- The former head of the Cybersecurity Office of Spain’s Department of National Security (2012–2021) will lead the cybersecurity division of Grupo Cuatroochenta
Sofistic, a multinational advanced cybersecurity company and part of Grupo Cuatroochenta, has appointed Mar López as its new CEO. This strategic move aims to drive the company’s next phase of global growth, reinforcing its presence in Spain and across the Americas, while deepening its commitment to cutting-edge cybersecurity research and strategy development.
With a strong presence in Spain, Panama, Colombia, Costa Rica, and the Dominican Republic, Sofistic has established itself as a strategic partner for governments and critical infrastructure organizations in both Europe and Latin America. Mar López, a native of Málaga, joins at a time when resilient, adaptive cybersecurity solutions are in high demand in an increasingly complex threat landscape.
López brings over 20 years of experience in cybersecurity and innovation, having held strategic public sector roles, including head of the Cybersecurity and Counter-Disinformation Office of Spain’s Department of National Security from 2012 to 2021. More recently, she served as Associate Director at Accenture, where she led strategic cybersecurity projects for the public and healthcare sectors.
Her professional excellence has been recognized with multiple civil, naval, and aerospace merit awards, as well as a Cyber Defense Medal. A frequent international speaker and respected figure in the cybersecurity field, López is also Vice President of Woman4Cyber Spain, a European association promoting and highlighting the role of women in cybersecurity, o-founder of the Women Cyber Leaders Forum of Andalusia, and Vice President of the Andalusia Cybersecurity Cluster, where she drives regional cooperation and ecosystem development. Through these platforms, she advocates for diversity in cybersecurity and works to break gender stereotypes in STEM disciplines.
With a track record defined by strategic vision, the ability to align technological innovation with the security needs of nations and major organizations, and a strong social commitment, Mar López embodies a new generation of cybersecurity leadership: technical, inclusive, and transformative.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Mar López to Sofistic,” said Alfredo R. Cebrián, CEO and co-founder of Cuatroochenta. Her experience leading the Department of National Security’s Office of Cybersecurity is not only impressive; it gives her a unique understanding of threats on a global scale, specifically facing critical infrastructure, which is precisely where our customers need us most.”
“A more secure digital future”
“I truly believe that the combination of technical talent and the commitment to research that sets the Sofistic team apart is the key to building a safer digital future. My responsibility, and also my motivation and commitment to this incredible team, is to harness that potential and expand our impact. I aspire for our clients and partners in the public and private sectors, in Europe and across the Americas, to see us as a strategic ally in defending against today’s threats and preparing for those of tomorrow,” explained López.
She added: “To me, and I’ve always said this, cybersecurity is much more than a tech specialization. It’s a mission that demands anticipation and strategic vision. Above all, it should be seen as a driver of innovation, sovereignty, and sustainable progress. A mission guided by values and purpose that are naturally embedded in Sofistic, as it’s part of its essence.”
Under López’s leadership, Sofistic plans to accelerate the expansion of its service portfolio, strengthen its strategic alliances, and invest heavily in R&D to maintain its position as a pioneer.