Pieter Van der Merwe

Observer
DISC Type : ci

Chief Security and Risk Officer at Optus

Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Overview

Pieter is the Chief Security and Risk Officer at Optus, with extensive experience leading security for major organizations, including a decade at Woolworths Group. He holds a Master of Science from the University of Pretoria. Colleagues describe him as trustworthy, knowledgeable, and a results-focused leader passionate about safeguarding customer data.

Outside of his direct professional duties, Pieter has a keen interest in staying informed on global business trends and current events, following publications such as the Harvard Business Review and TIME. He is also dedicated to enhancing cybersecurity collaboration across the retail and hospitality sectors.

He co-authored a publication on the security of mobile commerce over GSM networks from a banking perspective.

Personality Overview

Example Seeker

Assertive

Value Driven

They are generally strong communicators and are not easy to convince.  They often ask many questions and rely heavily on information and documentation. They can sound friendly and charming but can quickly change gears to become inquisitive and probing.

Topics They Care About

Cybersecurity Leadership
Serves as Chief Security and Risk Officer at Optus, and previously held CISO and CSO roles at Woolworths Group for over ten years.
Retail & Telco Security
Combines deep experience from leading security at Woolworths with his current role at Optus, and serves as Vice Chair for the Retail & Hospitality ISAC in the APAC region.
Data Protection
His roles consistently focus on leading programs in privacy, data protection, and governance for organizations trusted by millions of customers.

Media Appearances

Optus appoints Pieter van der Merwe as Chief Security & Risk Officer. Featured in TelcoNews

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Woolworths' CSO is Optus‑bound. Featured in iTnews

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Work History

12-2025
Chief Security and Risk Officer at Optus
2-2025
Board Member and Vice Chair, APAC Region at Retail & Hospitality ISAC
7-2022 - 11-2025
Chief Security Officer at Woolworths Group
5-2015 - 7-2022
Chief Information Security Officer at Woolworths Group
1-2022 - 11-2025
Non Executive Director at Woolworths Team Bank

Education

2001 - 2004
Masters of Science (Electronics) from University of Pretoria
2001 - 2002
Bachelors of Science (Honours) from University of Pretoria

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 25 Location : Sydney, New South Wales, Australia Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Security and Risk Officer at Optus
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Insights For Selling To Pieter

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Help them understand the risk aspect fully while inspiring confidence
  • Be prepared for a lot of questions, answer them objectively
  • Focus on immediate action-items rather than the larger goals

DONT's

  • Don’t brush off any concerns, take all questions seriously
  • Don’t try to rush them into a decision, provide all necessary information first
  • Avoid making offhand commitments

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Pieter is

  • Clear proof of product value matters to them, followed by others' testimonials and rapport.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Pieter

  • They are practical yet friendly, don’t expect a clear no very often.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Pieter move?

  • They like to analyze well and can take their time to reach any decisions.
  • Can Pieter take some risk or not?

  • They systematically evaluate all decisions and are unlikely to take many risks.

You And Pieter

Personality Compatibility


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