“Heather is an expert security strategist who brings a wealth of experience building results-driven cybersecurity programs for start-ups, small businesses, and Fortune 100 companies alike,” said Randy Kern, Chief Technology Officer of Marqeta. “As Marqeta expands its embedded finance capabilities into new territories, Heather will define and execute transformative strategies to ensure the continued protection of our customers, employees, partners, and stakeholders.”

Gantt-Evans joins Marqeta from SailPoint, a leading identity security software provider, where she served as the CISO and was responsible for designing the company’s cybersecurity strategy and implementing methods to reduce business and product risk. Before SailPoint, she led security operations and cyber resilience for The Home Depot, and spent five years consulting Fortune 100 companies with Ernst & Young, sparking her interest in financial services. Gantt-Evans is also a US Army Reserves veteran, having served as an all-source threat intelligence analyst while supporting the Air Force Cyber Command, focusing on cyber threat intelligence and cyber fusion operations. Additionally, Gantt-Evans lends her expertise to multiple advisory boards and serves as the chairperson of Envision Radiology’s cybersecurity committee. In 2021, she was recognized as a Top Cybersecurity Leader by Security Magazine.

Marqeta appoints Gantt-Evans during a time of global growth. Marqeta is certified in over 40 countries worldwide, most recently having entered the Brazilian market. As it continues to expand, Gantt-Evans will be responsible for securing business operations and payment data, including sensitive personally identifiable information (PII), for Marqeta, its customers, and employees.

“I’m thrilled for the opportunity to join Marqeta and lead transformative security programs that effectively reduce and manage risk. I immediately saw the value of our product and how it’s enabling our customers to develop innovative and embedded finance experiences,” said Gantt-Evans. “As we grow, I’m excited to lead an exceptional team in delivering scalable security strategies that protect what matters most from the evolving threat landscape while enabling the business and our customers.”