IT security specialist NTT Com Security (formerly Integralis) has announced the appointment of John Theobald to the newly created role of global chief information security officer (CISO).
In the new role Theobald (pictured) will drive the information security agenda for NTT Com Security in what the firm describes as “a constantly evolving threat landscape.”
Most recently, Theobald was a managing consultant in the UK Information Security Practice at NTT Com Security, which provides managed security, consulting and technology services under the company’s WideAngle brand. He built and managed a portfolio of global blue-chip customers, including Jaguar Land Rover, where he adopted the role of interim CISO.
Theobald has also previously held senior roles at Bupa and RBS. He was also global head of information risk at Barclay’s Bank.
Theobald believes the role of CISO is more important than ever: “Security is no longer an IT issue, but a business one and needs to be managed at the most senior level of the business,” he explains.
“Working with global customers, we recommend that the role of CISO is a business-led one and not a technology one, which requires very different management and communication skills. It’s about understanding the impact to the business in terms of information risk not just operational risk, but it’s also about being able to communicate with all levels of the organisation from the top down.”
Tetsuo Someya, chief business development officer and chief governance officer ay NTT Com Security, comments: “We’re delighted to appoint John to this new role. As an information security and risk management specialist, we recognise the importance of such a senior role within our own business and how this reflects on our clients. It also reaffirms our strong commitment to our own information security.”
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