Industrial Cybersecurity and IT/OT convergence is an industry that specializes in protecting critical infrastructure while enabling digital transformation across sectors such as manufacturing, critical infrastructures, and pharma. As industries interconnect, a convergence of the IT and operational technology (OT) systems is needed to reduce the risk of cyber threats. Industrial Cybersecurity and IT/OT convergence solves the dilemma of safeguarding both digital and physical assets amid environments that encounter perpetual cyber vulnerabilities. These professionals architect and deploy solutions to protect organizations against emerging cyber threats while facilitating secure technological innovation. Through the provision of strong security features and performance efficiency, they assist industries to stay resilient and nimble in a more digital age, paving the way for a more integrated and secure global economy. Andres Prieto Anton’s life is an inspiring odyssey of inquiry, adjustment, and dedication. From his initial interest in biology to becoming a experienced expert in Industrial cybersecurity, his journey showcases a singular combination of technical competence and human-oriented leadership. He is now an experienced expert in industrial cybersecurity and a driving force in defining digital infrastructure security on several continents.

From Curiosity in Biology to Building a Career in Global Infrastructure and Industrial Cybersecurity Leadership

Andres Prieto Anton’s path to becoming an experienced expert in industrial cybersecurity is far from typical. At first, he was interested in the sciences, and his initial passion was biology. Yet, as time passed, his interest in technology became more dominant. This transition led him to study for an Advanced Technician degree in Computer Application Development in León, Spain, a step that initiated his entry into the world of technology. Desiring a wider career scope, Andres moved to the United Kingdom, where he earned esteemed Microsoft certifications (MCSA/MCSE). These credentials were his ticket to a specialized IT career. He started in IT helpdesk roles, overseeing system functions, assisting users, and maintaining network systems. These supporting roles helped him hone not only technical skills but also vital interpersonal skills.

As Andres’ experience increased, he naturally moved into system administration, specifically in Windows and VMware environments. It was here that he found his true professional passion: IT infrastructure and industrial cybersecurity. He soon came to realize that infrastructure wasn’t merely about hardware and software; it was about defending the digital core that businesses depend on. This awareness prompted a turning point career transition into global industrial cybersecurity and infrastructure leadership, where he led IT/OT security initiatives and contributed to the development of global industrial cybersecurity strategies. Adaptability, Andres says, was the secret to this change. What he learned working in OT environments was how to work under uncertainty, drive change, and stay calm under pressure. His transition from biology to industrial cybersecurity was not a happenstance, it was a deliberate reaction to an escalating passion and an unmistakable sense of purpose.

Core Values and Leadership Mindset That Transformed Technical Vision into Industry-Wide Industrial Cybersecurity Influence

Andres also credits his achievement to technical capabilities, in addition to core personal values and attitude. He is a firm believer in lifelong learning. He continuously investigates new technologies and participates in professional forums, sharing expertise and learning from others. He regularly contributes to industral cybersecurity roundtables, public forums, and cross-functional forums that go beyond technical domains. For Andres, collaboration is not about teamwork, it’s about leadership. He thinks industrial cybersecurity can be truly effective only when IT, engineering, operations, and business leaders all pull together under a shared vision. This inclusionist philosophy has served him well in leading with clarity and creating systems that are not just secure but business-oriented too.

Andres also espouses viewpoints different from his technical background, particularly from professionals other than those in the technical field, which more often than not result in breakthrough innovations. Integrity and transparency are the pillars of his leadership style, triumphs and defeats are shared in candour, building confidence. His mission is not just technical adoption to him; it’s about leading individuals. Whether putting in place worldwide standards such as IEC 62443 or overcoming internal opposition, Andres uses empathy, negotiation, and foresight. His power is in combining extensive technical knowledge with a people-focused leadership approach that brings lasting influence to organizations globally.

Driving Industral Cybersecurity Innovation While Mentoring Future Generations of Industrial Technology Professionals

The impact of Andres Prieto’s professional work extends far beyond the confines of corporate suites; his influence echoes across the entire international landscape of industrial cybersecurity. In 2025, he was recognized as one of the 10 Cybersecurity Innovators Shaping the Digital World, a reflection of both his technical superiority and his commanding leadership presence. Andres has presented his views on esteemed national platforms like La Vanguardia’s executive roundtable and international platforms like CS4CA London, where he spoke on the intricate confluence of IT and OT cybersecurity. His expertise has also reached audiences through eminent webinars, such as Building Blocks of ICS/OT Security and Manufacturing Industrial Cyberdays EMEA. His technical certifications, such as the ISA/IEC 62443 Cybersecurity Fundamentals Specialist and Master ICS/OT Cybersecurity, also show the extent of his knowledge.

As he faces the future, Andres continues to focus on the development of infrastructures that merge resilience with operational efficiency. He imagines a world of industrial cybersecurity further influenced by artificial intelligence, threat intelligence, and automation. However, he firmly believes that the future of industrial cybersecurity is not just about cutting-edge technologies; it is about individuals. He spends considerable time mentoring the future generation of industrial cybersecurity leaders, imparting valuable insights, experiences, and strategies. He aims to develop leaders who not only learn to adapt to rapid change but also take bold, strategic steps to influence that change. By doing so, Andres is assisting in creating a more secure digital world, one that is fueled by knowledge, innovation, and the guidance of individuals who are willing to take up the mission.

Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Leaders

As requested to offer tips to up-and-coming leaders, Andres highlights three values. One, be curious. The digital world evolves daily, and a learning culture is essential. Two, listen. Technology can be the vehicle, but human beings are the propellers. Establishing trust and communication among people is the key to success. Three, enjoy the work. We spend most of our lives in our working careers, and loving what we do brings out the best in us. Andres also reminds emerging leaders that leadership is not authority. Leadership is about leading others. A true leader builds more leaders, not followers. The aspiration should always be to leave teams, organizations, and individuals in better shape than when you came on board.