Former Gartner research VP, identity, cryptography and cybersecurity visionary, Mr. Mahdi is an industry recognized pioneer. David has helped large organizations tackle digital transformation projects that included digital identity, IoT security, and early stage blockchain efforts; guided organizations to build internal cryptography teams, such as the cryptography center of excellence; and consulted through IPOs, raising capital, and M&A, among many other contributions. A top performing analyst, his depth and breadth of coverage made him one of the most demanded industry analysts for clients around the globe. As a market maker, David was instrumental in creating markets and definitions for areas such as: Decentralized identity, Bring Your own identity (BYOI), passwordless authentication, Machine Identity management, and privacy enhanced computation. In his current role of chief strategy officer (CSO) and CISO advisor at Sectigo, David leads the company’s overall strategy, direction, and M&A efforts to expand its leadership in the digital trust space. David holds several board advisory positions for non-profits, and established technology providers in the areas of digital and decentralized Identity, post-quantum cryptography, cybersecurity awareness, and blockchain/NFTs.