Professional Role and Responsibilities
Catherine Mendonsa currently serves as Vice President, Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), and Director of Information Systems Security & Enterprise Architecture at Finning International Inc. She holds executive leadership in overseeing Finning’s global information security strategy, risk management, and enterprise IT security architecture. Her role encompasses establishing and maintaining robust information security management systems aligned with the company’s business objectives.
Her portfolio includes directing cybersecurity initiatives that secure data, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and fostering secure digital transformation across Finning’s operations. She leads cross-functional teams focused on enterprise architecture and security governance, actively contributing to sustaining Finning’s integrity as a global equipment solutions provider.
Experience and Industry Recognition
Catherine Mendonsa has over 25 years of senior leadership experience in Information Technology and cybersecurity, with a career spanning multiple industries including energy, legal, and manufacturing sectors. Prior leadership roles include senior security and director-level positions at organizations such as TC Energy, Cenovus Energy, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP, and Cenovus Energy Inc.
She is recognized among the Top 10 Canadian CISOs for 2022 and 2025 by The Cybersecurity Review Magazine and has received industry accolades such as the 2021 CISO Award from the CIO Association of Canada. These honors underscore her reputation for strategic leadership and effectiveness in cybersecurity management within complex organizational environments.
Public Speaking and Industry Engagement
Catherine is an award-winning public speaker frequently featured at prominent industry events such as the Vancouver International Privacy & Security Summit and the iON iCONIC Conference 2025. Her presentations typically focus on cybersecurity strategy, emerging threat landscapes, and the evolving role of CISOs in business resilience. She actively engages in thought leadership related to digital privacy, threat intelligence, and enterprise security architecture.
Notable Career Highlights
- Leadership in establishing Finning's global information security frameworks, supporting business growth through secure data-driven strategic and technical direction.
- Proven track record in building high-performance cybersecurity teams that implement progressive risk mitigation and incident response protocols.
- Experience aligning cybersecurity initiatives directly with business goals, demonstrating extensive knowledge in governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC).
- Previous senior information security roles within high-profile Canadian enterprises, enhancing her understanding of both energy sector and legal practice cybersecurity challenges.
Company Context: Finning International
Finning International is a leading distributor of Caterpillar products, services, and solutions, with a strong international footprint primarily across Canada, the UK, and South America. Their operations necessitate stringent cybersecurity controls to protect operational technology (OT), supply chain logistics, and enterprise IT infrastructure.
Catherine’s leadership is central to managing cybersecurity risks that could impact the supply chain, equipment lifecycle management, and customer service operations in multiple jurisdictions, reflecting her capacity to handle complex, global cybersecurity challenges.
LinkedIn Profile: [Catherine Mendonsa](https://linkedin.com/in/catherine-mendonsa)
Industry Awards: Top 10 Canadian CISOs (2022, 2025), CIO Association of Canada CISO Award (2021)
Speaking Engagements: Vancouver International Privacy & Security Summit, iON iCONIC Conference
Prior Employers: TC Energy, Cenovus Energy, Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP
Core Expertise: Information Security Governance, Enterprise Architecture, Cyber Risk Management, Team Leadership, Strategic Cybersecurity Planning
This detailed profile highlights Catherine Mendonsa’s strategic senior cybersecurity role within Finning International and her recognized expertise in aligning security with business objectives, positioning her as a highly influential executive in Canada’s cybersecurity landscape.
