Mark Weatherford is to join global security advisory firm The Chertoff Group as Principal after he leaves the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) next month.
Weatherford joined the DHS as its first Deputy Under Secretary for Cyber security for the National Protection and Programs Directorate in November 2011 and will be replaced by Bruce McConnell as acting Deputy Under Secretary upon his exit on April 12.
Regarded as one of the US’s leading experts on cyber security, Weatherford is set to help The Chertoff Group expand its consulting and security services business under his new role as Principal in the Washington office, commencing May 1.
Weatherford, previously Vice President and Chief Security Office at the North American Electric Reliability Corporations, worked to expand efforts to share cyber-threat information with the private sector during his time at the DHS.
The Chertoff Group’s security consulting services offers clients expertise to manage risks and help to fight against modern cyber-threats throughout innovative products and services.
Weatherford’s expertise will play a key role in helping clients looking to assess their state of cyber security, manage risk and action appropriate responses to attacks.
Michael Chertoff, Chairman and Co-Founder of The Chertoff Group, and former DHS Secretary, said: “Mark is an incredible thought leader in the world of cyber security, having spent decades tackling the most challenging information technology and network security issues facing government and critical infrastructure.
“His innovative ideas, trusted leadership and proven experience in the security field match our firm’s already assembled team of professionals and will no doubt be of great value to our clients. We are very excited to have him joining our team.”