Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Ken Franco is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with over 30 years of experience in the technology industry. As the Cybersecurity Director at Cox Automotive Inc., he is responsible for designing, implementing, and maintaining robust cybersecurity strategies to protect the company's critical infrastructure and digital assets. With a strong background in systems engineering, infrastructure management, and information security, Ken brings a well-rounded perspective to his role, ensuring the organization's cybersecurity posture remains effective and adaptable.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Cybersecurity Director at Cox Automotive Inc., Ken is responsible for leading the company's cybersecurity initiatives, including vulnerability management, incident response, and compliance oversight. He collaborates with cross-functional teams to develop and execute comprehensive security programs that safeguard the organization's sensitive data and mission-critical systems. Under Ken's leadership, the company has successfully implemented advanced security technologies, strengthened its incident response capabilities, and enhanced its overall cybersecurity resilience.

Career Progression

Prior to his current role, Ken held various leadership positions within Cox Automotive Inc. and its predecessor, Dealertrack. He served as the Principal Business Information Security Advisor, where he provided strategic guidance on information security matters, and the Director of Software Engineering and Systems Infrastructure, where he oversaw the design, implementation, and maintenance of the company's IT infrastructure. Ken's extensive experience in systems engineering, infrastructure management, and information security has enabled him to seamlessly transition into his current role as the Cybersecurity Director, leveraging his cross-functional expertise to drive impactful security initiatives.

Academic Background

Ken holds a Master of Science (MS) degree in Information Technology from Rensselaer at Work and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems (MIS) from the University of New Haven. He also earned an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Business Management from Mitchell College. Ken's academic background provides him with a solid foundation in business operations, information technology, and cybersecurity, enabling him to align his technical expertise with the organization's strategic objectives.

Areas of Expertise

• Cybersecurity strategy and program development

• Vulnerability management and risk assessment

• Incident response and threat detection

• Security architecture and infrastructure design

• Compliance and regulatory framework implementation

• Cross-functional leadership and collaboration

Professional Impact

Throughout his career, Ken has been instrumental in driving impactful cybersecurity initiatives that have strengthened the security posture of the organizations he has served. As the Cybersecurity Director at Cox Automotive Inc., he has successfully implemented advanced security technologies, streamlined incident response processes, and fostered a culture of security awareness among employees. His contributions have led to a significant reduction in the company's cybersecurity risks and have helped to maintain the trust and confidence of its customers and stakeholders.

Conclusion

With his extensive experience, strong technical expertise, and strategic leadership capabilities, Ken Franco is well-positioned to continue driving the cybersecurity initiatives at Cox Automotive Inc. His commitment to protecting the organization's digital assets and fostering a secure business environment makes him a valuable asset in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.