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huge this year . At RSA , in particular , we were front and centre helping businesses to ensure secure access for their employees during that unprecedented time . In the more recent months , we have seen a significant increase in cyberattacks and fraud . The COVID-19 pandemic has emboldened cybercriminals to be even more creative in their approach and exploit the vulnerable . I unfortunately believe this trend will continue , and companies like RSA will remain extremely busy and focused helping businesses protect their customers .
What do you currently identify as the major areas of investment in your industry ?
Analytics , AI and Machine Learning will continue to remain major areas of investment , as most technologies are now heavily reliant on them . Behavioural biometrics are also a good investment , as they become more essential in the fight to combat fraud .
How do you deal with stress and unwind outside of the office ?
If you could go back and change one career decision , what would it be ?
Nothing . Although there are a couple of roles across my long career that did not work out as I had expected , the people I met and the experience I gained still helped shape me . I enjoy forming new relationships with customers , partners and team members – and many of these go back decades , even though we may have only worked together for a short period .
What are the region-specific challenges when implementing new technologies in Europe ?
Some organisations in specific regions in Europe are more restricted in their ability to accept new technologies . Regulatory compliance often becomes the business driver that ensures a decision and change occurs .
What changes to your job role have you seen in the last year and how do you see these developing in the next 12 months ?
RSA has just become an independent company again – in our 38th year . I have helped unite the UK and Ireland teams and achieved growth under Dell , and I am now
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TO USE A FOOTBALL ANALOGY , I HAVE ALWAYS SEEN MY ROLE AS ‘ GOAL ASSIST ’ – I WANT MY TEAM MEMBERS TO SCORE THE GOAL AND WANT TO HELP THEM MAKE THAT HAPPEN .
looking forward to enhancing the end-toend customer and partner experiences even further as an independent business .
What advice would you offer somebody aspiring to obtain C-level position in your industry ?
Focus on building long-term working relationships and making a difference to those that you meet . Your network of business associates will become more valuable as you gain experience and progress in business . •
While I like music , play guitar , keeping fit and trail walking , my biggest passion is photography . I have always enjoyed travel photography and Photoshop postproduction – something easy to combine with our holiday travels . In the last couple of years , my wife and I founded a dog photography business where we enjoy capturing lasting memories of dogs just being themselves . Nothing gives us more pleasure than seeing a client ’ s reaction to the images from our day together .
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