Accenture Federal hires cybersecurity expert Ira Hunt from CIA

Ira “Gus” Hunt, who most recently worked for the US Central Intelligence Agency as Chief Technology Officer, has joined Accenture Federal Services as its new Managing Director and lead of its Cybersecurity practice. Hunt brings considerable cyber security experience to the firm, in a time of increasing concern surrounding information access and privacy.

As more and more information is digitalised, and leveraged for value, cyber security risks to businesses continue to rise. Last year, according to one report, total costs from cyber security events hit an estimated $400 billion as more than 500,000 events per day were recorded. Consultancy firms have been quick to launch new business lines and buy up expertise to profit from growing numbers of businesses seeking solutions.

Accenture’s announcement sees Ira “Gus” Hunt, one of the top cyber security experts from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), join the its public sector arm ('Accenture Federal Services’) as its new Managing Director and lead of its Cybersecurity practice. Hunt retired in 2013 from the role of Chief Technology Officer at the Agency, to run his own business Hunt Technology. Hunt’s career spans more than 28 years at the CIA, most recently, since 2009, as the Chief Technology Officer for the Chief Information Officer at the CIA – responsible for setting the strategy and implementation of new technologies to assist the agency’s mission.

Earlier, from 2005, he was a Director of Applications Services for CIA. Hunt joined the government body in 1985 as an Analyst, after seven years in the private sector as an Aerospace Engineer, rising through the ranks in the intervening period in technology and strategy related positions. Hunt holds a Master of Engineering in Civil and Structural Engineering from Vanderbilt University.

In the new high level role, Hunt will be responsible for the practice’s support of the firm’s clients, by offering a range of portfolio services, from strategic consulting and data-centric security technologies to operational security and incident response.

Kelly Bissell, Head of Security at Accenture, says, “Gus is a forward-thinking executive with vast knowledge and experience identifying up-and-coming technology innovations. Tapping into our industry-specific security solutions and global resources, he will help our federal clients build resilience from the inside-out so they can operate confidently in a rapidly evolving threat landscape. We welcome Gus to Accenture and look forward to his valuable contributions.”

David Moskovitz, Chief Executive for Accenture Federal Services, says, “We are excited that Gus has joined our team, as his expertise can help our federal clients identify new approaches to better safeguard their agencies. He brings the experience, vision and passion to help our clients better understand their highest-value assets, address their threats and vulnerabilities, and effectively protect themselves within their budget and technology constraints.”

Hunt himself says he is “looking forward” to helping federal agencies meet their cyber needs, adding that Accenture is “uniquely positioned to help federal agencies plan, design, deliver and operate their systems more securely.”

Last month Accenture Federal Services boosted its cybersecurity capabilities with the acquisition of Virginia-based Defense Point Security (DPS) for an undisclosed sum.