Ákos Kovács

Intro

Thank you for visiting my professional page!

As a technology leader, I'm passionate about empowering people and fostering company spirit as the keys to success!

In the past 5 years:

I led and scaled an IT company as Managing Director (MD) (70+ emps., €5M), driving leadership, technology transformation, and team growth. Proven ability to navigate crises (e.g.: Covid), and inspire colleagues.

I drove ISO27001 & SOC2 certifications and other IT / IS initiatives (e.g.: DORA, GDPR, AI) as Head of Compliance, fueling business growth.

I shaped company operations, it's IT strategy and managed country financials as Head of Operations & IT.

Earlier, throughout my career:

I have led teams and projects across IT & cybersecurity, software development, and IT support, overseeing initiatives with a budget of up to 1,5M$ and teams up to 50 employees in both direct and matrix structures. My experience also includes writing technology tenders, developing databases, web functionalities and CRM systems.

Whether you're looking for strategic / technology consulting or an experienced full-time leader in InfoTech and InfoSec, feel free to reach out to me!

Philosophy

People drive progress—it's leadership and technology that empower them to make it happen.

• Listen to people. Talk to people. People are the organization—and without them, there is no delivery. They may have good days and bad days, but open, honest, and transparent communication builds trust, understanding, and resilience. People want to be heard—and they notice when they aren’t. When we communicate clearly and truthfully, they reflect that. But when reality is bent and facts are sugar-coated, uncertainty and detachment begin to grow.
• Success is defined by the teams. Technology supports it. Cutting-edge tools can be powerful enablers—but they don’t stand on their own. It's a strong company culture and embraced mission that actually deliver results. With a clear, realistic vision, and the freedom to do their best work, teams can maximize any technology. But without great teams, even the best tools won’t solve fundamental challenges.
• If there’s a more effective way, do it. A better way is always worth exploring. Innovation often comes from questioning “how we’ve always done it.” That doesn’t mean change for the sake of change—but good ideas should be encouraged and challenged. Refusing to evolve means falling behind, especially if others are willing to move forward.
• Don’t fix what isn’t broken. Transforming operations carries risk—especially when done without context. Just because a method or technology is trending doesn’t mean it’s right for your team. If your delivery is working well, stay informed, but don’t feel pressured to overhaul what’s already effective. Stability has value.
• Avoid zero-sum leadership. “Giving with one hand and taking with the other” creates confusion and frustration. Local, short-term fixes that cause problems elsewhere aren’t real improvements—they just shift the burden. Cost-cutting that harms morale or performance comes at a long-term cost. A systems-level view can reveal more sustainable, positive solutions.

Consultancy

Compliance & Risk Consulting

I experienced and understand how challenging it can be to introduce and operationalize compliance frameworks—especially in fast-moving environments. Information security feels “abstract”; hard to “grab”, hard to start, and unclear what needs to be done—and who should take ownership. Once implemented, the question becumes—how will it be embedded in daily operations? All while clients and partners expect certifications and adherence to standards.

Whether it’s ISO, SOC, AI-related standards, or upcoming regulations like NIS2 and DORA, I’ve led compliance programs that not only met requirements but supported business growth—acquiring new leads and clients. My approach transforms regulatory pressure into structure, and long-term value—balancing the expectations of leadership, regulators, and customers alike.

Risk management | Certifications | Audit | Gap analysis | ISO - SOC - NIS - DORA | AI governance | Governance - risk - compliance (GRC) | Process - risk - controls (PRC) | Regulatory requirements | Information security | Cyber risk

Organizational Transformation & Leadership

Technology transformation and operational change require more than just plans—they demand trust, communication, and resilient teams, all anchored in strong leadership. Change brings uncertainty, so before taking any step, it’s essential to understand what employees are experiencing. This is especially true during ramp-up phases or in times of serious challenge, like restructuring or COVID.

Do employees understand your vision and mission? Do they have the opportunity to speak up? Are they involved and motivated?

When new, often cross-functional teams are formed or organizational shifts are introduced, people can feel confused or resistant—undermining the very goals of collaboration and productivity. To prevent this, it’s important to create a “safe harbour” where people can anchor themselves and engage with confidence.

I bring experience in leading cross-functional transformations, (re)building teams, and crafting internal communication strategies that align people with purpose. I work closely with leadership to uncover real challenges, offer actionable next steps, and build momentum—step by step. I believe success is always defined by people and teams—with technology there to support them.

Transformation | Ramp-up and scale | Vision - mission - communication transparency | Insourcing vs outsourcing | Horizontal vs vertical functions | OKRs and feedback | RACI and management | Rolling forecast vs budgeting | Cross-functional teams | Fusion center

full-time

I’m excited about the opportunity to engage in a full-time role where I can contribute strategically, operationally, and technically. I thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments and believe that empowering people and building strong team spirit are key to long-term success—especially in challenging times like COVID-19 or a high-inflation economy.

My background spans leadership, compliance, and technology transformation, but my core drive is always the same: creating clarity, boosting efficiency, and moving things forward. I take ownership, build bridges, and connect the dots across people and goals.

With roots in software engineering, I bring strong technical empathy—while genuinely enjoying working with people and engaging with clients.

I’m adaptable, resilient, and eager to be part of something meaningful over the long term.

Highlights & CV

With a diverse background in Information Technology and Information Security, I’ve held multiple leadership and technical roles—often in parallel. Here are five key highlights from my career:

• Strategic management: 5 years as Managing Director (MD), scaling and leading a legal entity to 70+ employees. 4 years as Head of Operations & IT, driving strategic planning and operational / technology transformation.
• Leadership & Delivery: 5+ years in technical leadership roles—including project and support teams—implementing Agile and ITIL frameworks, and acting as the First Point of Contact for clients.
• Security & Compliance: 6+ years in security-related roles, including Global Head of Compliance. Led ISO, SOC, and AI compliance initiatives—transforming regulatory requirements into business enablers—and managed both operational and regulatory risk.
• Cybersecurity: 4 years in cybersecurity leadership, managing a threat intelligence team, improving incident response, and strengthening cross-functional collaboration. Engaged with clients, representing the organization’s cyber mission.
• Technology & Engineering: 5 years in software engineering, including CRM development, PHP back-end systems, and database architecture.

Download my printable CV (PDF) for a concise overview of my background.

• PDF

For a complete overview of my professional background, please visit my LinkedIn profile.

• LinkedIn

Contact

• LinkedIn
• Facebook

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