Cybersecurity specialist Kiru Pillay appointed Richfield IT dean

Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology has appointed cybersecurity and digital-transformation specialist Kiru Pillay as Dean of its Faculty of Information Technology.

Pillay took up the position on 1 October 2026 and will lead the faculty’s academic programmes, research, emerging-technology capabilities and industry partnerships.

He has more than 38 years of experience across the ICT sector, including work in industry, academia, research and government. His areas of expertise include cybersecurity governance, data sovereignty, artificial intelligence ethics, Internet of Things governance and digital public infrastructure.

The appointment comes as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and data technologies continue to reshape the skills expected of information technology graduates.

Experience in national cybersecurity

Pillay spent 10 years with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies, where he contributed to South Africa’s national cybersecurity mandate through the national Computer Security Incident Response Team.

He has also supported digital-transformation initiatives through the African Digital Transformation Centre.

His national and international work includes multistakeholder engagements involving the United Nations, African Union and Southern African Development Community. This work has covered areas such as secure digital ecosystems, cross-border data exchange and emerging technology governance.

Pillay is already familiar with Richfield, having lectured and supervised students in the institution’s Master of Business Administration programme since its first cohort in 2021.

Practical learning and emerging technologies

Pillay says his focus will be on combining strong academic foundations with practical experience and relevant research.

“My focus will be on developing a faculty that combines strong academic foundations with practical exposure, meaningful research, and opportunities for students to engage with the technologies shaping their professions,” he says.

“I look forward to working with colleagues, students, and industry partners to build on Richfield’s existing strengths.”

Richfield says the appointment forms part of its response to the changing skills needs of industry. The institution is placing greater emphasis on ensuring that its programmes remain connected to the technologies and workplace demands students will encounter after graduation.

Preparing students for a changing sector

Shireen Chengadu, Group Chief Academic Officer of Growth-Ten, says Pillay’s combination of academic, policy and ICT experience will support the development of the faculty and collaboration across disciplines.

“His leadership will support Richfield as we continue to develop programmes and learning environments that prepare students for the opportunities and demands of a changing technology landscape,” Chengadu says.

Pillay will also be responsible for strengthening partnerships intended to improve student learning and graduate outcomes.

His appointment places cybersecurity, data governance, AI ethics and practical technology exposure among the areas likely to shape the future direction of Richfield’s Faculty of Information Technology.