Chris Merkel

Chris Merkel is an experienced cybersecurity professional with a robust background in information security leadership. Currently serving as Senior Director of Cybersecurity Operations at Northwestern Mutual since November 2017, Chris has previously held significant roles, including Director of Information Security at Brunswick Corporation, where responsibilities included steering the cybersecurity strategy and integrating security into operational processes. Prior to that, Chris served as IT Security and Compliance Manager at Mercury Marine, improving supplier risk management and streamlining compliance programs. Chris's career began at Geo-Synthetics, Inc. as IT Manager, and earlier at Inet Computers, focusing on IT design and support for small businesses. Chris holds a BBA in Business Administration from the Lubar College of Business, completed between 1998 and 2003.