Provident Bank, a prominent New Jersey-based financial institution, has announced the appointment of Vivin Varghese as its new Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer (CISO). Varghese brings a wealth of experience to this critical role, having spent over 16 years dedicated to the field of information security.
In this newly appointed position, Varghese will be responsible for providing strategic vision, leadership, and oversight for all aspects of the bank’s information and cybersecurity policies, procedures, and practices. His expertise will be instrumental in ensuring the robust protection of Provident Bank’s data and systems, as well as those of its subsidiaries.
Varghese will work closely with the bank’s Executive Leadership Team and staff, offering guidance on the implementation and adherence to information security standards. He will also play a crucial role in developing plans within business units to effectively manage risks, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental aspects of business objectives in relation to security measures.
Ravi Vakacherla, Executive Vice President and Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, expressed his enthusiasm about Varghese’s appointment, highlighting his impressive background in Security Engineering, Security Operations, Identity Governance and Assurance (IGA), and Governance Risk and Compliance (GRC) functions.
Prior to joining Provident Bank, Varghese served as CISO of Customers Bank, where he held broad responsibility for digital and physical security, including business continuity, incident response, threat intelligence, and third-party risk management. Before that, he held the position of Information Technology Manager at the University of Pennsylvania.
Varghese holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Management Information Systems from Drexel University. He has been recognized for his accomplishments in the field, earning a place among the 2023 ONCON Top 100 Information Security Professionals and receiving the InfoSec Skills Development Award.
Provident Bank, founded in Jersey City in 1839, is the oldest community-focused financial institution in New Jersey. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of Provident Financial Services, Inc. (PFS). With assets exceeding $24.07 billion as of June 30, 2024, Provident Bank offers a wide range of customized financial solutions for businesses and consumers. These solutions are conveniently accessible through its network of 140 branches across New Jersey, parts of New York and Pennsylvania, and through mobile and online banking platforms, as well as its customer contact center.
Provident Bank also provides fiduciary and wealth management services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Beacon Trust Company, and insurance services through its wholly owned subsidiary, Provident Protection Plus, Inc.
