The International Security Management Association (ISMA) has named Marcelo Rodriguez as its new President, beginning his term on July 1, 2026.
Amid rising global risks and the growing significance of corporate security, this appointment is a key step in reinforcing ISMA’s dedication to influencing the evolution of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) role. With over 30 years of experience and his current position as VP & Global Head of Security, Safety, and Travel at Assurant, Inc., Rodriguez is poised to enhance the profession's future readiness.
Focus on developing Future Leaders
Rodriguez’s appointment occurs as ISMA concludes the initial group of its IGNITE program. This initiative is tailored to equip upcoming CSOs with the necessary skills, networks, and insights to tackle the complexities of their role effectively.
He emphasizes the multifaceted nature of today’s security challenges, stating, "Today’s security environment is more complex and interconnected than ever, spanning geopolitical, cyber, physical, and supply chain risks." Rodriguez underscores that CSOs now serve as strategic advisors, merging risk management with integration into the broader business context.
Enhancing the Security Profession
Alongside this, ISMA aims to bolster its network and strengthen strategic partnerships
ISMA is committed to elevating the community of security leaders by fostering leadership and sharing best practices. The IGNITE program is part of this broader mission to prepare emerging security leaders to not only address present obstacles but also to lead confidently into the future.
Alongside this, ISMA aims to bolster its network and strengthen strategic partnerships. This includes fostering relationships with organizations like the Munich Security Conference, whose CEO Benedict Franke recently engaged with ISMA members in Munich.
Commitment to Strategic Collaboration
ISMA’s confidential, member-driven network plays a pivotal role in enabling senior security professionals to learn from past experiences and prepare for future challenges.
The latest announcements by ISMA confirm its dedication to supporting security leaders in a rapidly changing environment, marked by increasing external pressures. The organization remains focused on fortifying these foundational relationships and fulfilling its strategic role in the broader security community.
As global risks continue to intensify and the role of corporate security becomes increasingly vital, the International Security Management Association (ISMA) announces the appointment of Marcelo Rodriguez as the new President of the ISMA Board of Directors, effective July 1, 2026.
The appointment reflects ISMA’s ongoing commitment to shape the future of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) role. As VP & Global Head of Security, Safety, and Travel at Assurant, Inc., and with more than three decades of experience spanning law enforcement, corporate security, and enterprise resilience, Marcelo brings a renewed focus on building the future capacity of the profession.
Integrated business partners
The appointment comes as ISMA celebrates the completion of the first cohort of ISMA’s IGNITE program, designed to provide the future CSOs with the tools, networks, and expertise needed to meet the evolving demand of the role.
Marcelo Rodriguez said: “Today’s security environment is more complex and interconnected than ever, spanning geopolitical, cyber, physical, and supply chain risks. CSOs are navigating this dynamic landscape while also serving as strategic advisors to the C-suite and board. The role has never been more strategic, and expectations have never been higher. Today’s security leaders can’t just manage risk, they must be truly integrated business partners to the organizations they serve.”
Intensifying external demands
“At ISMA, our role is to equip and elevate this community, bringing leaders together, advancing best practices, and helping shape the future of our profession. IGNITE is an important step in that work. We’re focused on preparing the next generation of security leaders not just to navigate today’s challenges, but to lead confidently into what’s ahead.”
Alongside the ISMA IGNITE program, ISMA is continuing its commitment to strengthen the foundations of the network and reinforce its strategic role in the wider community. This includes continuing to grow relationships with other bodies, such as the Munich Security Conference whose CEO, Benedict Franke, spoke at ISMA’s member meeting in Munich in February.
ISMA’s confidential, member-driven network has been a long-standing pillar in enabling senior security leaders to learn from previous, navigate current, and prepare for future shared challenges. Today’s announcements reaffirm that purpose and ISMA’s long-term commitment amid intensifying external demands.
