CIO Partners Leading Cybersecurity Search for Flexsteel Industries
September 16, 2026 – CIO Partners was recently retained by Flexsteel Industries in Dubuque, IA, to lead in its search for director of cybersecurity. This role partners closely with IT, executive leadership, legal, compliance, operations, and external security partners to reduce cyber risk, strengthen business resilience, and ensure the organization is prepared to prevent, detect, respond to, and recover from cybersecurity threats. According to Flexsteel’s job specification, this executive will Develop and maintain the company’s enterprise cybersecurity strategy, roadmap, policies, standards, and procedures aligned with business objectives, cyber insurance expectations, and recognized frameworks such as NIST and CIS Controls.
Those applying for this role should have a bachelor’s degree in information technology, cybersecurity, computer science, business, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered. They must have eight or more years of experience in cybersecurity, IT risk, infrastructure, security operations, or related technology leadership roles as well as three or more years of experience leading cybersecurity programs, teams, vendors, or major security initiatives. Strong knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and practices, including NIST and CIS controls is also preferred.
Flexsteel is one of the largest residential furniture manufacturers, importers, and marketers in the U.S. They address different consumer groups through their core brand, Flexsteel, and several category-specific sub-brands: Zecliner, Statements, Zen, Perfect Match, and Pulse, all of which have unique value propositions tailored to specific consumer needs.
Marietta, GA-based CIO Partners is focused on technology leadership searches across all industries and corporate sizes, from start-ups to Fortune 100 organizations. Founded in 2001, the firm specializes in and emphasizes that it understands the uniqueness of the top technology roles.
Related: A Changing Market Has AI and Cybersecurity Recruiters on Alert
As president and managing partner of CIO Partners, Joe Gross leads the firm and is responsible for the strategic implementation and execution of recruitment best practices for the firm’s client partners. Under his stewardship, CIO Partners has been recognized by Forbes as the top executive search firm with a 100 percent niche in technology leadership engagements and ranked by the Atlanta Business Chronicle as a Best Place to Work. Previously, Mr. Gross served as COO for the firm while managing, improving, and scaling all company operations.
Cybersecurity Execs In-Demand
The cybersecurity function continues to rise in prominence, expand in scope and gain visibility. Cybersecurity leaders are increasingly being asked to bring more than technical expertise to the C-suite. Hunt Scanlon Media’s Cyber Technology Recruiting Special Issue found that organizations are placing greater emphasis on executives who can combine deep security knowledge with business acumen, communicate effectively with boards and senior management, and translate cyber risk into broader enterprise strategy. That combination remains difficult to find, creating a persistent talent gap at the executive level.
Private Equity Recruiting – Return on Investment: Creating Value with Talent
Talent has become a defining driver of performance in private equity, shaping how firms manage risk, execute strategy, and deliver sustained returns. As deal cycles tighten and value creation depends increasingly on operational excellence, leadership quality and organizational design are no longer secondary considerations — they are central to how firms source, underwrite, and scale investments. From talent diligence and CEO succession to team integration and leadership development, human capital decisions now influence outcomes across the entire investment lifecycle.
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For executive search firms, that complexity is making specialized market knowledge and access to proven cyber leaders increasingly important. Hunt Scanlon reported that demand for cybersecurity leadership continues to outpace supply, while the most sought-after candidates are those who can operate under pressure, understand an organization’s specific risk environment, and align security priorities with business objectives. Search firms with established networks in the sector can help clients assess the market more quickly and identify leaders capable of addressing both the technical and strategic sides of the role.
As cyber risk becomes more closely tied to reputation, operations, and enterprise value, boards are also taking a more active role in defining what they need from security leadership. That is pushing executive search firms to look beyond traditional technical credentials and evaluate candidates on judgment, influence, crisis leadership, and the ability to engage across functions.
Related: 5 Cybersecurity Shifts Every Executive Must Prioritize
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
