Fortellar
Abstract curved building against a blue sky

Where Innovation Meets Execution

Fortellar was founded by industry veterans who saw too many great security strategies fail due to a lack of practical, integrated execution. We built the consultancy we always wished we could hire.

Our North Star

Our Mission is Your Resilience

To empower organizations in regulated industries to innovate securely by bridging the gap between Security, Technology, and Compliance. We deliver tangible, measurable outcomes, not just recommendations.

Our Foundation

The Fortellar Difference

A brilliant strategy is useless if it can't be executed. At many consultancies, the engagement ends with a strategy document; at Fortellar, that's where the real work begins. We built our entire firm around three core principles that drive every decision we make.

We Own the Outcome, Not Just the Project

Our success is tied directly to yours. Most consultancies deliver a plan and walk away; we see that as only half the job. We take accountability for the end result, embedding with your team to see projects through to completion and beyond, ensuring the solutions we build deliver measurable, sustainable value.

We Are Practitioners, Not Career Consultants

Our advice isn't theoretical; it's battle-tested. Our founders are former CIOs and CISOs who have lived your challenges. We don't deliver “ivory tower” strategies — our guidance is always grounded in what is practical and achievable, and we operate as a transparent extension of your team, focused only on your success.

Execution Is Our Strategy

We bridge the gap between planning and reality with our Unified Execution Model. Blending C-level strategic insight with deep, hands-on technical expertise, we don't just solve problems on paper — we build the sustainable, automated systems that translate your plans directly into action.

Meet the Founders

Leadership with Real-World Experience

The Fortellar philosophy wasn't born in a boardroom; it was forged through decades of hands-on experience leading technology, security, and operations from the inside. Our founders have served as CIOs and CISOs, responsible for navigating the very same regulatory pressures and business challenges our clients face today. This deep, first-hand understanding of the regulated landscape is why we don't just offer advice, we deliver practical, battle-tested outcomes.

Anuj Gupta

Anuj Gupta

Co-Founder · Head of Strategy & Delivery

As Co-Founder, Anuj is the architect of Fortellar's execution-focused delivery model. He specializes in translating complex business strategy into tangible, automated solutions across cybersecurity, cloud, and compliance. With over 25 years of experience advising organizations in highly regulated sectors, Anuj excels at bridging the gap between technical teams and business leaders to create unified, efficient operations.

His leadership is rooted in a “listen first” philosophy, ensuring that every engagement is tailored to the client's unique goals and constraints. Anuj's mission is to simplify complexity and build the practical, measurable roadmaps that empower clients to innovate safely and with confidence.

Asif Malik

Asif Malik

Co-Founder · Head of Technology & Security

As a former CIO and CISO, Asif brings a powerful executive perspective to every client engagement. He excels at aligning advanced technology, from AI to cybersecurity, with the practical realities of business goals, regulatory demands, and financial governance. For over 30 years, Asif has led digital modernization and security transformation from within complex, regulated organizations.

He understands the pressures that leaders face from the board, auditors, and business units alike. Asif's leadership philosophy centers on turning bold vision into practical outcomes, building the resilient cultures and high-performing teams needed for lasting impact. His goal is to help businesses thrive by building smarter, more secure futures through strategic, battle-tested leadership.

The Team

The People Behind the Work

Practitioners across security, cloud, product, sales, and people operations, each bringing decades of experience from inside the regulated organizations we serve.

Hasan

Hasan

VP of Technology & Security

Hasan is a seasoned cyber security and infrastructure leader with 20+ years of global experience across cloud operations, regulatory compliance, data protection, and secure system architecture. He has led large-scale cloud migrations and implemented security frameworks including HITRUST, NIST, and PCI-DSS for government agencies, startups, and Fortune 500 companies.

He works closely with clients to shape technology strategy and roadmaps. Hasan helps organizations build cloud governance and security programs that stand up to real-world threats while enabling internal teams to move quickly and build with confidence.

Cristin

Cristin

VP of Product & Marketing

Cristin brings 15+ years of experience building products that solve real problems. She's led teams across startups and Fortune 500s in both B2B and B2C, shaping SaaS platforms, cloud-based products, and mobile apps.

She's a strategic product leader who stays focused on the “why” behind every roadmap. Cristin excels at turning complex technical needs into user-centered products that deliver real business value.

She partners closely with clients and delivery teams to ensure what we build not only meets immediate needs, but helps move their business forward.

Shari

Shari

Head of Growth

As Director of Sales, Shari leads Fortellar's client engagement strategy with 17+ years of experience in business development across healthcare, financial services, and insurance. She specializes in aligning C-suite goals with practical technical solutions through a consultative, listen-first approach—ensuring every client engagement is tailored to their unique regulatory and security needs.

Known for her trusted advisor mindset, Shari builds lasting partnerships by helping clients navigate complex challenges, connecting them with the right expertise, and ensuring Fortellar remains a proactive partner from strategy through execution.

Taryn

Taryn

VP of People & Operations

Taryn has over 20 years of experience working with organizations in all areas of organizational development and talent. She is an accomplished and results-driven organizational development and people leader with a diverse range of experiences with companies including global Fortune 500 to VC-backed startups.

Taryn has a proven track record of delivering exceptional results in organizational effectiveness, M&A, and talent domains. She is passionate about employing data and analytics to identify trends and drive meaningful business results.

Our Global Footprint

Here for You, Wherever You Are

While our primary hubs anchor the coasts and the middle of the country, our footprint extends coast-to-coast and overseas with team members in Spain, the UAE, and India.

Austin Chicago South Bend Tampa
Map of Fortellar locations across the United States plus Bilbao, Spain; Dubai, UAE; and Mumbai, India

Ready to Partner with Experts in Execution?

Our founders built Fortellar to be the partner they always wished they had. Let's discuss how our real-world experience can transform your security, compliance, and technology programs.

Schedule a consultation