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Businesses Appoint Chief Trust Officers to Tackle Cybersecurity and Data Threats
5 Sep
Summary
- More companies are appointing Chief Trust Officers to address data protection and digital security
- Responsibilities include warding off hackers and setting protocols for AI and data usage
- Trust remains a major concern, with no industry receiving a "high trust" ranking above 50%
In the face of growing cybersecurity threats and digital fraud, companies are increasingly appointing Chief Trust Officers (CTrOs) to their senior leadership teams. As of September 2025, organizations like Salesforce, Airbnb, and Orange Business have brought on CTrOs to focus on data protection and digital safeguards.
These executives are responsible for a range of tasks, from warding off hackers to setting protocols around the use of artificial intelligence and customer data. According to Salesforce's CTrO Brad Arkin, customers now expect "ethical innovation, responsible AI, real accountability and to know their data is protected." The appointment of dedicated trust officers marks a recognition that trust has become a critical priority for businesses.
However, earning and maintaining that trust remains a significant challenge. A recent survey by aerospace group Thales found that no industry received a "high trust" ranking of more than 50% from consumers when it came to handling personal data. "Trust remains the cornerstone of digital interactions, yet its foundations are increasingly fragile," says Thales' Danny de Vreeze.
The CTrO role is still relatively new, with most current trust officers coming from backgrounds in cybersecurity, compliance, or AI governance. But as more organizations grapple with trust-related issues, experts predict the demand for this position will continue to grow, especially in sectors deploying AI or handling large amounts of personal data.
