Grant Thornton appoints new cyber security consulting leader

As Grant Thornton works to attract new business in the cyber security consulting field, it has appointed a new leader for its cyber security wing. Former BAE Systems expert James Arthur will work to help the firm tap into growing anxiety surrounding a heightened number of hacks on businesses in recent years.

Cybercrime has continued to be a key area of concern for people, businesses and governments across the globe. Large scale attacks, such as the recent WannaCry ransom attack, which compromised patient data in the UK’s NHS, while costing companies billions in lost business and creating additional long-term negative effects on share price. Total costs from cyberattacks last year hit an estimated $400 billion, while for businesses globally the figure came in at an estimated $280 billion.

In recent years efforts have begun to arise to tackle key issues in cyber security, focused on, among others, reducing incidents by better training staff – implicated in most incidents – as well as creating new, and often prevention, focused insurance policies. The consulting industry, too, has become increasingly interested in the landscape, launching a range of initiatives, including PwC and Capgemini, to support companies deal with incidents and bolster their respective defences.

In 2017, Grant Thornton ramped up its own efforts to boost cyber security business, launching DataCheckPoint, a new data and cyber security audit service, in partnership with international law firm Lewis Silkin. The two professional services firms have a long-standing relationship in the realm of advisory and cyber security – building on the experience they have decided to join forces and bundle their expertise.

Now, as the UK’s fifth largest auditing and consulting firm bids to further improve its outcomes in the service line, Grant Thornton has announced the appointment of a new cyber security leader. James Arthur, who joins as a Partner at the firm, has more than 20 years’ experience in cyber security. Arthur recently acted as an interim Chief Information Security Officer at JAGA Consulting, focusing on a project aimed at protecting Critical National Infrastructure in the UK. Prior to this, Arthur has previously worked with global top ten cyber security consultancy BAE Systems, spending 13 years with the firm’s Applied Intelligence division, and becoming Technical Director in the Middle East. He was also an executive manager at Digital Barriers, where he spent more than three years.

Commenting on his appointment, James Arthur said, “I am delighted to join Grant Thornton and am looking forward to building on the strong existing cyber capability with new complementary services that will give our clients innovative ways to respond to growing cyber threats impacting the way they do business. Finding the right people and services to protect businesses from the current and future threats to cyber security is proving a considerable challenge. Now, more than ever, it is vital that businesses have the correct management and preventative measures in place to reduce their cyber risk profiles.”

Sacha Romanovitch, CEO, added, “A key element of shaping a vibrant economy is building trust and integrity in markets. The threats posed by cyber-crime and the need for businesses of all sizes to protect themselves and their clients are increasing all the time. James’ appointment brings great insight and expertise into how we continue to grow this key area to support our clients. I’ve been incredibly impressed with how he helps one fully understand the evolving nature of the risks and how he brings practical insight into how they can be mitigated.”