Dave Burg to head EY's cybersecurity consulting in the Americas

EY announced that it has selected Dave Burg as the new EY Americas Cybersecurity Leader in Advisory Services. Previously rival PwC’s Global Cybersecurity Leader, Burg will take the position on October 1. He replaces Bob Sydow, who announced his intent to retire in July of next year, having served the firm for 22 years.

Cybersecurity is an accelerating concern for firms in the midst of wholesale digital transformations that are throwing greater amounts of data into digital form, susceptible to cyber breaches and the financial, regulatory, and reputational risk held therein. The potential of connected devices through the Internet of Things provides yet another factor that needs to be protected from cyber risks. The further companies (and public agencies) go along their digital journey, the better protected they need to be from profit-motivated ransomware peddlers, cyberterrorists, and inimical state-sponsored attackers.

Big Four accounting and consulting firm EY US has been beefing up its cybersecurity capabilities in recent months in a bid to be organizations’ top choice for consulting in the area. In late July, the firm announced that it would open a $10 million cybersecurity center with 300 cyber professionals in Dallas to help clients stay ahead of emerging threats. In January, EY US acquired Aspect Security, a leading application security services firm. The deal gave EY comprehensive coverage of application and product security in the areas of mobile, social media, and cloud computing.

Last year, EY was ranked no. 4 by Cybersecurity Ventures on its top 500 companies to watch in the cybersecurity industry. EY’s ranking was higher than any other cybersecurity consultancy.Angling to keep its leading position in cybersec, the firm has appointed Dave Burg as the leader of its Americas Cybersecurity practice within Advisory Services. Burg will be tasked with setting EY cybersecurity consulting strategy within the Americas, developing new programs and offerings to help clients tackle cyber risk.

Before joining EY, Burg served as PwC’s Global Cybersecurity Leader. In the role, he helped clients devise strategies related to data breaches, hacking, and security assessments. Burg worked with corporates, law firms, and governments to help defend their organizations from cyber threats.

“EY has been focused on expanding our cybersecurity footprint through significant investments in both talent and capabilities,” said Amy Brachio, EY Global and EY Americas Advisory Risk Leader. “Bringing Dave into the fold is just the latest example of that investment.”

“Dave represents the future of our cybersecurity practice, bringing a wealth of experience that will accelerate our growth and increase our ability to help keep our clients safe from emerging cyber threats and adopt new technology solutions with confidence.”

Burg holds an MBA from The Mason School of Business at the College of William and Mary, as well as a BA from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to his consulting work, Burg has lectured at NYU, Georgetown, and Penn State. He is a regular contributor on the topic of cybersecurity to business publications like the Wall Street Journal and CSO magazine.

“I’m thrilled to join EY at a time where businesses are being challenged more than ever by the emerging cyber threat landscape while harnessing new technology in a safe and secure manner,” said Burg. “In this Transformative Age, we see cybersecurity as a partner in innovation, not an inhibitor. By bringing this perspective to our clients, we can help accelerate the pace of transformation while reducing risks simultaneously.”

Burg will take on the new role on October 1. He replaces Bob Sydow, who will retire from the firm next summer after serving EY for over two decades.

“Bob has helped build our technology and cyber practices into market leaders over the past 22 years, said Hank Prybylski, EY Americas Advisory Vice Chair. “Along the way, he has developed so many of our current and future leaders. We all owe Bob a great deal of gratitude.”