Kudelski Security Expands Global Advisory Services with Appointments of John Hellickson and Darrell Switzer

Addition of senior leaders with deep experience in cybersecurity strategy, governance and incident response expands Kudelski Security’s global consulting services

CHESEAUX, Switzerland and PHOENIX, Ariz., USA, September 1, 2016 – Kudelski Security, a trusted advisor and cybersecurity innovator for the world’s most security-conscious organizations, today announced that it has expanded its Global Advisory Services with the addition of two experienced cybersecurity executives. John Hellickson will lead the company’s Strategy and Governance practice and oversee consulting services focused on helping chief executives (CxOs) develop and manage long-term cybersecurity programs . He was formerly the global chief information security officer (CISO) at First Data, the world’s largest third-party processor of credit and debit card transactions. Darrell Switzer will lead Kudelski Security’s Incident Response and Cyber Resilience practice.

“John possesses a rare combination of technical and executive management expertise honed in one of the most stringent, regulated and risk-averse environments in the world,” said Rich Fennessy, chief executive officer of Kudelski Security. “There are few people as qualified and we’re thrilled to have him on board.” 

Hellickson has more than 25 years of IT experience, the last two decades focused on security and risk management. He’s served as an executive security consultant and trusted partner, providing companies with risk management strategies aligning technology, people and processes with business objectives. At First Data, he rose from security engineer to CISO, leading a global team to create a business-driven, risk-balanced strategy and cybersecurity program. Hellickson served seven years in the U.S. Air Force, his last assignment protecting systems supporting the country’s nuclear war plan. He is a certified information systems security professional (CISSP) and board member of the non-profits Security Advisor Alliance and Veteran’s Passport to Hope.

He joins Kudelski Security at a time of rapid global growth, following the expansion of its U.S. presence earlier this summer. Building off its reputation in Europe as trusted advisors and innovators, the company has established a strong foothold in the U.S. market with a growing Fortune 500 client base, unique capabilities and a plan to change how clients work with providers to design, deploy and manage cybersecurity.

Kudelski Security provides world-class advisory services delivered through four core areas: Strategy and Governance; Threat, Vulnerability and Risk Management; Incident Response and Cyber Resilience; and Strategic Cyber Staffing. Its advisors collaborate with clients to build and articulate a clear security vision, providing a measurable plan and blueprint for achieving priorities.

In addition to Hellickson, Kudelski Security has appointed security veteran Darrell Switzer to lead its global Incident Response and Cyber Resilience practice. Switzer has more than 17 years of hands-on incident response experience, including Fortune 500 client initiatives that aligned security strategies to business priorities. Previously, he held senior posts with PricewaterhouseCoopers, Citibank and FishNet Security. 

For more information: www.kudelskisecurity.com

 

About Kudelski Security
Kudelski Security is the premier advisor and cybersecurity innovator for today’s most security-conscious organizations. Our long-term approach to client partnerships enables us to continuously evaluate their security posture to recommend solutions that reduce business risk, maintain compliance and increase overall security effectiveness. With clients that include Fortune 500 enterprises and government organizations in Europe and across the United States, we address the most complex environments through an unparalleled set of solution capabilities including advisory, technology, managed security services and custom innovation. For more information, please visit www.kudelskisecurity.com.

About the Kudelski Group
The Kudelski Group is listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX:KUD:S). It is a world leader in digital security; its technologies are used in a wide range of services and applications requiring access control and rights management to secure the revenues of content owners and service providers for digital television. The Group also offers cyber security solutions and services focused on helping companies assess risks and vulnerabilities and protect their data and systems. The Kudelski Group is also a technology leader in the area of access control and management of people or vehicles to sites and events. The Kudelski Group is headquartered in Cheseaux-sur-Lausanne, Switzerland and Phoenix, AZ, USA. For more information, please visit www.nagra.com.

Contacts
Jacques-Edouard Guillemot
Kudelski Group
Senior Vice President – Executive Affairs
+41 21 732 01 81
+1 (415) 962 5005
[email protected]

Santino Rumasuglia
Kudelski Group
Vice President – Head of Investor Relations
+41 21 732 01 24
[email protected]