Whit Chaiyabhat
Whit Chaiyabhat, CPP, MBCI, CEM, CBCP, serves as Vice President and Head of Global Security and Crisis Management at Takeda Pharmaceuticals, a top 10 global biopharmaceutical company operating in more than 80 countries. In this role, Whit leads the enterprise-wide strategy for security, crisis management, and resilience, protecting more than 50,000 employees and over 540 locations worldwide while enabling business continuity for a Fortune Global 500 organization.
Whit brings a rare combination of public-sector, private-sector, and academic experience, with a career that spans aerospace and defense, biopharma and healthcare, manufacturing, research, education, insurance, and management consulting. Prior to joining Takeda, he held senior security leadership roles at Raytheon Company and FM Global, where he helped shape enterprise risk, crisis response, and protective intelligence programs. He has also served in security leadership roles within higher education at Georgetown University, and in consulting capacities with firms including Booz Allen Hamilton, SAIC’s National Security Group, and Eagle Security Group.
A recognized innovator in the field, Whit has developed and led global security risk and crisis management programs for enterprises exceeding $30 billion in annual revenue, integrating advanced protective intelligence, data-driven risk analysis, and modern security technologies. His work consistently demonstrates how security functions can move beyond protection to become strategic enablers of operational resilience and business value.
Earlier in his career, Whit served as an FBI Security Specialist and Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, supporting national security missions and Continuity of Government (COG) programs. This foundation continues to inform his pragmatic, intelligence-led approach to risk, preparedness, and crisis leadership.
Whit is deeply engaged in advancing the profession. He is an active member of ASIS International, ATAP, ISMA, OSAC, and DSAC, and holds a voluntary appointment with The Conference Board’s Business Continuity and Crisis Management Council, where he contributes to cross-industry dialogue and best-practice development.
A lifelong learner, Whit holds multiple advanced degrees, including an M.Sc. in Systems Engineering (Crisis, Disaster and Risk Management) from The George Washington University, an M.Sc. in Applied Intelligence and Data Sciences from Mercyhurst University, and an M.A. in Security Management from Webster University. He also holds a Graduate Certificate in Crisis and Emergency Management from GWU and a B.S. in Occupational Safety and Health from Illinois State University and has completed executive programs at Northwestern University and MIT.
In addition to his executive responsibilities, Whit is a committed mentor and advisor, actively supporting peers and emerging leaders through industry councils and professional networks. He is widely respected for his ability to bridge strategy and execution, helping organizations navigate uncertainty while building durable, future-ready security and resilience programs.
Visionary Leaders are practitioners helping shape the future of corporate security. They move beyond traditional program management to expand security’s role as a strategic business function. Through innovation, leadership, and a willingness to share their experience, they contribute to the advancement of the profession. The Security Executive Council recognizes these leaders for their ongoing influence and engagement within the security community.
