Gareth Neal

Innovative, forward-thinking Executive and security leader with 16+ years success in various security, data protection, and risk management engagements. Skilled in strategic planning, driving operational execution, and setting the posture for practical information security that fits the needs of the business rather than just the needs to IT. Highly experienced at combining advanced technical and business acumen to deliver high impact solutions to meet the needs of clients.  

Passionate about supporting the ongoing development of a safe and secure digital society. A proven security leader on a global scale, delivering results under intense pressure.  

Expertise

Information Security: 

Extensive experience in the field of information security, supporting clients in establishing strategy, transformation programmes, and developing policies, processes, practices, and technologies to proactively protect, shield, and defend against cyber threats. Previously PwC’s UK National Leader for ISO27001 and spent four years as a Global CISO within an international FTSE Plc.  

Data Privacy: 

Extensive experience of data protection legislation (namely the UK DPA and GDPR) with the practical know how on implementation and routes to compliance having delivered data protection frameworks internationally. Previously, Lead Auditor at the UK Data Protection Regulator (the ICO), PwC’s UK National Leader for Data Protection within the Risk Assurance Practice, and spent three years as a Global DPO within an international FTSE Plc.  

Risk & Crisis Management: 

A seasoned risk management professional with extensive experience in audit and assurance engagements with global clients, including supporting organisation's with cyber incident and crisis response. During 2020 and 2021, accountable lead on full Pandemic response and recovery for a FTSE Plc covering 15 businesses across six countries.