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The landscape of cybersecurity continues to evolve rapidly, especially within the financial sector, where the need for robust security measures grows increasingly critical. At the forefront of this battle against cyber threats is Kelly McKillen, the Interim Chief Information Security Officer at Bank of Ireland. Through her rich journey in technology and banking, Kelly has gained valuable insights into effective leadership and the importance of gender diversity in the tech industry.
Kelly’s journey into the world of technology began with a somewhat unusual education choice. “I wanted to study science but didn’t want to do a general science degree,” Kelly states simply. So she opted for Computer Applications at Dublin City University (DCU) in the late 1990s, despite not having a foundational knowledge about computers. “I thought it would be an interesting sector!”
“It was a tough course to get through but we did get to the other side and I started with AIB through the graduate programme. I thought I was going there as a developer but they put me in the IT support area, which was a major adjustment for me to learn the ropes,” she explains. “I learned a lot about different technologies and got a very broad base of understanding in terms of the business, working with different stakeholders and learning those grassroots broad-based technologies. The team was a really good team to learn from and to work with.” After working her way up to leading a team, Kelly took “a right turn” and went travelling the world for a year. “I asked for it as a career break and got it so I was even able to return to the same team. It was great for them to give it to me and I was delighted to take the chance,” she smiles.
After her return, she moved to a software support team, “looking after the big off-the-shelf solutions that the bank would have been using for things like anti-money laundering. I was full stack management and it gave me another view.
Then came a “crucial turning point” in her career when she decided to specialise in cybersecurity about 13 years ago. “It was a pivotal moment for me. I felt it was time to specialise and information security is one of those areas. I knew they were looking for people in that area at the time, reached out and had conversations with a few people and I was intrigued by what they were doing and what I could bring to the table there with my own experience. So, I took the plunge.”
It’s so important to be the driver of your own career. You absolutely can't sit back and let somebody else do that for you.
As she looks back at that decision, Kelly reflects on the importance of taking control of your own career. “It’s so important to be the driver of your own career. You absolutely can’t sit back and let somebody else do that for you because it’s not going to happen. Especially not in large organisations, well in any organisation really, you need to remember that people are busy. You’ll hopefully be supported by your line manager but the focus will be on achieving organisational outcomes so… at the end of the day, the only person that can drive your career is you. In terms of you making moves, you’re responsible.”
This sentiment rings particularly true as she shares the common self-doubt faced by women in the industry. “Data shows that women often underestimate their abilities, which can lead to missed opportunities,” she observes.
During her early days in cybersecurity, Kelly grappled with imposter syndrome, a feeling many professionals encounter when stepping into new roles. “I remember thinking, ‘What have I done?’ as I stepped into meetings with seasoned professionals in information security,” she recalls. To support herself, Kelly leaned into her experience and sought guidance from her colleagues. “I had to be open to learning from others, dealing with my inner critic, and building my skills and expertise,” she explains.
She is also thankful for the colleagues who supported her at the time to make such a shift. “I think I’ve been very fortunate to work in some really good organisations, but also to be really supported by my managers in those areas. For example, when I wanted to specialise and to make that major change I was supported by my manager at the time. She selflessly let me do that even though it was to her detriment. She could have easily held on to me and decided it wasn’t the right time for her area to let me go. Instead, she was a big supporter of letting me pursue what I wanted to do. She is a phenomenal lady.”
Pictured, left, Kelly McKillen and Shreya Aggarwal as part of the IMAGE x PwC Women in Tech series.
When she moved on to join Bank of Ireland, Kelly was tasked with establishing a solid security architecture model. “I was attracted to the scope of the role,” she shares, noting the opportunity to fill skill gaps she recognised within the organisation. “It’s important to work with a welcoming team. That environment is crucial for facilitating security by design, which is essential in implementing effective security measures.”
As Bank of Ireland’s Interim Chief Information Security Officer, Kellys puts the idea of “security by design” into practice every day by embedding security practices into the development of new initiatives. “When you consider security from the outset, it becomes easier and less costly than trying to implement it at the end of a project,” she articulates.
Across the banking sector, she emphasises the importance of adapting to the evolving threat landscape. The bank conducts regular assessments and updates its cybersecurity strategies to remain agile in the face of emerging risks. “The cybersecurity landscape is always changing, and our strategies need to reflect that reality.”
In her current role, Kelly oversees various operational aspects of information security at BoI, a task that requires continuous collaboration with her team and other stakeholders. “It’s a team sport in security. You might lead efforts, but the right outcomes derive from competent people working together,” she states.
It’s not just about seeing women at the top; it’s about visibility at various career stages.
Kelly stepped into her role during the pandemic, joining BoI in February 2020. “It was quite challenging to meet everyone and get to know the organisation fully while working remotely,” she admits. Indeed, adjusting to an entirely digital workspace came with its hurdles. “Bank of Ireland has a lot of really good people, making it easier to reach out for conversations,” she says. However, building relationships through virtual meetings required creativity and determination. “It wasn’t easy, but I leaned on my team to learn the organisation and establish connections.”
Despite the challenges posed by remote work, Kelly emphasises the resilience and dedication of the Bank of Ireland team. “Establishing security measures during such an uncertain time demonstrated how capable and committed my colleagues were.”
Beyond her professional pursuits, Kelly is deeply passionate about inspiring the next generation of women in technology and cybersecurity. “To promote gender equality and diversity in leadership positions, visibility is key to inspiring the next generation of women leaders,” she articulates. By sharing her own experiences and challenges, she hopes to empower young women to pursue careers in technology without hesitation.
Kelly recognises the importance of mentorship and the necessity for women to see role models within the industry. “If you can’t see it, you can’t be it,” she states, highlighting that representation is crucial for motivating aspiring female leaders. “It’s not just about seeing women at the top; it’s about visibility at various career stages,” she continues, emphasising the influence that early career mentors can have on younger generations.
Pictured, right, Ashling Cunningham, Anne Sheehan, Siobhan Noble, Kelly McKillen, Shreya Aggarwal and Adebola Olomo as part of the IMAGE x PwC Women in Tech series.
A hallmark of Kelly’s leadership philosophy is her commitment to continuous development, not only for herself but also for her team. “We spend a lot of time managing learning and development paths and helping team members navigate their careers,” she says. This dedication to personal and professional growth ensures that the team remains agile and ready to tackle emerging challenges in the fast-paced cybersecurity landscape.
Inspired by her own experiences, Kelly advocates creating internal pathways that allow employees to explore various roles within the organisation. “It’s vital that people don’t feel the need to leave the organisation to advance their careers,” she says. By providing opportunities for growth, she believes organisations foster loyalty and an enhanced workplace culture.
As a leader in what can be a stressful space, Kelly understands the importance of maintaining a balance between professional responsibilities and personal wellbeing. “For me, fitness is a major part of how I recharge,” she says. She does regular strength training and has a disciplined sleep schedule. “Being in bed by 10pm and waking up at 5.30am helps me start the day focused and ready to tackle challenges.”
Kelly also values spending quality time with family and friends. “I try to get out of Dublin as often as possible. Whether it’s visiting my parents or spending time with my twin sister’s family on their farm, it’s about taking time to refresh.” This, she says, enables her to return to her role with renewed energy and a clearer mindset.
Over the past 20 years, Kelly has experienced immense changes within the industry. “The industry has seen massive change, especially in how we approach technology in banking,” she says. As Kelly continues to inspire and lead, her insights and experiences will no doubt leave a lasting impact on the future of women in technology.
This article originally appeared in the IMAGE Autumn 2024 issue.
The “Women in Tech” series, sponsored by PwC, spotlights seven inspiring leaders who have carved out remarkable and diverse careers, while contributing to the advancement of Ireland’s technology scene and empowering other women to excel in the sector.
Credits for this photoshoot include – Photography: Barry McCall, Stylist: Sarah Rickard, Hair: Eva Kyne, Make-up: John Bowe, and Video: Dan Dunne.
Styling credits: Ashling Cunningham wears Italian crepe dress, And Tate, €850 at Emporium Kalu. Anne Sheehan wears jacquard dress, Natan, €939 at Emporium Kalu; velvet courts, Ted Baker, €135.95 at zalando.ie. Siobhan Noble wears satin pleated dress, Amsale, €1,050 at Emporium Kalu; leather courts, €65 at Marks & Spencer. Kelly McKillen wears pinstripe waistcoat, €129; and trousers, €139; both Whistles at Brown Thomas; cream boots, Dwrs, €149.99 at styledby.ie. Shreya Aggarwal wears fit and flare dress, Weekend Max Mara, €325 at Brown Thomas; suede courts, €65 at Marks & Spencer. Adebola Olomo wears blouse, Avn, €339 at Emporium Kalu; tapered trousers, €120 at Marks & Spencer.
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