The Senior Executive Partner at Gartner is featured in the series 30 Stories: EXATEC EGADE Through the Years for her leadership in technology, her advocacy for diversity, and her commitment to mental health in the industry.
By INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL
Elvira Sánchez Chapa (MA’03, MMT’03) is a C-Suite executive with global leadership in technology and cybersecurity, recognised for her strategic vision, human-centred leadership, and her deep belief that technology must serve the collective well-being. She currently serves as a Senior Executive Partner at Gartner. She has been named to Expansión magazine's list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business in Mexico for five consecutive years.
With a background that includes a Master in Administration and a Master in Marketing from EGADE Business School, as well as a Ph.D. in Neurosciences, Elvira has built an exemplary career defined by innovation and social impact. She has lived and worked across the Americas, Europe, and Asia, leading digital and cybersecurity transformations at global companies such as DHL Express, where she served as Vice President of Information Technology (CIO), Chief Security Officer (CSO), and Data Protection Officer (DPO); at Siemens, as Chief Information Officer for Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean; and at ADM, where she was Chief Information Officer for Northern Latin America. She also held leadership roles as Chief Technology Director at PPG Industries, Regional IT Director at Monsanto, and CIO at Bonafont. Her career began as Group Manager at Procter & Gamble.
TECHNOLOGY WITH A HUMAN PURPOSE
A pioneer in technology leadership in Latin America, Elvira has paved the way for other women and minorities in traditionally male-dominated sectors. Her focus centres on cyber governance, inclusive leadership, and socially driven innovation.
Among her most impactful contributions is the founding of EstoyConTIgo.org, a nonprofit organisation that provides mental health support to technology and cybersecurity professionals, sectors known for high stress levels. “We can’t talk about success without talking about well-being. Mental health must be a priority in every industry,” she affirms.
Aware of the challenges in her field, she adds: “It’s essential to raise awareness about the secondary trauma faced daily by tech and cybersecurity professionals. They operate under intense stress and burnout.”
From her roles as an independent board member and executive advisor, she promotes an agenda centered on transparency, diversity, and resilience—convinced that inclusion is key to innovation and sustainable business growth. “My focus continues to be on promoting the representation of neurodivergent women and other minorities in leadership positions,” she notes.
THE EGADE LEGACY IN HER LEADERSHIP
Elvira acknowledges that her experience at EGADE Business School was transformative for both her professional and personal development: “EGADE redefined my leadership by instilling a scientific and adaptive mindset, essential for navigating cybersecurity and tech challenges in a constantly evolving environment.”
She also emphasises the importance of the values she gained: “My experience at EGADE strengthened my commitment to transparency, diversity, and inclusion. These values are now central to my work as a Chief Security Officer and board member.”
Thanks to that foundation, she has championed risk-based audits, cybersecurity-focused board committees, and programs to increase the representation of women and neurodivergent professionals on corporate boards. For her, digital transformation must go hand in hand with human transformation.
BUILDING THE FUTURE THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Looking ahead, Elvira stresses that businesses must embrace a purpose-driven digital transformation. “The future of business will be shaped by accelerated digital change and compliance with regulations like the SEC’s cybersecurity disclosure rules.”
She adds: “This is becoming increasingly relevant for boards of directors. As an independent board member in Audit and Technology Committees, topics like generative AI, digital transformation, and cybersecurity are growing in importance.”
For her contributions, she has received numerous awards, including CISO of the Year LATAM, Top 25 Women in Cybersecurity LATAM, Top 20 CSO LATAM, HITEC 50 Top Leaders Ibero-America, and Top 50 Women in Cybersecurity Latin America, among others.
With a career driven by purpose and impact, Elvira represents an inspiring example of transformational leadership—an EXATEC EGADE who has successfully combined knowledge, empathy, and vision to build a better future through technology.