Professional Summary

Professional Overview

Matthew Harper is a seasoned cybersecurity and product security executive with extensive experience in the financial services industry. He specializes in developing and implementing enterprise-wide security strategies, driving digital transformation initiatives, and leading cross-functional teams to mitigate complex cyber threats.

Experience Summary

Current Role

Matthew currently serves as the Vice President & Global Practice Lead, Product Security & Program Strategy at Aflac. In this role, he is responsible for overseeing the company's product security and program strategy initiatives, ensuring the seamless integration of security principles into Aflac's product lifecycle. He leverages his deep expertise in cyber crime prevention and product security to drive innovation and enhance the organization's overall security posture.

Career Progression

Prior to his current role, Matthew held various leadership positions at Aflac and SunTrust Bank. As the Global Practice Lead Cyber Crime Prevention and Product Security at Aflac, he spearheaded the development and implementation of comprehensive security strategies to safeguard the company's digital assets. In his previous role as Senior Vice President, Client Security Management at SunTrust Bank, he led the enterprise-wide client data assurance program, implementing robust security controls and risk mitigation measures.

Throughout his career, Matthew has demonstrated a strong commitment to industry engagement and thought leadership. He has served as a Board Member at the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center (FS-ISAC), where he actively contributed to the organization's efforts in cyber crime prevention and information sharing. Additionally, he held leadership positions on the BITS Information Security Committee at the Bank Policy Institute, further enhancing his industry impact.

Academic Background

Matthew holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Florida, where he graduated with distinction.

Areas of Expertise

• Cybersecurity and product security strategy development

• Digital transformation and technology integration

• Enterprise-wide risk management and mitigation

• Financial services industry best practices and regulations

• Cross-functional team leadership and stakeholder management

Professional Impact

During his tenure at Aflac, Matthew spearheaded the deployment of advanced security technologies and processes, resulting in a significant reduction in cyber-related incidents and improved customer trust. At SunTrust Bank, he led the development and implementation of a comprehensive client data assurance program, which earned industry recognition and strengthened the bank's reputation for data security.

Conclusion

With over two decades of experience in the financial services industry, Matthew Harper has established himself as a respected cybersecurity and product security expert. His proven track record of driving innovation, leading cross-functional teams, and delivering tangible security improvements positions him as a valuable asset to organizations seeking to enhance their digital resilience and security posture.