In the dynamic world of finance and cybersecurity, few individuals stand out as prominently as Deven Sharma. Born in 1956 in Jharkhand, India, Sharma’s journey is a testament to resilience, innovation, and leadership.
Early Life and Education of Deven Sharma: A Foundation for Success
Deven Sharma’s educational journey began at De Nobili School in Digwadih, Dhanbad, shaping the foundation for his future endeavors. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from the prestigious Birla Institute of Technology in Ranchi, India, before venturing abroad for higher studies.
A Master’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and a Doctoral degree in Business Management from Ohio State University further enriched his knowledge and expertise.
Ascending Heights: Career at Standard & Poor’s
In August 2007, Deven Sharma assumed the role of President at Standard & Poor’s (S&P), a position that would thrust him into the limelight. His tenure coincided with the global financial crisis, and in August 2011, he announced his departure from the role of president.
Notably, Sharma faced intense scrutiny and criticism following S&P’s decision to downgrade the United States’ credit rating from AAA to AA+.
In response to the backlash, Sharma defended S&P’s decision, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to objective risk assessment with transparency. He highlighted the role of rising debt levels and the intricate process of resolving economic challenges in shaping S&P’s evaluation.
Lessons Learned and Commitment to Reform
Acknowledging S&P’s role in the sub-prime mortgage crisis, Sharma openly admitted mistakes and outlined the organization’s commitment to reform. He emphasized the severity of housing declines exceeding forecasts, leading to significant changes in checks and balances within S&P. Sharma’s commitment to the reform process showcased his dedication to maintaining the integrity and reliability of credit ratings.
A New Chapter: Cybersecurity and Board Appointments
Fast forward to August 2, 2021, and Deven Sharma’s narrative takes a turn towards cybersecurity. SecurityScorecard, a global leader in cybersecurity ratings, announced Sharma’s appointment to its Board of Directors as an independent director.
Having previously served in the company’s Advisory Board, Sharma’s wealth of experience in risk assessment and information industry leadership positioned him as a valuable asset to SecurityScorecard.
Vision for the Future: Embracing Cyber Risk Intelligence
In his role at Security Scorecard, Sharma expressed enthusiasm for the company’s potential to enhance transparency and instill confidence in digital interactions globally. He emphasized the dynamic nature of cyber threats and the need for organizations to transact with transparency, trust, and confidence.
Diverse Engagements and Investments
Beyond his roles at Standard & Poor’s and SecurityScorecard, Deven Sharma’s professional journey includes diverse engagements and investments. He serves as the Chair of Roc360 Advisory Board, focusing on Fintech in Real Estate Backed Lending and Insurance.
Additionally, he is an independent director on the board of Sphera Solutions, an Environmental Health and Risk Technology Company.
Continued Impact: A Multifaceted Leader
Dr. Deven Sharma’s multifaceted leadership extends beyond corporate boardrooms. As a research fellow of the Connection Science @MIT Media Lab, he contributes to pioneering technology research in social physics, data trust, security, and human engagement with AI & Blockchain.
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