Alexander Niejelow is the CEO of Hilco Global Cyber Advisors. He brings extensive expertise in cybersecurity, financial technology, and digital policy from a career that spans leadership roles in the private sector and government.
Before joining Hilco Global Cyber Advisors, Alex served as Deputy Superintendent for Innovation Policy at the New York Department of Financial Services. In this role, he led the agency’s efforts on a broad portfolio of issues from artificial intelligence in financial services and insurance to emerging fintech products and technologies.
Previously, Alex was the Senior Vice President for Cybersecurity Coordination and Advocacy at Mastercard, responsible for coordinating cybersecurity matters across Mastercard’s business units and departments, as well as the company’s global safety, security, and technology advocacy efforts. He joined Mastercard as the Senior Vice President for Public Policy and Data Protection where he was responsible for policy efforts in the areas of cybersecurity and global data management and led the company’s industry partnerships on technology policy issues.
Before joining Mastercard, Alex served as Director of Cybersecurity Policy on the National Security Council at the White House, where he played a critical role in advancing national cybersecurity, technology, and trade policy. He also served as Chief of Staff to the U.S. Intellectual Property Enforcement Coordinator, where he helped lead the U.S. Government’s efforts in intellectual property policy and enforcement. Earlier in his public service career, Alex was Counselor and Senior Advisor to the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection. In this role, he worked extensively on international trade policy, global supply chain security, and border operations.
Alex began his career in the litigation department at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. He holds a JD from the University of Pennsylvania Law School and a BA in Political Science from Duke University.
Throughout his career, Alex has held numerous board and advisory roles. He currently serves on the Board of the Center for Cybersecurity Policy and Law and the Digital Innovation Advisory Board of Blue Star Families, the largest U.S. military and veteran family support organization. He previously served as Chair of the Executive Board of the CyberPeace Institute, a global NGO focused on protecting vulnerable populations in the digital space, and as President of the Coalition to Reduce Cyber Risk, a multi-sector, multi-national coalition partnering with governments globally to increase the utilization of risk-based approaches to technology and cybersecurity.