logo
Christian Timbers: Cybersecurity Executive Pay Up 4.3% in 2025

Christian Timbers: Cybersecurity Executive Pay Up 4.3% in 2025

Business Wire20-05-2025
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Christian & Timbers, the first tech executive search firm, announced the release of a proprietary study today entitled: 'Navigating the Cybersecurity Talent Landscape: A Comprehensive Analysis of C-Suite Compensation Trends in 2025.' It can be accessed at LINK.
The study reveals that cybersecurity executive compensation climbed by 4.3% in 2025 as talent competition intensified, reflecting growing demand for leaders who can navigate both technological disruption and revenue challenges.
Based on data collected from approximately 100 venture-backed and 75 private equity-backed privately held cybersecurity companies and over 300 executives, the study analyzes compensation for CEOs, CFOs, CROs, CMOs, CTOs, CPOs, CPTOs, and CAIOs. It compares variations in compensation by company size and funding stage, ranging from Series A startups to established enterprises valued between $500 million and $1 billion.
Jeff Christian, CEO of Christian & Timbers, says, 'There is a war for talent as the world continues to digitize and cyber threats escalate. Attracting and retaining top executive leadership is a core strategic priority. This study provides a detailed breakdown of compensation patterns that helps boards and investors make more informed hiring decisions.' He added, 'Having just returned from RSA, the buzz was all about AI. CEOs and investors are elevating the importance of AI expertise and seeking a new breed of CROs who can scale quickly and provide strategic direction for revenue acceleration while leveraging AI.'
The study reveals that cybersecurity executive compensation climbed by 4.3% in 2025 as talent competition intensified, reflecting growing demand for leaders who can navigate both technological disruption and revenue challenges.
This proprietary study serves as a definitive benchmark for understanding compensation package structures across key cybersecurity leadership roles. By analyzing salary, bonus, and equity trends, the report offers meaningful guidance to executives and stakeholders navigating a competitive hiring market.
Some of the most impactful trends in cybersecurity leadership for 2025 are:
Cybersecurity companies are searching for a new type of CRO who is both strategic and tactically sharp. Top-of-funnel-focused CROs no longer drive growth as they did before. While slower enterprise buying cycles are often blamed, elite CROs continue to excel. Today's high-impact CROs combine data fluency with rapid decision-making and hands-on execution. This blend of strategy and operations is rare. These CROs belong in the 95th percentile and are closely monitored by leading private equity and venture firms. Christian & Timbers catalogs this talent through its OnPoint platform.
In 2024, Chief AI Officers (CAIOs) gained prominence across cybersecurity firms. Zscaler's CAIO appointment reflects this shift as GenAI, LLMs, and agentic systems become strategic priorities. Boards are actively evaluating risks, opportunities, and partnerships in this space. The CAIO now plays a central role in aligning AI with product and enterprise strategy. In larger companies, SVPs and VPs of AI lead deployment. This momentum continues in 2025. CAIO compensation rose by 9 percent, with demand exceeding supply.
Demand for CPTOs remains elevated in 2025. These hybrid leaders drive engineering and product teams, often overseeing LLM-based development and AI integration. CPTOs are now expected to deliver both operational stability and strategic vision. Their role is critical to AI innovation, platform growth, and organizational alignment, with compensation increases outpacing most peers.
Our study incorporated data from multiple sources, including proprietary surveys and external benchmarks such as Mercer 's January 2025 QuickPulse U.S. Compensation Planning Survey, which forecasted a 3.7% increase in total salary budgets for non-unionized employees. Based on our analysis, cybersecurity C-suite compensation is increasing at an average rate of 3.8%, with certain leadership roles experiencing materially higher growth. We anticipate a 4.2% increase for CROs and a 4.1% increase for CPTOs. CAIOs are seeing even steeper increases, ranging from 8% to 10%, as competition for this rare leadership talent intensifies.
Base and bonus compensation for existing CEOs will remain flat in most cybersecurity companies, with a 2% increase in cash compensation for newly hired CEOs. However, total compensation, especially when equity is included, is rising sharply in GenAI-focused cybersecurity startups founded in 2024 and 2025. In these firms, valuations have surged, and new leadership hires are securing significantly higher equity-based packages than the broader market norm.
For more information and to access the full report, visit LINK.
Christian & Timbers has specialized in cybersecurity talent acquisition for decades, providing tailored strategies to help clients secure the most impactful executive leaders in the field.
Founded over four decades ago, C&T is the first technology-focused executive search firm. The firm has significantly shaped the leadership dynamics within the tech industry, completing over 1,000 CEO assignments.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

ICON and Its Employees Recognised as Clinical Research Industry Leaders, and for Innovation and Progress in Sustainability
ICON and Its Employees Recognised as Clinical Research Industry Leaders, and for Innovation and Progress in Sustainability

Business Wire

time22 minutes ago

  • Business Wire

ICON and Its Employees Recognised as Clinical Research Industry Leaders, and for Innovation and Progress in Sustainability

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- ICON plc, (NASDAQ: ICLR) a world-leading healthcare intelligence and clinical research organisation, has been honoured in the first half of 2025 with a number of business awards, recognising the company's leadership position in the clinical research industry, cutting-edge innovation, its efforts in inclusion and sustainability, and as an employer of choice. Acknowledging ICON's leadership in the application of innovative AI technologies in the industry, the organisation won the AI Project of the Year Award at the Analytics & AI Awards. The award honoured ICON's secure, enterprise-grade AI Assistant that streamlines work across functions, enabling faster insights, automating tasks, and scaling decision support through large language models (LLMs), with several agents live and thousands of global users onboarded. ICON was also recognised as a Top-Rated Company for Women in the 2025 Ambition Box Employee Choice Awards. This recognition is based on feedback shared by ICON employees in India and reflects the inclusive culture the company strives to foster through its ongoing commitment to creating a workplace where women can thrive, lead, and grow. In Asia Pacific, the company was awarded Best CRO in APAC at the 2025 Asia Pacific Biopharma Excellence Awards. The awards honour outstanding achievements in Asian bioprocessing, logistics, supply chain management, and clinical trials, celebrating current industry leaders while inspiring future innovators. ICON's award recognises the organisation and its employees' outstanding efforts and positive contribution in the APAC region. At the PharmaTimes International Clinical Researcher of the Year awards, recognising the talent and passion of clinical researchers from across the globe, ICON boasted over 30 employees who received gold, silver, and bronze awards or who were nominated as finalists. In recognition of the progress the company has made in sustainability, ICON was included on two TIME Magazine rankings: 'World's Best Companies in Sustainable Growth 2025' and 'World's Most Sustainable Companies 2025'. In the former list, which compiles companies who demonstrate both outstanding financial and environmental performance, ICON featured at number 57 out of 500 companies, and was listed as the highest CRO globally and the second highest Irish-based organisation. In the latter list, which ranks the world's 500 most sustainable companies based on their public commitment to, and progress toward, sustainability targets, ICON was included as one of only four CROs, and one of nine Irish companies. Steve Cutler, CEO, ICON commented: 'These achievements once again recognise the dedication of our employees, who go above and beyond every day to deliver the best value to our customers. This is further reflected in the recognition our teams have received in the AI and sustainability space, and well-earned acknowledgement for how we are driving innovation for the future of clinical research and the planet.' A full list of ICON's industry awards can be viewed at About ICON plc ICON plc is a world-leading clinical research organisation powered by healthcare intelligence. From molecule to medicine, we advance clinical research providing outsourced services to pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device and government and public health organisations. We develop new innovations, drive emerging therapies forward and improve patient lives. With headquarters in Dublin, Ireland, ICON employed approximately 41,250 employees in 97 locations in 55 countries as at March 31, 2025. For further information about ICON, visit: ICON/ICLR-G

Ladder, #1 Strength Training App, Welcomes Jennifer Jacobs with Launch of Team Endure
Ladder, #1 Strength Training App, Welcomes Jennifer Jacobs with Launch of Team Endure

Business Wire

time37 minutes ago

  • Business Wire

Ladder, #1 Strength Training App, Welcomes Jennifer Jacobs with Launch of Team Endure

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ladder, the fastest-growing company in fitness, today launched a new program, Team Endure, led by world-class trainer and fitness expert Jennifer Jacobs. Designed to build lean muscle for longevity, Team Endure offers 30-minute strength workouts that can be completed at home or at the gym and only requires dumbbells and a bench. This program is specifically designed for those looking to train for a long life of everyday functional strength. The program focuses on upper, lower, and full-body strength workouts, plus core and accessory exercises, blending efficient training with sustainable intensity. 'I've watched Ladder grow into the industry leader it is today, and I'm thrilled to bring my weekly progressive overload programming back to the platform,' said Jacobs, who was part of Ladder's original coaching team when it first launched in 2020. 'I truly believe Ladder offers the most effective approach to strength training, and I can't wait for people to experience how Team Endure will change not just their fitness routines but also their everyday lives. This isn't about chasing exhaustion; it's about building strength that shows up for you every day,' she added. Jennifer joins Ladder's elite coaching roster, which features 20 teams where hundreds of thousands of members have built successful routines and reached their fitness goals alongside expert coaches and supportive communities. From bodybuilding and hybrid strength to Pilates or yoga, Ladder offers a plan for anyone looking to train with intention. On the heels of over $100 million in funding and on track to exceed 400,000 members by the end of 2025, Ladder's rapid growth reflects the rising demand for expert-led, structured strength training that fits into real life. With a growing roster of top-tier coaches and diverse, results-driven programs, the platform continues to expand its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its community. Anyone can try Ladder - named Women's Health's Best Overall Fitness App for 2025 - completely free for 7 days (no credit card required). For more information and to start a free trial, visit About Ladder Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Ladder is the #1 strength training app for people who are serious about fitness. Ladder makes it easy to plan and maintain a consistent strength training routine. With new workouts each week from expert coaches, Ladder members can follow progressive workout plans in a variety of modalities including Pilates, HIIT, bodybuilding, kettlebells, yoga, prenatal and more. Ladder maintains a 4.9 rating on the App Store across more than 100,000 reviews. Ladder offers a free quiz to find the right training plan for you. Try it completely free for 7 days, no credit card required. Learn more at

GoldenTree Asset Management Launches Interval Fund to Provide Individual Investors Access to Opportunistic Credit
GoldenTree Asset Management Launches Interval Fund to Provide Individual Investors Access to Opportunistic Credit

Business Wire

time37 minutes ago

  • Business Wire

GoldenTree Asset Management Launches Interval Fund to Provide Individual Investors Access to Opportunistic Credit

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--GoldenTree Asset Management announced the upcoming launch of GoldenTree Opportunistic Credit Fund ('GTOC') (I-share: GTPIX) (the 'Fund'). The Fund is structured as a registered, unlisted closed-end interval fund, expanding GoldenTree's suite of products and providing alternative credit solutions for individual investors. The Fund invests opportunistically across public and private credit markets and aims to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns while seeking income in addition to capital appreciation. GoldenTree is a leading global investment management firm with nearly $60 billion of assets under management, supported by a team of approximately 100 investment professionals with average experience of 16 years. The interval fund structure provides flexibility for GoldenTree's broad and experienced team to rotate across public and private credit markets, sourcing opportunities primarily in corporate credit, structured credit, and distressed investments. 'GoldenTree has delivered differentiated returns in opportunistic, multi-asset credit strategies for more than 25 years. Having a flexible approach and broad toolkit enables us to capitalize on market dislocations and dynamically rebalance the portfolio aiming to capture the most attractive returns,' said Steve Tananbaum, GoldenTree's Founder, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer. Lee Kruter, a Partner and Head of Performing Credit at GoldenTree, added 'today's market is a great example of why having flexibility is critical. In public markets, we are finding attractive opportunities in the tradeable debt of stressed issuers, which we believe is being materially mispriced by the market. And we are also creating bespoke, private solutions in corporate and structured credit markets that offer potentially significant return premiums.' 'GoldenTree was early in applying the interval fund structure to capture opportunistic credit strategies – actively participating in the market since 2017. We are delighted to be launching GTOC to provide individual investors access to an institutional investment strategy capturing a broad range of opportunities across credit markets,' said Kathy Sutherland, a Partner and GoldenTree's Chief Executive Officer. 'We believe this Fund is differentiated in the market given its dynamic nature and total return focus, distinguishing it from many alternative credit funds which are income focused and constrained to a narrow subset of private credit.' The Fund is offered as a 1940 Act registered closed-end interval fund with low investment minimums, capital invested immediately, 1099 tax reporting, intended monthly income distributions, quarterly repurchases of 5% of the Fund's NAV, and daily NAV investing via a ticker. The Fund's interval structure offers an optimal solution for wealth advisors and their clients by streamlining the subscription process, minimizing administrative complexities, and simplifying tax reporting. The Fund completed its registration process and was declared effective in June. For more information and a copy of the prospectus, please visit About GoldenTree GoldenTree is an employee-owned, global asset management firm that specializes in opportunities across the credit universe in sectors such as high yield bonds, leveraged loans, private credit, distressed debt, structured credit, emerging markets, real estate, private equity and credit-themed equities. GoldenTree was founded in 2000 by Steven Tananbaum and is one of the largest independent global credit asset managers. GoldenTree manages nearly $60 billion for institutional and individual investors, including leading public and corporate pensions, endowments, foundations, insurance companies and sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and high net worth individuals. GoldenTree has over 310 employees, with offices in New York, West Palm Beach, Charlotte, Newport Beach, Dallas, London, Dublin, Munich, Singapore, Sydney, Tokyo and Dubai. For more information, please visit The GoldenTree Opportunistic Credit Fund is distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. which is not an Adviser affiliate. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses carefully before investing. For a prospectus with this and other information about the Fund, please visit our website at Read the prospectus carefully before investing. Disclosures Investing in the Fund may be considered speculative and involves a high degree of risk, including the risk of a substantial loss of investment. Shares will not be publicly traded and are not currently listed on any securities exchange. You should not expect to be able to sell your Shares regardless of how the Fund performs. Because you will be unable to sell Shares through a securities exchange, you will be unable to reduce your exposure on any market downturn. An investment in the Fund is not suitable for investors that require short-term liquidity. There is no assurance that monthly distributions paid by the Fund will be maintained at the targeted level or that dividends will be paid at all. The amount of distributions that the Fund may pay, if any, is uncertain. The Fund may pay distributions in significant part from sources that may not be available in the future and that are unrelated to the Fund's performance, such as from offering proceeds or borrowings, which may constitute a return of capital and reduce the amount of capital available to the Fund for investment. No guarantee or representation is made that the Fund's investment program will be successful or will achieve its objective. The Fund's investment program involves, without limitation, risks associated with limited diversification and concentration, leverage, investments in speculative assets and the use of speculative investment strategies and techniques, interest rates, volatility, tracking risks in hedged positions, credit deterioration or default risks, systems risks and other risks inherent in the Fund's activities. Certain investment techniques of the Fund such as the use of leverage can magnify the impact of adverse market moves to the Fund. In addition, the Fund's investments may be materially affected by conditions in real estate markets, the financial markets and overall economic conditions. Certain information contained in this communication constitutes 'forward looking statements' within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as 'believes,' 'expects,' 'potential,' 'may,' 'aims,' 'seeks,' 'approximately,' 'anticipates,' or the negative versions of these words or other comparable words thereof. The Board of Trustees in its sole discretion, will determine to repurchase shares subject to certain terms and conditions. Investors will not normally have rights to redeem their shares in the amount or at the time desired.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store