The Birdling Appoints Advisory Board to Support Its Next Phase of Cybersecurity Growth
Singapore, 29th Apr 2026 – The Birdling, a cybersecurity company focused on threat intelligence and managed detection and response, announced the appointment of its Advisory Board to support the next phase of its growth. Selected through the Veblen Director Programme, the five advisors bring expertise across leadership, governance, finance, operations, risk and human-centred strategy. Their appointment will support The Birdling as it strengthens its role in helping organisations build more resilient digital defences across Africa.
“In the past seven years we have tried many things, succeeded at some and failed at some,” said Praise Chukwunonye, Founder of The Birdling. “That journey has shaped the business we are building today, and I am excited to welcome this Advisory Board as an important step at the beginning of our next great phase.”
Appointed Advisory Board Members
Swier Miedema – Chair of the Board, a leadership advisor with 25 years of consulting experience who works with CEOs and senior teams to improve decision-making, strengthen conversations and unlock greater organisational capacity. He brings particular value in helping leadership teams think more clearly and operate more effectively under pressure.
“I am pleased to support The Birdling as it enters this next stage of growth. Strong leadership thinking is essential when building resilient businesses in complex and fast-moving environments,” said Swier Miedema, Chair of the Board at The Birdling.
Muddasir Farooq – Board Advisor, a finance, governance and internal controls specialist with 17 years of experience across finance, treasury, risk and operational transformation. He brings a strong track record in improving decision-making, strengthening governance and aligning financial strategy with sustainable growth.
“The digital growth in Africa must be matched with strong cybersecurity. The Birdling is building the kind of resilient security infrastructure the continent needs, and I am honoured to be part of this journey,” said Muddasir Farooq, Board Advisor at The Birdling.
Mohamed Emam – Board Advisor, an experienced CEO, Managing Director and Board Member with more than 30 years of international leadership across FMCG, retail and hospitality. He brings expertise in business transformation, operational leadership, market expansion and building high-performing teams.
“I am excited to support The Birdling in strengthening robust cybersecurity protocols that can underpin digital growth across Africa,” said Mohamed Emam, Board Advisor at The Birdling.
Silvana Zoto – Board Advisor, an internal audit and risk leader with experience across Europe and Africa, specialising in regulatory compliance, governance, risk assessment and cross-functional leadership. She works closely with boards and executive teams to strengthen transparency, accountability and organisational resilience.
“I believe that with extensive experience in governance, risk management and cross-cultural leadership, I can support the board and the founder in aligning strategy, transparency and long-term impact,” said Silvana Zoto, Board Advisor at The Birdling.
Akanksha S Gulia – Board Advisor, a human-centred leadership advocate with cross-disciplinary experience spanning healthcare, digital and service design, retail, telecommunications and financial services. She brings a strong focus on empathy, authentic leadership and building cultures that support meaningful innovation.
“As Africa’s digital economy accelerates, cybersecurity is essential to protecting trust, inclusion and innovation. I am delighted to support The Birdling in building that capability,” said Akanksha S Gulia, Board Advisor at The Birdling.
The appointment of the Advisory Board marks an important step in The Birdling’s development as the company continues to strengthen its cybersecurity capabilities, expand its strategic foundations and support safer digital growth across Africa.
About The Birdling
The Birdling is a cybersecurity company specialising in threat intelligence and managed detection and response. Its current mission was shaped by years of hands-on experience in software development, operational challenges and direct exposure to cyber risk. Today, the company helps organisations build stronger protection through intelligence-led cybersecurity services designed for real-world threats.
Learn more at: www.thebirdling.com
About the Veblen Director Programme
The Veblen Director Programme empowers executives and professionals with the skills and knowledge to excel in board and advisory roles. Through training, education, and a global network of skilled board members, Veblen supports organisations in navigating complex challenges, driving sustainable growth, and building impactful leadership teams.
Learn more at: https://www.veblendirectors.com
For media enquiries, please contact: franzi@financialmedia.group
Company Details
Organization: Financial Media Group Ltd
Contact Person: Franziska Grobler
Website: https://www.financialmedia.group/
Email: Send Email
Contact Number: +6584555350
Address: 51 Goldhill Plaza
Address 2: #07-10/11
City: Singapore
State: — None —
Country: Singapore
Release Id: 29042644496