Lisa Fong joins DEFEND as Chief Resilience Officer to boost cyber

DEFEND has appointed Lisa Fong as Chief Resilience Officer, bringing significant public sector cybersecurity experience to the company following her nine-year tenure at New Zealand's National Cyber Security Centre.

Leadership transition

Fong's move to DEFEND follows a period in which she led at the national level, overseeing operational security and providing direction on both global and local cyber risk issues. Her transition is aimed at strengthening DEFEND's posture across an increasingly complex threat landscape.

"The operating context is experiencing increasing pressure with technology advances and coalescing threats. There is more everyone needs to do to respond. I'm committed to lifting cyber resilience through industry and am excited to do so as part of the DEFEND team," said Fong

Executive perspective

Greg Patchell, CEO of DEFEND, remarked on Fong's addition to the executive leadership team and the strategic benefit her experience affords. DEFEND says her appointment is part of a broader commitment to enhancing cyber resilience for clients operating in dynamic and high-threat environments.

"We are thrilled to welcome Lisa to DEFEND's executive leadership team. Her vision and expertise will be instrumental as we continue to deliver innovative, resilient solutions for our customers in an ever-evolving cyber landscape. Lisa's appointment reflects DEFEND's commitment to building a cyber resilient New Zealand," said Patchell

Sector focus

DEFEND indicated that Fong will play a role in helping both public and private sector organisations adapt to new and evolving cyber risks. Her approach is expected to include support for sector-wide best practices and operational improvements to meet the demands of rapid technology change and shifting threat profiles.

Prior to joining DEFEND, Fong was involved in policy and operational decisions affecting national infrastructure security and played a part in shaping responses to coordinated cyber threats.

Regional presence

DEFEND employs over 170 cybersecurity specialists across New Zealand and Australia, supporting businesses and government agencies. The company specialises in managed security services and capability development tailored to the region's regulatory and operational requirements.

Fong said, "There is more everyone needs to do to respond," highlighting the ongoing requirements for organisations to strengthen their defences against evolving cyber risks.