While London has long been considered Europe’s cybersecurity hub, a growing number of security leaders and innovative companies are emerging in cities across EMEA. Here’s where to look—and what these talent shifts mean for the future of cybersecurity leadership.
By Sistla Vaishnavi , Principal, Technology & Product Executive Search
3 Takeaways:
- Paris, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, and Berlin consistently account for about 40% of Riviera CISO placements due to government cybersecurity initiatives, startup ecosystems, and military intelligence pipelines.
- Hiring top security executives in these hubs is highly competitive, requiring knowledge of salary expectations, regulatory requirements, and leadership retention strategies.
- Understanding these hiring trends provides insight into the future of cybersecurity leadership, including the evolution of security roles, the influence of AI-driven threats, and shifting industry priorities.
(Looking for insights on cybersecurity hiring in the US? Check out our companion piece: The Top US Cybersecurity Talent Hubs—And What They Reveal About the Future of Cyber Leadership)
The Cybersecurity Hotbeds in EMEA—And Why They Matter for the Future of Cyber Leadership
Cybersecurity is no longer just a compliance issue—it’s a boardroom priority. If you’re hiring a CISO (Chief Information Security Officer) or another cybersecurity executive, knowing where talent is concentrated can give you a competitive edge—and offer critical insights into how the role is evolving across industries.
While London has long been considered Europe’s cybersecurity hub, a growing number of security leaders and innovative companies are emerging in cities across EMEA. Here’s where to look—and what these talent shifts mean for the future of cybersecurity leadership.
The Cybersecurity Hotbeds in EMEA (Non-London Category)
Berlin, Germany
- Why Berlin is a cybersecurity hub:
- Home to a strong startup ecosystem, government-backed cybersecurity initiatives, and tech universities.
- Headquarters for leading security firms and enterprise cybersecurity teams.
- Attracts top talent from Germany’s robust engineering and technology sector.
- Strong focus on cybersecurity for automotive, industrial IoT, and infrastructure protection.
- Companies are increasingly investing in cybersecurity solutions for operational technology (OT) environments
What this tells us about the future: Berlin is shaping the next wave of cybersecurity startups, focusing on automation, AI-driven threat detection, and decentralized security solutions. Expect future CISOs from Berlin to have a blend of startup agility and deep technical expertise.
Paris, France
- Why cybersecurity leaders thrive in Paris:
- France’s Cybersecurity Strategy Plan is investing heavily in security research and workforce development.
- Major financial institutions like BNP Paribas and Société Générale drive demand for security executives.
- École Polytechnique and other top universities produce cybersecurity experts with strong R&D backgrounds.
What this tells us about the future: Cybersecurity leadership in France is increasingly tied to compliance and regulatory expertise. Future CISOs will need to balance technical security leadership with deep knowledge of evolving EU data protection laws and AI governance frameworks.
Tel Aviv, Israel
- Why Israel is a cybersecurity powerhouse:
- Military intelligence pipeline (Unit 8200) produces world-class cybersecurity talent.
- Global venture capital investment fuels rapid growth in cybersecurity startups.
- Home to industry leaders like Check Point, Cybereason, and Wiz.
What this tells us about the future: The cybersecurity leaders coming out of Tel Aviv will likely be startup-oriented and highly technical. Expect to see an increasing number of Israeli-trained CISOs leading security teams at major global enterprises.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Why cybersecurity hiring is growing here:
- Major European data center hub with strong cybersecurity needs.
- Strong government initiatives and GDPR enforcement.
- Home to multinational security firms and AI-driven cyber innovation.
What this tells us about the future: Cybersecurity executives in Amsterdam are leading the charge in AI governance and ethical hacking. The role of the CISO here is evolving beyond technical defense to include risk management and regulatory strategy.
Exclusive insight: Paris, Tel Aviv, Amsterdam, and Berlin consistently account for about 40% of Riviera CISO placements due to government cybersecurity initiatives, startup ecosystems, and military intelligence pipelines.
What This Means for the Future of Cybersecurity Leadership
The CISO role is becoming more regulatory-focused
With GDPR, AI security regulations, and industry-specific cybersecurity laws, today’s security executives must be well-versed in legal and compliance frameworks.
The cybersecurity talent market is expanding beyond London
While London is still a key hub, companies are increasingly looking to other European cities to find specialized cybersecurity talent.
AI-driven threats are changing security leadership priorities
Future CISOs will need to integrate AI risk management, automated security solutions, and digital resilience into their strategies.
The Future of Cybersecurity Hiring: Emerging Markets to Watch
Beyond the traditional hubs, some emerging cities are becoming cybersecurity hiring hotspots:
- Madrid, Spain – A growing fintech and cloud security sector is fueling demand for security leadership.
- Warsaw, Poland – A rising cybersecurity talent pool driven by government-backed initiatives and corporate investments.
- Tallinn, Estonia – A global leader in digital security and e-government cybersecurity innovation.
Exclusive insight: Madrid, Warsaw, and Tallinn’s share of CISO placements by Riviera has doubled — growing from 8% in 2022 to 15% today.
What These Hiring Trends Reveal About the Future of Cybersecurity Leadership
The cybersecurity hiring market in EMEA is evolving rapidly. Understanding where talent is emerging and how cybersecurity leadership roles are shifting can provide a critical advantage for companies looking to secure top security talent.
- CISOs are becoming more regulatory and AI-focused, with increasing demands for compliance expertise.
- Companies must look beyond traditional hiring hubs to tap into emerging cybersecurity talent markets.
- The most successful companies will proactively build their cybersecurity leadership pipeline, adapting to new threats and hiring trends before they become urgent needs.
Sistla Vaishnavi is Principal, Technology & Product Executive Search at Riviera Partners. She’s based in London. Connect on LinkedIn.
Riviera Partners specializes in placing cybersecurity executives in the most competitive hiring markets. Whether you’re hiring in a traditional cybersecurity hub or looking to expand into emerging talent markets, we provide the expertise and network to secure the best cybersecurity leaders.
Need to hire a cybersecurity leader in EMEA? Let’s talk.
(For insights on cybersecurity hiring trends in the US, check out our companion post: The Top US Cybersecurity Talent Hubs—And What They Reveal About the Future of Cyber Leadership)
