Nicole Darden Ford is an accomplished cybersecurity executive, trusted thought leader, and transformational strategist with 20+ years of experience driving enterprise security, business enablement, and digital trust across global organizations.
Currently serving as Vice President, Customer Security Officer at Microsoft, Nicole leads the Global Customer Security Program, partnering with enterprise clients to address complex security and compliance challenges, shape innovative cybersecurity solutions, and strengthen trust in Microsoft’s platforms and technologies. Her role focuses on enabling secure digital transformation while navigating evolving threats and regulatory landscapes.
Nicole’s leadership spans critical industries, including manufacturing, retail, healthcare, technology, and government, with service in the U.S. Army. She has successfully guided Fortune 500 companies through large-scale security transformations and IPO readiness.
Prior to Microsoft, Nicole was Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Nordstrom, Rockwell Automation, and Carrier Global Corporation. At Nordstrom, she advanced cybersecurity resilience during a major transformation. At Rockwell, she led global security programs protecting enterprise IT assets while enabling business growth. At Carrier, Nicole built a cybersecurity program from the ground up and launched security-as-a-service initiatives that created new revenue streams and embedded security into product lines.
Recognized as a future-focused, results-driven executive, Nicole is known for designing and executing complex business strategies, building best-in-class cybersecurity programs, and developing high-performing, diverse teams. Her leadership aligns security with business goals, driving innovation while managing risk in highly regulated environments.
Her industry contributions have earned her top honors, including the CISO Connect Trailblazer Award, CSO50 Hall of Fame (2023), and multiple Top 100 CISO Awards.