(Image/MidJourney)
Rosalia Hajek, USC Viterbi alumna and chief information security officer (CISO) at Topgolf Callaway Brands Corp., was recently honored with the 2025 Cyber Titan Awards Top 100 Global CISO Leaders recognition.
“I’m very thankful for the CISO board and senior leaders,” said Hajek, who earned her master’s degree from the USC Viterbi School of Engineering in computer science engineering in 2006. “The recognition reflects the broader impact of my work in strengthening cybersecurity as both a discipline and a business enabler. I feel humbled and grateful.”
(Photo/ Courtesy of Rosalia Hajek)
The Cyber Titan Awards celebrate leaders who advance cybersecurity practices across industries and communities.
Hajek also credits the Trojan network: “USC Viterbi not only provided a world-class technical education, but it also connected me to a powerful alumni network spanning industries and continents.”
In her role at Topgolf Callaway – a global portfolio of sports and lifestyle brands – Hajek oversees cybersecurity strategy, risk management and digital resilience. While she doesn’t share specifics, she describes her approach as designing systems and partnerships that safeguard operations and enable growth.
Her leadership has earned additional recognition, including being named among the 2025 AuditBoard 25 CISOs to Watch, the 2025 Top 100 Accelerated CISOs (A100) and the 2025 Top 10 Global Women Leaders in Information Security.
Beyond her executive role, Hajek is widely recognized as a thought leader in the industry. She is frequently called upon to speak at leading conferences, serves on the board of the Black Hat AI Summit, and regularly appears on lists of influential global security leaders.
“These awards and invitations reflect how the industry values innovative approaches to security and the ability to translate technical challenges into strategic business outcomes,” Hajek noted. “It’s not just about defending against threats — it’s about building resilience, trust, and shared accountability.”
Hajek is grateful for the mentorship and foundational lessons she received from professors and faculty at USC Viterbi. “I always asked a lot of questions, and my professors encouraged my curiosity rather than questioned it,” she said. “The collaborative projects I worked on mirrored the high-pressure, multi-stakeholder environments I navigate today.”
Now, nearly two decades later, Hajek’s influence extends well beyond her company. Her awards, board roles, and speaking engagements highlight not only her impact on global cybersecurity, but also the way USC alumni continue to shape industries worldwide.
Published on September 12th, 2025
Last updated on September 12th, 2025