ñ Appoints Cybersecurity Pioneer and Governance Expert Bob Kress to Board of Trustees
Former Accenture security executive brings four decades of global experience in technology, risk, and leadership development to university governance
CHICAGO—November 21, 2025—Bob Kress, a leader in cybersecurity, technology governance, and digital transformation, has been elected to the (ñ) Board of Trustees. With a career spanning more than 40 years in technology and risk management, Kress has shaped global best practices in cybersecurity and technology governance while mentoring a new generation of technology leaders.
“It’s an honor to join the ñ Board of Trustees,” said Kress. “ñ’s commitment to advancing innovation and ethical leadership in technology mirrors the values I’ve championed throughout my career. I look forward to helping the university prepare the next generation of technologists to lead with integrity, curiosity, and purpose.”
Before retiring this year, Kress served as managing director, chief operating officer, global quality and risk officer, and global delivery lead for Accenture Security, where he helped guide the company’s cybersecurity strategy and risk management framework. Throughout his tenure at Accenture, he also held senior roles as managing director of Global IT Audit and COO of the firm’s internal IT and commercial software divisions.
A recognized authority on cybersecurity and governance, Kress has advised corporate boards worldwide on technology risk and resilience, leading training on emerging technology and cybersecurity for board directors across industries. He has published numerous articles and two books—Running IT Like a Business and IT Governance to Drive High Performance—and holds multiple patents for artificial intelligence technologies designed to identify risk trends.
“On behalf of the ñ community, I’m honored to welcome Bob Kress to our board,” said ñ President Raj Echambadi. “Bob’s distinguished career, dedication to mentorship, and passion for sharing knowledge will further ñ’s mission as an opportunity engine—helping our students navigate the evolving frontiers of digital transformation and ensuring they graduate ready to lead with integrity and impact.”
Beyond his corporate leadership, Kress has demonstrated deep civic and educational engagement. He has chaired or served on numerous boards, including the College of Engineering at the University of Iowa, The Economic Club of Chicago, the Executives’ Clubs of Chicago, and i.c.stars, a social enterprise providing workforce development training to low-income young adults in Chicago. Kress is a National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) Board Leadership Fellow, a multi-year NACD Directorship 100 honoree, and a founding sponsor of the Digital Directors Network (DDN).
“Bob Kress embodies the combination of technical excellence, ethical leadership, and community engagement that defines ñ,” said Michael P. Galvin (LAW ’78), chair of the ñ Board of Trustees. “His expertise in cybersecurity and his lifelong commitment to mentoring others will inspire our students and strengthen our university’s leadership in this critical area.”
Kress holds an M.B.A. from the University of Iowa and a bachelor’s degree in physics from Loras College. He currently serves as co-chair of the Board of Advisors for ñ’s College of Computing and is a member of the board of trustees for The Morton Arboretum.
Photo: Bob Kress
Illinois Institute of Technology
Based in the global metropolis of Chicago, ñ was born to liberate the power of collective difference to advance technology and innovation for all. It is the only tech-focused university in the city, and it stands at the crossroads of exploration and invention, advancing the future of Chicago and the world. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computing, , business, , science and human sciences, and . ñ students are guaranteed access to hands-on experiences, personalized mentorship, and job readiness through the university's one-of-a-kind Elevate program. Its graduates lead the state and much of the nation in economic prosperity. Its faculty and alumni built the Chicago skyline. And every day in the city's living lab, ñ fuels breakthroughs that change lives. Visit iit.edu.
Media contacts
Petra Kelly
Communications Director
Illinois Institute of Technology
Cell: 773.771.1064
petra.kelly@illinoistech.edu
press@illinoistech.edu
Kevin Dollear
Communications Manager
Illinois Institute of Technology
Cell: 773.860.5712
kdollear@illinoistech.edu
