Nick Benson
Position: Chief Executive Officer at CREST
Nick Benson serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of CREST, a global not-for-profit, membership body dedicated to representing the cyber security industry. Appointed as CEO, Nick plays an integral role in driving the organization's mission of building capability, capacity, and collaboration within the industry through various services. His leadership focuses on the global expansion of CREST, which supports over 300 members and offers new examinations and accreditations.
Professional Background
Before joining CREST, Nick Benson was the Chief Operating Officer at ORX, the largest global trade association for operational risk management in financial services. At ORX, he led transformative organizational changes resulting in robust growth and enhanced service quality. His prior experience includes executive roles at Nationwide Building Society, one of the UK's significant retail financial service providers, where he worked within the finance and risk management sectors.
Nick Benson's career commenced at KPMG in the IT advisory divisions located in London and Sydney, where he also qualified as a Chartered Accountant (ICAS) in 2005. He holds a BA degree in accounting and finance from Exeter University, equipping him with a strong foundation in both technical and strategic aspects of financial services and risk management.
Leadership and Industry Impact
Under Nick Benson's leadership, CREST is poised to advance its global accreditation and certification initiatives, which are crucial in a rapidly evolving cyber security landscape. His strategic vision aims to support CREST members amid increasing industry challenges, leveraging his extensive experience in operational transformation and risk management.
Nick Benson frequently contributes to discussions on critical industry topics, such as financial regulation standards and cyber skills shortages, emphasizing his active role in shaping the dialogue around cyber security challenges. His input is vital at various prestigious events like CRESTCon and the SC Awards Europe, further solidifying his influence within the industry.
Strategic Vision for CREST
Nick Benson's appointment as CEO marks a pivotal phase for CREST, highlighting his ambition to propel the organization forward by investing in global scale exams and certifications. His leadership, coupled with the support of CREST's senior management team, is expected to foster international growth, enhance the organizational service offerings, and reinforce CREST’s reputation as a leader within the cyber security domain.
In conclusion, Nick Benson's comprehensive background and strategic insights position him as a key figure in the global cyber security industry, with a clear focus on expanding and strengthening CREST's capabilities and influence worldwide.
