New CISO appointment extends RSM’s commitment to cyber security

RSM, the network of independent audit, tax and consulting firms focused on the middle market, has announced the appointment of Nicola McCoy as the organisation’s chief information security officer. 

Bringing over 20 years’ experience to the role, RSM said McCoy will lead on the implementation of RSM’s global information security strategy to ensure the organisation’s already high standards, integrity and consistency of policies and systems are maintained across all member firms. 

In addition, she will be responsible for optimising RSM’s cybersecurity defence as threats increase and evolve and will take a leading role in further developing its digital infrastructure. 

Joining from Planview, she held the role of practice director within the company’s professional services division for over 10 years. There, 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, as well as regulatory reporting and enterprise risk management. 

It added that in the role, McCoy created solutions to support organisations to develop data protection strategies in-line with the European GDPR laws. 

Prior to this, she spent over 12 years at PwC where she was a key member of the Global IT Security and Global IT functions. She had various responsibilities which included ensuring that the information security policy and standards were embedded within the organisation’s global technology standards programme and aligned to ISO27001. 

By leveraging this “extensive experience”, RSM said McCoy will help its member firms embed world-leading management system standards as they are published and tailor risk mitigation solutions to suit, ensuring they remain at the forefront of the latest international quality and risk standards. 

Working with RSM’s global leader in Quality and Risk, Marion Hannon, and global chief innovation officer, Paul Herring, she will also support several transformative digitisation projects. 

This includes collaborating with RSM’s global IT, innovation, and quality and risk teams to harness the power of pioneering data analytics solutions, which are being widely used by Member Firms to support clients as they identify business opportunities, unlock value across their operations, and provide a competitive edge. 

Furthermore, as the audit profession continues to undergo significant transformation as a result of the implementation of the ICAEW’s International Standard on Quality Management (ISQM), McCoy will lead on key projects that will ultimately help RSM clients comply with increasing regulatory pressure. 

Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM International, said: “A record number of data breaches were recorded last year – up 68% on the year before. This frightening figure emphasises the importance of an up-to-date and resilient data security strategy, systems and polices. 

“At RSM, we prioritise the safeguarding of our own information, and that of RSM clients. The Chief Information Security Officer is an important role that unifies business and security priorities, and accelerates agile and robust solutions, whilst helping our Firms to navigate the ever-evolving regulatory landscape.” 

She added: “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.”