Why She Made the List

Her leadership reflects the increasing importance of cyber capabilities in national security as governments confront escalating cyber-attacks from hostile state actors and criminal groups.[cite: 130]

Xavier became the first woman to lead the organisation, overseeing foreign signals intelligence operations and protecting Canada’s government networks and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.[cite: 129]

Summary Bio

Caroline Xavier is Chief of the Communications Security Establishment (CSE), Canada’s national cryptologic and cyber defence agency, a position she assumed in 2022.[cite: 128]