RSM names Nicola McCoy as information security head

Professional services network RSM has named Nicola McCoy as Global Chief Information Security Officer. Based in London, she will lead the implementation of RSM’s international information security strategy.

A record number of data breaches were recorded around the world in 2022. With cyber-criminals still taking advantage of weakened defences due to the rushed digitalisation of the pandemic era, the number of breaches leapt 68% on the year before. This frightening figure emphasises the importance of an up-to-date and resilient data security strategy, systems and polices.

Over decades, global accounting and advisory network RSM has built a reputation for prioritising the security of client information, winning trust amongst the world’s most successful businesses. For the firm to prioritise the safeguarding of its own information, and that of RSM clients, the network’s Chief Information Security Officer plays an important role. They must unify business and security priorities, and accelerates agile and robust solutions, while helping RSM’s international group of member firms to navigate the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

Stepping into this crucial role is Nicola McCoy, who brings more than two decades of experience to RSM. She will now help RSM members to embed new management system standards, to remain at the forefront of the latest international quality and risk standards. This includes taking responsibility for optimising RSM’s cybersecurity defence as threats increase and evolve and will take a leading role in further developing its digital infrastructure. Meanwhile, working with RSM’s Global Leader in Quality & Risk, Marion Hannon, and Global Chief Innovation Officer, Paul Herring, McCoy will also support several transformative digitisation projects.

Commenting on the appointment, Jean Stephens, Chief Executive Officer of RSM International, said, “We are excited to welcome Nicola to the RSM Team. Her experience, sound knowledge and passion will ensure RSM remains a trusted guardian of strategically important information for many years to come.” 

Joining from Planview, McCoy held the role of Practice Director within the company’s professional services division for over 10 years. In that time, she acquired a wealth of experience working with FTSE 100 companies, international banks, insurers and defence organisations to enhance key technology governance, architecture, risk and resilience activities. Prior to this, she also spent more than 12 years at Big Four firm PwC – where she was latterly a key member of the Global IT Security and Global IT functions.

Speaking on the news, McCoy herself added, “It is incredibly exciting to join the organisation as new innovative digitisation projects mature and continue to make a positive impact on client operations. With regulatory scrutiny at an all-time high, cyber breaches rising at a rapid rate, and the risk of fines and reputational damage threatening businesses all over the world, the need to strengthen information security strategies has never been more important. I’m looking forward to working with RSM’s talented team and leading projects that will mitigate these increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, and allow the organisation’s leading security and data technology projects to accelerate.”