Job title
Chief Information and Security Officer
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Nicola McCoy
Chief Information and Security Officer

Biography

Nicola joined RSM International in April 2022 as Chief Information Security Officer with extensive professional experience in information security, risk management, and enterprise architecture. Prior to joining RSM, Nicola worked for a large software vendor for 10 years specialising in providing clients with solutions to support managing their architecture. Nicola brings a wealth of experience in operational resilience, leveraging a business-focused architecture perspective, answering business problems such as technical debt, and GDPR. Prior to this role, Nicola worked for another large accountancy network providing internal information security and technology services to the global network of member firms. 

As the Chief Information Security Officer for RSM International, Nicola’s primary focus is to provide direction and guidance to Member Firms on the best practices, strategies and processes RSM should be applying to ensure a common level of security and protect the integrity of RSM’s client data. A key focus over the next year will be to continue the excellent work being done by Member Firms to achieve the ISO 27001 accreditation and reviewing the rules we have in place surrounding data security that are applicable to Member Firms. Nicola is also responsible for the leading the implementation of a future forward Global Data Strategy, which will maximise the value of our data to drive key business insights and growth within the Network.

"Information flows through all aspects of our lives both personally and professionally. Ensuring we understand our information assets and how they are managed is vitally important particularly as we increasingly adopt digital solutions."

 Early in Nicola’s career, one of the best pieces of advice she received, and lives by, was to be authentic. Applying this in Nicola’s professional life, this has translated into being clear and transparent in her communications, whilst also being understanding of colleagues to ensure openness and inclusivity. Another personal goal is to share her knowledge and provide guidance on lessons learned from failures as equally as lessons learned from successes. This is a key aspect which while being simple, has been key in how Nicola has grown, both professionally and personally."

In her personal time, Nicola loves to be creative, learning new craft techniques and making gifts for her friends and family. Over the last few years, she has also been focused on developing a garden which she loves seeing progress. She is fortunate to live in a beautiful coastal area of Scotland which she enjoys spending time exploring.

Career timeline

2022 - Joined RSM International as Chief Information Security Officer      
2012 - Joined Planview as an Enterprise Architecture Practice Director managing and delivering global client engagements in areas such as operational resilience, GDPR and technology obsolescence       
2010 - Worked within PwC Global IT organisation to develop network wide technology standards and introduction of enterprise architecture capabilities      
2005 - Promoted to Senior Manager within PwC Global IT Security Group responsible for areas including strategy development, policies and controls and staff education programmes      
2002 - Promoted to Manager grade within PwC EMEA IT Security Group focusing on provision of advisory services to network of member firms      
1999 - Joined PwC EMEA IT Security Group as a senior associate supporting the UK & Ireland in adopting information security best practices

Recent press and media highlights:

Professional affiliations and certifications

CISSP ® - Certified Information System Security Professional 

CISA ® - Certified Information Systems Auditor

PRINCE2 ® Practitioner

ISO27001 Lead Auditor