ScotlandIS appoints new head of cyber

ScotlandIS has appointed Ciara Mitchell as its new head of cyber, the digital tech membership body has announced.

Mitchell will be responsible for the growth and development of the cyber security cluster at ScotlandIS, based on the Scottish Government’s cyber security strategy.

ScotlandIS said Mitchell will work alongside a team of coordinators in academia and the public sector to promote new opportunities made available by increasing demand for cyber security goods and services.

Polly Purvis, chief executive of ScotlandIS, said: “Ciara has an impressive track record in the cyber security industry and with a background in electronic engineering and telecoms, she brings great experience and expertise to the team.  I’m delighted she’s taking on the new role of head of cyber and I know she will work closely with our members specialising in cyber, to grow and promote Scotland’s burgeoning cyber cluster.

“Almost a third of ScotlandIS members (29 per cent) surveyed in our recent Scottish Technology Industry Survey identified cyber security as being the greatest opportunity for their business over the next 18 months. The dedicated cluster, which is part of our wider cluster development strategy, will reinforce our position within the sector and nurture economic growth, enabling our members and Scottish businesses to collaborate and develop new innovative services and products.

“We’ve worked closely with Scottish Enterprise, who are supporting our cluster strategy, enabling us to strengthen the services we provide.”

The Scottish digital technologies industry generates around £6bn in GVA alongside £3bn in exports.