Marsh names former U.K. intelligence director as cyber risk adviser

Sir Iain Lobban

Marsh L.L.C. on Thursday said it has appointed Sir Iain Lobban, the former director of the U.K. Government Communications Headquarters, the country's security and intelligence organization, as senior adviser on cyber risk.

In his newly created role, Mr. Lobban “will provide strategic advice as Marsh works with governments, regulators and clients on how best to address the growing threat of cyber risk,” Marsh said in a statement. He will report to Mark Weil, Marsh's CEO of U.K. and Ireland.

Mr. Lobban was director of the Government Communications Headquarters from 2008 and 2014, after having previously served as director general of operations from 2004-2008.

Cyber security, both in the U.K. and internationally, was the major focus of Sir Iain's tenure at the security agency, according to the release.

“Cyber risk is one of the biggest risks that confronts our clients,” Mr. Weil said in the statement. “Sir Iain is one of the world's foremost experts on cyber security, and we are delighted to have his talent available to Marsh as we work with our clients on how best to handle the threat of cyber attack.”

The U.K. Government approved Mr. Lobban's appointment Feb. 3 in a letter which also limited his ability to directly lobby the U.K. Government “on behalf of any of your clients or those you advise.”