Who runs security this week: Kansas State University, Opti9 and 1 more

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Three appointments landed on the Wire this week, spanning a regional university, a managed services provider, and one of the world's largest apparel brands.

This week on the Wire

• Jordan Wilson was named Assistant Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer at Kansas State University, announced October 14, 2026.
• Mat Steinlin was appointed Chief Information Security Officer at Opti9, announced October 14, 2026.
• Adam Zolle was appointed Chief Information Security Officer at Nike, announced the week of October 12, 2026.

From the analysis desk

This week's piece, The CISO title stack: when one executive absorbs the security seat, examines what it means structurally when a security title is folded into an existing executive role rather than filled as a dedicated appointment. The piece works through a specific recent example to show how that kind of move redistributes authority and what practitioners should note when they see it. Worth the read if you are ever asked to evaluate or accept that kind of arrangement.

What CISOs are saying

This week on Voices, our record of what sitting security leaders said in public, grouped in our own words (week 42, 4 entries):

• AI And Data Security. Coverage addresses agentic AI technologies and their implications for data security practices. (1 entry)
• Workplace Inclusion. Discussion centers on supporting women in technology roles and building workplace belonging. (1 entry)
• Security Leadership. Content explores broader themes relevant to security leadership roles and responsibilities. (1 entry)
• Cyber Resilience. Material examines cybersecurity practices and organizational approaches to building cyber resilience. (1 entry)

See every entry, with links to the originals