The International Security Management Association (ISMA) has announced that Marcelo Rodriguez will assume the position of President of the ISMA Board of Directors starting from 1 July 2026. This decision highlights ISMA’s dedication to advancing the role of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) amidst growing global risks and the increasing importance of corporate security.
Marcelo Rodriguez, currently the Vice President and Global Head of Security, Safety, and Travel at Assurant, Inc., brings over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, corporate security, and enterprise resilience to his new role. His appointment is expected to guide the development of future capacities within the security profession.
Support for emerging CSOs
This development coincides with the successful completion of ISMA's IGNITE programme's inaugural cohort. The programme is designed to equip upcoming CSOs with essential tools, networks, and expertise to address the evolving requirements of the profession.
This development coincides with the successful completion of ISMA's IGNITE programme's inaugural cohort
Marcelo Rodriguez remarked on the complexity of today's security landscape, saying, “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 organisations they serve.”
Strengthening the security community
ISMA is committed to strengthening the foundations of its network and reinforcing its strategic role within the wider community. This effort includes ongoing relationship-building with organisations such as the Munich Security Conference. The conference's CEO, Benedict Franke, addressed ISMA members at a recent meeting in Munich.
ISMA's confidential, member-driven network has long enabled senior security leaders to learn from past experiences, navigate current challenges, and prepare for future obstacles. Today's announcements continue to underscore ISMA's mission to support and advance the security field amid intensifying external demands.
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 organisations 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.
