CEO Insights Magazine

Ron Arbel’s career journey reflects his entrepreneurial spirit from a young age. Even as a child, says the people around him, his ambitions were clear: he wanted to build. To create something from nothing. As he matured, his focus shifted from childhood dreams to a deeper interest in blending business with technology. Growing up in Israel, surrounded by a thriving startup ecosystem, he was motivated to make his mark in this dynamic environment.

Ron’s path took a significant turn when he joined the Army, serving in the Cyber Defense unit. Over seven years, he gained valuable experience and discovered a strong affinity for cybersecurity. This period was crucial in shaping his career, revealing where his skills and interests truly lay.

After completing his military service, Ron took on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Cyberillium, a leading cybersecurity firm. In this position, he worked closely with his team to advance the company's goals and address the evolving challenges of the cybersecurity landscape. His role involved collaborating with top talent from Israel and abroad, focusing on building a team capable of tackling complex issues in cybersecurity.

Now, as Ron embarks on his next venture  - a new cybersecurity startup (Stealth) aimed at addressing the latest challenges in the field  - he reflects on his experiences and shares insights into his career and future plans.

In this interview, Ron shares insights into his career journey and how he climbed up the ladder.

What cybersecurity strategies did you focus on during your time as COO?

One of our main strategies at Cyberillium was to build a strong team. We focused on bringing together talented individuals with diverse expertise in cybersecurity. Success in this field often starts with having the right people on board. Both as a COO and as a CEO, the skill I am most proud of is persuading the right people to join me on the journey, even if they are currently in another position. Such a decision must be based on a shared vision and a great trust in what we are building and its potential.

We work diligently, often going above and beyond, to ensure that our team was well-equipped to handle the challenges we faced. These experiences are very helpful to me now, as I work toward building a similarly strong and dynamic team at our new company.

Can you describe your approach to leadership?

My leadership style is a very simple 2 steps method: Hire the right people and trust them.

A more “structured” leadership style will probably involve OKRs (Objectives and Key Results). Setting clear goals and tracking progress is important. I aim to define objectives clearly, prioritize tasks, and ensure that we stay organized and accountable. The same holds true for my job as COO and now that I am CEO of a cyber security company.

How did you keep up with industry trends?

Staying informed about industry developments is crucial, both as an entrepreneur and in my previous role as COO - we participated in key cyber security events and focused on continuous learning. Our team was committed to keeping up with new vulnerabilities, tools, and attack methods. This proactive approach helped us stay current with industry advancements.

What challenges did you face as a leader, and how did you address them?

One significant challenge was standing out in a competitive market. To address this, I concentrated on assembling a skilled team and continuously sought feedback to improve our performance. Despite being a relatively new company, we worked hard to understand and meet the needs of our clients and stay ahead of our competitors. Moving forward, these lessons help me navigate similar challenges, ensuring we deliver value and differentiate ourselves in the market.

What are your plans for your new venture?

As I transition to my new venture, my goal is to build a startup that addresses current challenges in cyber security. I aim to develop solutions that can compete with industry leaders, focusing on innovative approaches and leveraging a talented team. This new chapter will involve applying the lessons learned from my previous experiences to create a meaningful impact in the cyber security field. I'm excited about the potential to drive significant advancements and provide robust security solutions.

What’s your strategy to Community Engagement and Mentorship?

Beyond my professional endeavors, I’m dedicated to supporting the entrepreneurial community. I established Matzov's Entrepreneurs Forum in January 2022, a platform designed to connect emerging entrepreneurs with experienced Matzov alumni. The forum aims to provide mentorship and share knowledge, helping the next generation of innovators succeed. This initiative underscores the commitment to giving back to the community and fostering an environment of growth and support.

What advice would you offer to emerging leaders?

My advice is to stay grounded, be humble and open to feedback, especially from customers and partners. Understanding the market and being mindful of resources is essential. It’s also important to prioritize the quality of your team, as the right people are crucial to any venture’s success.

Ron Arbel, CEO, Stealth

Ron Arbel is a respected leader in cybersecurity, based in Tel Aviv, Israel. In 2024, Ron was selected for Forbes' prestigious 30 Under 30 list. With a background in both military and private sector roles, Ron has contributed significantly to the field. As he builds his next venture, he draws on his extensive experience to drive forward new initiatives and continue making a positive impact in cybersecurity.