linked insurance products in the Philippines. As a joint venture between the AXA Group, GT Capital Holdings, and Metrobank, AXA Philippines is committed to delivering innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of its customers while maintaining the highest standards of security and integrity.

With leaders like Caloi Santos driving its cybersecurity efforts, AXA Philippines continues to set the standard for both innovation and protection in the insurance industry.

By Ralph Fajardo

Ralph is a dynamic writer and marketing communications expert with over 15 years of experience shaping the narratives of numerous brands. His journey through the realms of PR, advertising, news writing, as well as media and marketing communications has equipped him with a versatile skill set and a keen understanding of the industry. Discover more about Ralph's professional journey on his LinkedIn profile.