From the University of Cape Coast lecture halls to the global stage, Ronald Martey’s journey reveals how curiosity, resilience, and vision can shape the future of cybersecurity.
About
Who’s Ronald Martey
Ronald Martey is an award-winning cybersecurity leader, a two-time honoree of the Global CISO 100, and a Fellow of the Information Privacy community.
He has built and led world-class security programs across various industries, including banking, telecommunications, technology, and healthcare.
Recognized for his thought leadership on digital sovereignty, privacy, and resilience, he continues to shape Africa’s voice in global cybersecurity.
A Turning Point in 2006
In 2006, as his classmates mapped out predictable careers in programming and systems administration, Ronald Martey wrestled with uncertainty. None of the conventional paths appealed to him. Then one evening, a film changed everything: Takedown, the story of a notorious hacker in the 1990s.
What captivated him wasn’t the thrill of hacking—it was the stark vulnerability of organizations that poured resources into innovation but overlooked protection. “I didn’t want to be a hacker,” Ronald reflects. “I wanted to be the good cop—the one who helps organizations build the defenses they didn’t know they needed.”
That conviction became the compass for a career that would take him from Ghana’s health sector to the helm of cybersecurity at its largest bank, through IBM’s corridors, and onto the global stage as a two-time Global CISO 100 Award Winner.
“He brought strategic vision, strengthened our defenses, and fostered a culture of security awareness,” recalls Daniel Boye, who reported directly to him at GCB Bank. “Beyond his technical know-how, Ronald is a dedicated mentor who inspires others to grow.”
Charting an Unconventional Path
At the University of Cape Coast, Ronald’s drive quickly became evident. “He was dedicated, self-motivated, methodical, and capable. Deliver results and move on—that’s Ronald’s way,” says Alex Arthur, a former classmate.
His first steps in the health sector revealed his instinct for leadership. “Not only did he show me many tricks of the trade, he helped me focus and develop a hunger to learn more,” recalls Kwame Mpare. “He positively influenced my career trajectory and gave me the confidence to grow.”
At Millicom Ghana Limited., Ronald applied his technical brilliance to build robust security architectures. “He always ensured every connection—LAN, WAN, VPN—was handled with security consciousness,” remembers Abdul-Nasir Musah.
Ronald himself calls self-learning the defining trait of his career: “Certifications and formal training provide structure, but the fast-changing nature of cybersecurity demands continuous curiosity and independent learning.”
Building Cybersecurity From the Ground Up
At IBM West Africa , Ronald became known for strategy as much as technical mastery. “With his leadership, many business partners advanced their understanding of IBM Security through enablement roadmaps he designed,” says Jong Massaquoi.
That foundation prepared him for a career-defining role: Chief Information Security Officer of GCB Bank, Ghana’s largest bank.
“Ronald set up the Cybersecurity function from zero in 2020 and grew it to 21 employees by 2023,” recalls Albert Laweh Tetteh. “He influenced top management to invest in world-class technologies, including a Security Operations Center. He enabled safe technology platforms to support customers and inspired everyone with his persuasive skills and vision.”
His leadership style combined empowerment and discipline. “He applies the right pressure while giving independence to deliver results,” says Sanders Tetteh. “Strategic, careful, and time-conscious, he made me a better manager myself.”
Shaping Global Conversations on Privacy and digital Sovereignty
In 2025, Ronald became an International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP) Fellow of Information Privacy (FIP), a recognition of his global influence. “The FIP reflects a lifelong commitment to enhancing privacy and fostering trust,” he explained.
His thought leadership has centered on digital sovereignty. In his own words: “Africa often legally owns its data, but practically someone else controls it—that’s the sovereignty gap.”
He has championed harmonizing regulations across Africa, investing in infrastructure, and treating data as a sovereign resource, much like oil or other natural resources.
Former manager Andries Lategan highlights his versatility: “Ronald combines a can-do attitude with deep expertise and a willingness to mentor. He handles technical depth and executive politics with equal skill.”
Through articles like “Building a Personal Brand Beyond Job Titles” and “Self-Learning: The Key to Career Advancement”, Ronald has urged professionals to embrace authenticity, curiosity, and resilience. “Job titles may open doors,” he wrote, “but they do not define a career. What endures is the value you bring, the trust you inspire, and the influence you create.”
Beyond the Firewall: The Man Behind the Mission
Behind the awards and titles lies a grounded man. Ronald enjoys reading, continuous self-learning, and spending quality time with family. These moments anchor him in the midst of global responsibilities.
His favorite quotes reveal his worldview:
- “A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt.
- “Growth and comfort do not co-exist.” – Ginni Rometty
- “The best is yet to come.”
“Privacy challenges will continue to evolve—from AI governance to global data transfers,” Ronald says. “But the mission remains the same: to strengthen trust in the digital age.”
Editors at Executives Diary see in him not just a cybersecurity leader, but a symbol of Africa’s rising influence in the global tech arena—anchored in integrity, resilience, and vision.
Nectar of Wisdom from Ronald Martey’s Journey
“The best is yet to come.”
“I wanted to be the good cop—the one who helps organizations build the defenses they didn’t know they needed.”
“Job titles may open doors, but they do not define a career.”
“Self-learning is not optional; it is essential for resilience, relevance, and long-term growth.”
“Privacy challenges evolve, but the mission remains: to strengthen trust in the digital age.”
“A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt.
“Growth and comfort do not co-exist.”
Editor’s Note
Every era produces leaders whose journeys carry lessons far beyond their chosen fields. Ronald Martey is one such leader. His path from Accra’s lecture halls to the global cybersecurity stage is more than a story of professional success; it is a testament to curiosity, resilience, and vision.
What stands out about Ronald is not just the awards—the two-time Global CISO 100 recognition, or his designation as a Fellow of the Information Privacy —nor is it his extensive experience. It is his refusal to be defined by titles. Instead, he has consistently urged others to build credibility on the basis of values, authenticity, and trust. His voice carries weight because it stems from lived experience: setting up cybersecurity functions from scratch, influencing boardrooms to invest in resilience, and advocating for Africa’s digital sovereignty in an interconnected world.
In a conversation that stays with me, Ronald remarked, “I didn’t want to be a hacker; I wanted to be the good cop—the one who helps organizations build the defenses they didn’t know they needed.” That simple yet profound choice has shaped a career devoted to protecting what matters most in the digital age.
As you read his story, you will find not just the milestones of a distinguished career, but the wisdom of a leader who continues to believe that “the best is yet to come.”
— Editorial Team, Executives Diary
