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Analyzing Digital Leadership Positions to Address Their Role in Audits and

Remediation

Marian Chukwudi Odum

MBA, Nexford University

MHY 6750: Module 2 - Assignment

Prof. Nicholas Bucciarelli

July 7th, 2023

INTERNAL MEMO

To: The Management of Guinness Nigeria Plc

From: Information Officer

Date: 9th July 2023

Subject: Recommendations for Strengthening Data Security and Cybersecurity Governance at

Guinness Nigeria Plc.

I am writing to provide recommendations for positions/roles that would need to be added to the

organization in order to strengthen data security and the role of governance in developing and

maintaining strong cybersecurity practices. As a renowned organization in the beverage industry,

Guinness has a significant digital presence and must prioritize the protection of sensitive information,

customer data, and intellectual property. By establishing the following positions, Guinness can enhance

its cybersecurity strategies, ensure compliance with regulations, and effectively address emerging

threats.

1.) Chief Information Security Officer (CISO):

The role of a Chief Information Security Officer is crucial in today's digital landscape. The CISO

would be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy,

overseeing security operations, and ensuring the organization's infrastructure, applications, and data

are adequately protected. The CISO will also establish incident response plans and coordinate with

internal teams and external partners to mitigate security breaches effectively across all Guinness

locations.
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2.) Chief Privacy Officer (CPO):

New rules and regulations for IT security and privacy are a common occurrence and given the

increasing importance of data privacy and compliance regulations, Guinness would greatly

benefit from appointing a Chief Privacy Officer. (Kerner, 2018). This role would be responsible

for ensuring compliance with privacy laws and regulations, such as GDPR and CCPA. The CPO

would develop and enforce privacy policies, conduct privacy impact assessments, and provide

guidance on data handling practices, thereby fostering trust with customers, and minimizing legal

and reputational risks.

3.) Chief Data Officer (CDO):

The CDO is a senior executive who bears responsibility for the firm's enterprise-wide data and

information strategy, governance, control, policy development, and effective exploitation.

(McCall, 2015).To effectively manage and leverage the vast amount of data Guinness collects, a

Chief Data Officer would be instrumental. The CDO would establish data governance

frameworks, ensuring the quality, integrity, and availability of data across the organization. They

would also identify opportunities for data-driven decision-making, establish data analytics

strategies, and oversee data privacy and protection measures.

4.) Chief Digital Officer (CDO):

In today's digital age, it is crucial for organizations to have a dedicated executive responsible for

driving digital transformation. The Chief Digital Officer would lead the organization's digital

strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives. They would oversee the development and

implementation of digital initiatives, such as e-commerce platforms and customer engagement

tools, while also ensuring that cybersecurity measures are integrated into these digital endeavors.
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By adding these positions to the organizational structure, Guinness will significantly enhance its data

security and cybersecurity governance. Each position plays a unique role in addressing the challenges of

the digital landscape and promoting a culture of proactive cybersecurity practices. These additional roles

will enable Guinness to:

1.) Strengthen Data Security:

Network security audits are important because they help you identify your biggest security risks so

you can make changes that will protect your company from those risks. (Dosal, 2018). With a dedicated

Chief Information Security Officer, the organization can develop robust security strategies, monitor

threats, and proactively respond to security incidents. The CISO will collaborate with other executives,

IT teams, and external partners to identify vulnerabilities, implement security controls, and establish a

culture of security awareness and training.

2.) Enhance Governance and Compliance:

The Chief Privacy Officer will ensure Guinness's compliance with relevant privacy regulations and

implement privacy-by-design principles across the organization. This role will establish processes for

data subject requests, conduct privacy impact assessments, and provide guidance on data sharing,

thereby strengthening data governance and compliance practices.

3.) Optimize Data Management:

A Chief Data Officer will establish data governance frameworks, ensuring data quality, integrity, and

accessibility. By leveraging data analytics and business intelligence, the CDO will help identify valuable

insights, support data-driven decision-making, and drive innovation. Furthermore, the CDO will

collaborate with the CISO and CPO to ensure data protection measures are in place throughout the data

lifecycle.
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4.) Drive Digital Transformation:

Digitization has leveled up the competition across industries and with every passing day it is

becoming more and more important to invest in transitioning businesses into the digital space. (Johnson,

2023). The Chief Digital Officer will spearhead digital initiatives, driving innovation, and enabling

Guinness to remain competitive in the digital landscape. This role will ensure that cybersecurity

considerations are integrated into digital strategies, safeguarding customer data, and protecting the

organization from cyber threats.

In conclusion, the addition of the Chief Information Security Officer, Chief Privacy Officer, Chief Data

Officer, and Chief Digital Officer positions to Guinness's organizational structure will significantly

strengthen data security and cybersecurity governance. These roles will enhance the organization's

ability to protect sensitive information, comply with regulations, and proactively address emerging cyber

threats. By investing in these positions, Guinness Nigeria will safeguard its reputation, instill trust

among stakeholders, and ensure its long-term success in the digital era.

Thank you for considering these recommendations. If you have any further questions or require

additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

References

Dosal, E. (2018). How a Network Security Audit works and why it’s important.

https://www.compuquip.com/blog/network-security-audit-works

Johnson, C. (2023). Chief Digital Officers: Catalysts of Transformation and business triumph. Insights

Edge. https://etinsights.et-edge.com/the-pivotal-role-of-chief-digital-officers-in-driving-

technological-transformation-and-business-success/
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Kerner, M.S (2018). How to Improve Governance, Risk, and Compliance.

https://www.esecurityplanet.com/compliance/how-to-improve-governance-risk-and-compliance/

McCall, T. (2015). Understanding the Chief Data Officer Role. Gartner.com

https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/understanding-the-chief-data-officer-role