Michael Cruz
Director Cybersecurity
Professional Overview
Michael Cruz is an accomplished cybersecurity professional with over 15 years of experience in the retail and consumer goods industries. As the Director of Cybersecurity at Tapestry, he is responsible for leading the company's comprehensive security strategy, driving initiatives to protect critical assets, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Since November 2023, Michael has served as the Director of Cybersecurity at Tapestry, the parent company of renowned brands such as Coach, Kate Spade, and Stuart Weitzman. In this role, he oversees the development and implementation of robust security protocols, manages a team of security specialists, and collaborates with cross-functional leaders to mitigate cyber risks and safeguard the organization's data and infrastructure. Under his guidance, Tapestry has strengthened its cybersecurity posture, earning industry recognition for its proactive approach to information security.
Career Progression
Prior to his current position, Michael held various roles within the cybersecurity domain at Tapestry and its subsidiaries. He served as the Senior Manager of Cybersecurity from 2016 to 2023, where he spearheaded the integration of advanced security technologies, streamlined incident response procedures, and mentored junior team members. Earlier in his career, Michael worked as a Manager of Systems Integration and a Senior Desktop Integration Analyst at Coach, contributing to the company's IT infrastructure and supporting the deployment of secure enterprise solutions.
Academic Background
Michael holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Southern California, where he graduated with honors. He has also completed various cybersecurity certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and the Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) credentials.
Areas of Expertise
- Cybersecurity strategy and risk management
- Security architecture and infrastructure design
- Incident response and threat management
- Regulatory compliance and data privacy
- Team leadership and cross-functional collaboration
- Continuous improvement and innovation
Professional Impact
During his tenure, Michael has played a pivotal role in enhancing Tapestry's cybersecurity posture. He spearheaded the implementation of a comprehensive vulnerability management program, which reduced the company's attack surface by over 30% and contributed to the prevention of several high-impact cyber incidents. Additionally, Michael's leadership in developing a robust security awareness training program has resulted in a 25% decrease in employee-related security incidents.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience, strong technical expertise, and strategic mindset, Michael Cruz is a respected leader in the cybersecurity field. As the Director of Cybersecurity at Tapestry, he continues to drive innovative security solutions, foster a culture of security awareness, and position the organization as a industry leader in information protection.