Open to opportunities

IRENE RWELAMIRA

@irenerwelamira

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Visionary cybersecurity executive with expertise in risk and compliance.

Tanzania

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What I'm looking for

I seek a role that emphasizes strategic leadership in cybersecurity, fostering a culture of security awareness, and driving compliance initiatives within a forward-thinking organization.

I am a visionary cybersecurity executive with extensive leadership experience in driving enterprise security strategies, risk governance, and regulatory compliance across various sectors, including financial services and consulting. My proven expertise lies in designing secure cloud and hybrid infrastructures, leading threat detection and response programs, and aligning cybersecurity initiatives with overarching business objectives.

Throughout my career, I have successfully implemented ISO 27001 and NIST-aligned governance frameworks, advanced Zero Trust identity programs, and led AI-driven SOC transformation initiatives. I pride myself on my ability to engage C-suite stakeholders and foster a security-first culture, delivering measurable risk reduction across complex organizations.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Principal Security Consultant

Current

Lamira Holdings

Jan 2014 - Present (11 years 8 months)

Led enterprise-wide cybersecurity programs, advising stakeholders on security strategy, regulatory compliance, and risk reduction initiatives. Designed and implemented secure cloud and hybrid infrastructures across AWS and Azure, improved threat detection operations, and fortified identity and access management (IAM) frameworks.

Regulatory Compliance Cloud Security AWS Azure Threat Detection Identity & Access Management Penetration Testing AI Tools

Information Security Manager

Barclays Bank

Nov 2012 - Mar 2014 (1 year 4 months)

Developed and enforced comprehensive security policies, managed risk frameworks, and ensured compliance with international and local financial regulations. Enhanced cybersecurity training and awareness for internal teams and customers, strengthened cloud and infrastructure security, and led the institution’s incident response initiatives.

Security Policies Risk Frameworks Regulatory Compliance Cloud Security Infrastructure Security Incident Response ISO 27001 PCI DSS NIST GDPR

Information Security Manager

National Microfinance Bank Tanzania

Nov 2012 - Mar 2014 (1 year 4 months)

Security Policies Risk Management Regulatory Compliance Cloud Security Infrastructure Security Incident Response ISO 27001 PCI DSS NIST GDPR

Information Technology Risk Assurance Manager

Ernst & Young

Mar 2011 - Nov 2012 (1 year 8 months)

Led IT risk assessments and audits for high-profile clients, with a focus on ITGC, application controls, and regulatory compliance. Managed third-party assurance engagements and guided clients through risk mitigation strategies aligned with business goals.

IT Risk Management IT Audit ITGC IT Application Controls Regulatory Compliance Risk Mitigation SOX ISO 27001 GDPR

Head of Information Risk Management

Barclays Bank

Feb 2008 - Mar 2011 (3 years 1 month)

Directed the bank’s risk management strategy, policy development, and access management frameworks. Established compliance programs, data protection measures, and disaster recovery protocols to align with global standards and internal policies.

Risk Management Policy Development Access Management Compliance Policies Data Protection Disaster Recovery IAM Data Privacy

Junior Information Risk Manager

KPMG

Managed information risk for clients, focusing on identifying and mitigating potential security threats. Supported senior staff in developing and implementing risk management strategies.

Risk Mitigation Risk Management IT Audit Compliance

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of Portsmouth

Bachelor of Science, Computing

Completed a Bachelor of Science in Computing, gaining foundational knowledge in various computing disciplines. Focused on theoretical and practical aspects of computer science.