David Royer

David Royer

CISO & Technology Executive
Driving enterprise security and technology transformation across global organizations
linkedin.com/in/davidroyer droyer@me.com Vancouver, BC, Canada Bilingual: English | French

Executive Profile

Technology and security executive with 25+ years driving enterprise transformation across retail, ecommerce, telecommunications, manufacturing, and SaaS sectors. Currently leading both security and infrastructure operations at $7B global manufacturer, managing $35M budget and 40+ person team across three continents.

Former security executive at Best Buy Canada (6+ years) advising leadership on protecting $5B+ in retail operations. Deep expertise in aligning technology investments with business growth, enabling digital transformation, and translating complex risks into board-level strategy. Proven track record building high-performing teams and modernizing enterprise technology while maintaining operational excellence.

Strategic Approach

I help organizations turn technology and security from cost centers into business enablers—where innovation and protection accelerate growth rather than impeding it. My focus is on strategic alignment: building technology and security programs that enable digital transformation, support M&A activity, and drive competitive advantage while managing risk and optimizing costs.

Executive Capabilities

Technology & Security Strategy Enterprise Infrastructure Leadership Digital Transformation & Modernization Security Program Transformation Board & C-Suite Engagement M&A Technology Integration & Due Diligence Global Team Development & Scaling Competitive Analysis & Vendor Strategy Enterprise Architecture & Cloud Migration Cost Optimization & Efficiency Risk Governance & Compliance Thought Leadership & Public Speaking
Industries Served: Retail & E-commerce | Manufacturing | Telecommunications | SaaS | Financial Services

Current Executive Role

CISO & Head of Infrastructure

West Fraser Timber
2023 - Present

Executive technology leadership at $7B global manufacturer. Appointed CISO in November 2023, expanded to lead entire infrastructure portfolio in November 2024 following successful security transformation—demonstrating ability to drive strategic technology initiatives beyond security. Direct report to CIO with full accountability for global technology operations, $35M annual budget ($16M SG&A, $12M capital), and 40+ person organization across Europe, US, and Canada.

Strategic Impact:
  • Present quarterly to Board of Directors and Audit Committee on technology strategy, cyber risk, and operational resilience
  • Lead enterprise technology and security modernization leveraging NIST CSF 2.0—transitioning from legacy architecture to integrated, cloud-native platforms
  • Drive unified technology strategy across infrastructure, cloud, network, systems, virtualization, and operational technology
  • Guide M&A technology strategy—developed frameworks for due diligence, integration, and separation activities
  • Optimized security portfolio to reduce costs 30% through tool rationalization and capability consolidation without compromising security posture
  • Evaluated 10+ enterprise security vendors across XDR, SIEM, and cloud security—bringing deep competitive landscape expertise to platform decisions
  • Built high-performing technical leadership team capable of executing complex, multi-region technology initiatives
  • Role expansion from CISO to infrastructure leader demonstrates business acumen and ability to drive technology strategy beyond security

Strategic Leadership Experience

Director, Enterprise Risk & Compliance (Acting CISO)

Best Buy Canada
2017 - 2023

Led security strategy for $5B+ retail organization with 130+ stores and major ecommerce presence. Reported to Global CISO, managed $8M budget and cross-functional team.

Business Impact:
  • Strategic advisor to Canadian executive leadership and board on retail cybersecurity threats and risk posture
  • Transformed PCI DSS compliance program, reducing scope 60% while enhancing customer data protection—enabling frictionless payment experiences
  • Secured complex omnichannel environment spanning physical retail, ecommerce platforms, and corporate systems without impeding customer experience
  • Embedded security into digital transformation initiatives, enabling secure ecommerce growth through CI/CD pipeline integration
  • Built security-conscious culture across 130+ locations through influence and partnership, not mandate

Director, Information Security (CISO)

Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers
2016 - 2017

Established first enterprise security program for global auction leader. Built $5M+ security function from ground zero.

Transformation Delivered:
  • Created comprehensive security strategy integrating NIST, ISO 27001, and COBIT frameworks
  • Secured executive buy-in and funding, establishing governance through Enterprise Information Security Steering Committee
  • Achieved 90% reduction in security incidents across 5,000+ endpoints through strategic modernization
  • Delivered rapid, measurable value—transforming security posture in 12 months with repeatable methodology
Earlier Leadership:

Best Buy Canada (9 years, security architecture & transformation) | TELUS (security consulting) | Taleo (CISO, global SaaS provider—built security program enabling growth to $2B Oracle acquisition) | NOOS Paris (Director, Cybersecurity—architected France's first large-scale broadband infrastructure)

Thought Leadership & Industry Influence

Speaking Engagements

  • Featured Customer Speaker - SentinelOne Sales Kickoff, Las Vegas (2025): Shared security transformation journey and platform selection insights to enterprise audience
  • Panel Participant - Wings 2024 Conference: Security innovation and venture capital trends
  • Panel Member - Microsoft Security Summit: Enterprise security architecture and cloud transformation
  • Featured Speaker - Evanta CISO Forums (multiple): Security leadership, transformation, and emerging threats
  • Regular conference participant addressing cybersecurity strategy and best practices

Community Leadership

  • Co-Chair, BC CISO Community - Evanta (2015-Present): Facilitate quarterly executive roundtables for 50+ regional security leaders

Industry Recognition

  • 2024 CISO Top 100 (Accelerated CISOs Award) - CISOs Connect

Board Positions & Advisory

  • Advisory Board Member - NY Institute of Technology, Cybersecurity Advisory (advising on curriculum and industry alignment)
  • Expert Contributor - ISACA CGEIT Practice Analysis Task Force (certification development)
  • Crisis Response Leader - Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention of BC (2022-2024)
  • Executive Coach - Dale Carnegie (Highest Award for Achievement, 2018)

Professional Credentials

CGEIT Certified in the Governance of Enterprise IT (ISACA)
CISM Certified Information Security Manager (ISACA)
GIAC-GCTI Cyber Threat Intelligence (SANS)
Microsoft Certified Azure Fundamentals
Bachelor of Science Chemistry, Laval University

Let's Discuss Strategic Opportunities

Available For: C-Level Technology Leadership (CISO, CTO, CIO roles) | Board Advisory & Governance Roles | Strategic Technology & Security Consulting | M&A Technology Due Diligence | Public Speaking & Conference Keynotes | Executive Advisory & Mentorship | Interim/Fractional Executive Roles

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Open to C-level technology leadership roles (CISO, CTO, CIO), board positions, advisory engagements, and speaking opportunities