40 under 40: Kyle Walsh, senior manager, global security, Cruise

YARMOUTH, Maine—Kyle Walsh, 34, is the senior manager of global security for Cruise, a manufacturer of self-driving vehicles that safely connect people with the places, things, and experiences they care about, based out of San Francisco. Find out what inspired him to pursue a career in the security industry, what being a "40 under 40" winner means to him, what appeals to him about the security industry, and more. 

SSN: Describe your roles, duties, and tenure at your current job. 

WALSH: I currently lead Cruise's 24/7 global security operations and intelligence centers. I started at Cruise in April 2020, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and discovered that my role and security in general would need to evolve to meet the new challenges brought on through a pandemic.

During my tenure at Cruise, I've been able to grow the GSOC initiative from a single-focused program to one that is multifaceted, metrics driven, and risk oriented. My responsibilities include engaging with leaders, stakeholders, cross-functional partners, and external vendors to ensure that Cruise's personnel, assets, and operations remain safe and secure at all times while simultaneously enabling the business to succeed.

SSN: What inspired you to pursue a career in the security industry?

WALSH: I got my start in security back in 2013 by performing open-source intelligence work for Fortune 500 companies and government bodies. I was quickly fascinated by world events and their potential impact on these entities. How did these organizations manage risk? What does managing an incident look like? I was determined to understand how security works at a scale that's beyond cards and guards, and thus applied myself to work for some of the world's best companies including Google, Meta, Bird, and now Cruise.

SSN: What does being named a winner of SSN's 40 under 40 mean to you?

WALSH: It is truly an honor to be named a winner of SSN's 40 under 40. I am not one to seek out fame or notoriety as it relates to my work, but rather am focused on making an impact in whichever ways I can. I hope to take this honor and connect with my peers in the industry so that we can maintain safety and security in an ever-changing world.

SSN: As a young leader, what appeals to you about the security industry?

WALSH: A changing of the guard is currently taking place in the security industry. As new risks and challenges emerge at the global level, new technology, new ways of thinking, and new ways of collaborating are required to ensure success is maintained in achieving security. As this new guard is ushered in, I am determined to be a part of it and bring new concepts and ideas to the forefront of the discussion. Security is only successful if the industry evolved with emerging risks.

SSN: With the hiring, recruitment and retention challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, how can the security industry engage young talent?

WALSH: Security is often associated with security officers, cameras, and low-wage work. There is so much more to this field that can be brought to the forefront through continued marketing and engagement at the university level and within our own organizations. Start within your own organizations and network with your peers to ensure that diverse and driven candidates understand the potential impact they can have on the security industry.