Richard McLeod
Director Information Technology Audit
Professional Overview
Richard McLeod is an accomplished IT audit professional with over a decade of experience driving strategic technology initiatives and optimizing operational efficiency across the financial services industry. As the Director of Information Technology Audit at Mizuho, he leverages his deep technical expertise and business acumen to provide comprehensive risk assessment, control testing, and data analytics oversight to ensure organizational compliance and mitigate potential threats.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Director of Information Technology Audit at Mizuho, Richard is responsible for leading a team of IT auditors in executing a comprehensive audit plan that covers the firm's critical systems, applications, and infrastructure. He collaborates closely with senior management to identify and address emerging technology risks, implement robust security controls, and optimize IT processes to support the organization's strategic objectives. Under Richard's leadership, the IT audit function has played a crucial role in enhancing Mizuho's overall risk management posture and safeguarding the integrity of its technology assets.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Richard held various IT audit and financial analysis positions at leading financial institutions such as BNY Mellon, EmblemHealth, and AXA Equitable. In these roles, he demonstrated his ability to navigate complex regulatory environments, leverage data analytics to uncover hidden risks, and provide strategic recommendations to improve operational efficiency and control effectiveness. Richard's diverse industry experience, combined with his strong technical expertise and problem-solving skills, have been instrumental in his career progression and the positive impact he has made on the organizations he has served.
Academic Background
Richard holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Delaware, where he graduated with honors. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), further cementing his expertise in financial reporting, information systems, and audit processes.
Areas of Expertise
- Information technology audit and risk assessment
- Cybersecurity and data privacy compliance
- Financial systems and reporting controls
- Process optimization and continuous improvement
- Data analytics and business intelligence
- Team leadership and cross-functional collaboration
Professional Impact
During his tenure at Mizuho, Richard has led several mission-critical initiatives that have contributed to the organization's overall risk management and operational excellence. He spearheaded the implementation of a robust data analytics program that enabled the IT audit team to proactively identify and address potential vulnerabilities, resulting in a 30% reduction in audit findings over the past two years. Additionally, Richard's strategic guidance and hands-on involvement in the firm's cybersecurity transformation have been instrumental in strengthening the organization's defenses against evolving threats, earning him recognition from industry peers and senior leadership.
Conclusion
With his proven track record of driving impactful technology initiatives, Richard McLeod is a seasoned IT audit professional who possesses the technical expertise, strategic vision, and leadership skills to deliver sustainable value to organizations navigating the dynamic financial services landscape. As he continues to advance his career, Richard remains committed to leveraging his deep industry knowledge and innovative mindset to help Mizuho and its clients achieve their long-term goals.
