Marsh hires former government director as cyber risk adviser

Insurance broker Marsh has appointed Sir Iain Lobban, former director of the UK Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), as senior adviser on cyber risk.

In the newly-created role, Lobban will provide strategic advice as Marsh works with governments, regulators and clients on how best to address the growing threat of cyber risk. He will report to Mark Weil, chief executive officer, Marsh UK & Ireland and join Marsh’s global Cyber Centre of Excellence.

Lobban was director of GCHQ between 2008 and 2014 having previously served as director general of operations from 2004. As the director of GCHQ he attended meetings of the UK National Security Council and was a member of the Joint Intelligence Committee.

Cyber security, both in the UK and internationally, was the major focus of Lobban’s tenure at GCHQ. He integrated the intelligence and security arms of GCHQ to develop the UK’s cyber defence capability and operations, as well as driving initiatives in support of UK military campaigns, counter terrorism, and the prevention and detection of serious crime.

Marsh’s UK 2015 Cyber Risk Survey Report found that, while cyber risk featured on the risk registers of almost 75 percent of firms, senior-level engagement was worryingly low. Corporate directors were primarily responsible for cyber risks in less than one fifth (19.4 percent) of the organisations surveyed, while IT departments oversaw management of the risk in more than half (55.5 percent).

Mark Weil, chief executive officer, UK and Ireland, Marsh, said: “Cyber risk is one of the biggest risks that confronts our clients. It is a new threat, unbounded by geography and set to escalate as more goes online and as the barriers to entry for criminals comes down.

“Sir Iain is one of the world’s foremost experts on cyber security and we are delighted to have his talent available to Marsh as we work with our clients on how best to handle the threat of cyber attack.”

Lobban added: “I’m very impressed with how Marsh has been at the forefront of raising awareness and helping companies take ownership of their cyber risk.

“I’m keen to help shape this strategic thinking and to push forward with the development of effective partnerships and frameworks to anticipate and respond to cyber threats.”