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Why AI-native apps require a new approach to application security
AI-Native Security Demands New Playbooks, Cloud and Server Prices Rise, CIO Leadership Expands Across the Enterprise
Zack Tembi
March 17, 2026
AI-Native App Security in the Agent Era, Nick Reva Expands Global Security Leadership, Enterprise AI Infrastructure Race Intensifies
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Welcome to this week’s edition of CIOsurge!
This week:
I joined Dr. Kenneth “KJ” Johnson on the Secured with Dr. KJ podcast to unpack why AI-native applications demand a new approach to security, from identity-centric observability to embedding security directly inside engineering teams.
CIOsurge member Nick Reva, known for security leadership at SpaceX, Snap, and DoorDash, has stepped into a global security engineering role across Deliveroo, DoorDash, and Wolt and is hiring across multiple security and privacy roles.
At the same time, the broader AI infrastructure race continues to accelerate as hyperscalers, chipmakers, and enterprise vendors compete to capture the next wave of enterprise AI spending.
Let’s make this week a game-changer.
Stay sharp. Stay ahead.
Why AI-native apps require a new approach to application security
I recently joined Dr. Kenneth “KJ” Johnson on the Secured with Dr. KJ podcast for an episode titled “App Security in the Age of AI.” In this 20‑minute conversation, I unpack how AI-accelerated development, autonomous agents, and identity threats are reshaping application security, and why legacy monitoring tools are no longer enough for modern AI-powered apps.
Listeners will hear why owning your data, embedding security directly into engineering teams, and rethinking observability around identities and agents are becoming strategic imperatives for CIOs, CISOs, and engineering leaders. If you’re building or defending AI-native applications and want a pragmatic view from both an operator and investor, this episode is a fast, high-signal listen.
Global Security Roles Under Nick Reva’s Leadership
CIOsurge member Nick Reva, known for security leadership at SpaceX, Snap, and DoorDash, has stepped into a new role as Global Security Engineering Director for Deliveroo, DoorDash, and Wolt.
His team is hiring 12 global roles in H1 across software, privacy, and security engineering, plus TPM and management.
Explore openings:
- Zack Tembi
🗞️ At A Glance
💡 CIO Spotlights
AGCO taps Jena Holtberg-Benge to lead global digital strategy
AGCO named Jena Holtberg-Benge chief digital and information officer, expanding her role from leading aftersales parts to overseeing global IT and digital strategy.
Holtberg-Benge previously drove initiatives to expand parts availability and scale digital and AI capabilities across AGCO’s dealer network.
As CDIO, she will lead cybersecurity, data, and enterprise platforms supporting AGCO’s broader push into digital agriculture.
Markel taps Phil Jones as CIO to steer international tech strategy
Markel appointed Phil Jones as CIO for International Operations, tasking him with leading technology strategy across its global insurance platform.
Jones, formerly global CIO at Aspen Insurance, has led cloud transformation, cybersecurity initiatives, and large-scale IT operations.
Based in London, he will focus on operational resilience, stronger data alignment with business teams, and modernizing Markel’s international tech infrastructure.
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