In today’s increasingly digital and interconnected world, cyber security is no longer a back-office function — it’s the backbone of operational integrity. At the intersection of technology, safety, and strategy stands Andres Prieto Anton, a seasoned leader in D&T Infrastructure and OT Cyber Security, who combines technical mastery with people-centered leadership to protect what truly matters: trust, resilience, and continuity.
Born in León, Spain, Andres’ path to cyber security was far from conventional. “I initially wanted to pursue biology,” he recalls, “but life took a 180-degree turn, and I found myself immersed in IT.” That pivot marked the beginning of a remarkable journey from early studies in IT development to systems administration and, eventually, to managing complex industrial cyber security ecosystems across global operations.
Today, Andres leads a team of 11 professionals, overseeing governance, architecture, and risk management initiatives in manufacturing environments. His work focuses on integrating IEC 62443 standards, aligning security controls with business impact analyses, and designing secure, efficient shop floor infrastructures that balance protection with operational performance.
His career foundation was built hands-on in systems administration, virtualization, operating systems, and enterprise platforms experience that shaped his pragmatic, system-wide understanding of reliability and security. “When you’ve built systems from the ground up,” Andres explains, “you understand how every decision affects people, performance, and risk.”
Transitioning from a technical role to management was a natural evolution of that understanding. “Leading was something I always aspired to,” he says. “I wanted to guide, support, and empower other technicians to help them find their own path to success.” For Andres, leadership has never been about authority; it’s about empathy, trust, and empowerment.
“There’s a big difference between managing a department and leading a team,” he emphasizes. “Leadership means supporting people, being there when they need you, and creating an environment where they can grow.”
Andres believes that success comes from having the right people with the right mind-set not necessarily the largest team. “I prefer leading a small, high-performing group that delivers meaningful results rather than managing a large headcount with little value creation,” he shares with conviction.
Transparency, collaboration, and open communication are central to his leadership philosophy. He listens actively, explains both good and bad situations with honesty, and leverages his own technical expertise to build credibility and trust.
Mentorship also plays a defining role in his journey. Having benefited from mentors early in his career, Andres now dedicates time to guiding younger professionals encouraging them to learn from mistakes, celebrate achievements, and embrace growth. “One day, I hope people will remember me as a good mentor,” he says humbly.
For Andres, inclusion and diversity are not just organizational buzzwords they are catalysts for innovation. “Different cultures bring new ways of thinking,” he notes. “They help us grow personally and professionally, and that growth translates into better results.”
He also believes leadership is a living skill not something fixed in time. “You can’t use the same rule forever,” he says. “Every situation, every company, every team requires a different approach. Adaptability and resilience are what define a true leader.”
If there’s one piece of advice Andres would give to the next generation of cyber security leaders, it’s this:
“Embrace change early. Seek diverse experiences. Keep learning. Build relationships. These are the foundations of lasting success.”
In a world where the lines between IT and OT continue to blur, Andres Prieto Anton stands as a reminder that true cyber security leadership goes beyond systems and firewalls it’s about people, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of trust.
