Nicola McCoy

Chief Information and Security Officer

Biography

Nicola McCoy was appointed Chief Information and Security Officer (CISO) for RSM International in January 2024, expanding her remit to include overall responsibility for both technology and security across the global network. She originally joined RSM in April 2022 as Chief Information Security Officer, bringing extensive experience in information security, risk management, enterprise architecture, and operational resilience.

In her current role, Nicola leads RSM’s global technology and security strategy, ensuring a secure, resilient, and forward-looking digital environment for the network’s 60,000 people across 100 countries. She provides strategic direction to Member Firms on best practices, governance, and emerging technologies that strengthen RSM’s collective digital capabilities. A key focus of her work includes advancing technology modernisation, ISO 27001 accreditation, data protection standards, and implementing a Global Data Strategy that enables insight-driven growth and value creation across the network.

Prior to joining RSM, Nicola spent a decade with a leading global software vendor, specialising in enterprise architecture solutions that helped organisations manage complexity, reduce technical debt, and enhance regulatory compliance. Earlier in her career, she held a range of global technology and security leadership roles at PwC, where she contributed to the development of network-wide technology standards, enterprise architecture capabilities, and information security strategy.

"Information flows through all aspects of our lives both personally and professionally. Ensuring we understand our information assets and how they are managed is vitally important particularly as we increasingly adopt digital solutions."

Nicola’s leadership style is grounded in authenticity, transparency, and inclusivity. She believes in sharing lessons learned from both successes and setbacks and values collaboration as the foundation for sustainable progress.

Outside of work, Nicola enjoys expressing her creativity through crafts and gardening, often creating handmade gifts for family and friends. Living by the Scottish coast, she finds inspiration and balance in exploring her natural surroundings.

Career timeline

2024 – Present: Chief Information and Security Officer, RSM International
2022 – 2023: Chief Information Security Officer, RSM International
2012 – 2022: Enterprise Architecture Practice Director, Planview
2010 – 2012: Enterprise Architecture Lead, PwC Global IT
2005 – 2010: Senior Manager, PwC Global IT Security Group
2002 – 2005: Manager, PwC EMEA IT Security Group
1999 – 2002: Senior Associate, PwC EMEA IT Security Group

Recent press and media highlights:

Professional affiliations and certifications

CISSP ® - Certified Information System Security Professional

CISA ® - Certified Information Systems Auditor

PRINCE2 ® Practitioner

ISO27001 Lead Auditor

Insights