Charles Beard Joins PwC as a Principal in the Firm's Advisory Practice, focused on Cybersecurity

NEW YORK, June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- PwC US today announced that Charles Beard has joined the firm's Advisory practice as a principal and will focus on providing a full range of cybersecurity-related consulting services to clients.

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According to PwC's 16th annual CEO Survey, CEOs recognize cybersecurity should be an integral part of their business strategy.  While only 31 percent of U.S. CEOs believe a cyber attack or major Internet disruption is likely to occur at their company, they do recognize the financial and reputational damages an attack can cause.  Sixty-eight percent of respondents said a cyber attack would have a negative impact on their businesses.

"As organizations recognize digital attacks are a routine part of doing business, cybersecurity has become a key business priority at the top of the CEO agenda – and one that can even bring competitive advantage," said David Burg, PwC principal in the firm's U.S. Advisory practice focused on cybercrime.  "Charles brings extensive experience in the areas of cybersecurity, technology and consulting to PwC.  He will be an important member of the team as we work with clients to confront the ongoing challenges of conducting business in a world that relies on technology to drive innovation."

Prior to joining PwC, Beard was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of SAIC's Cybersecurity Group providing risk analysis, threat operations, incident response and secure server technologies to both commercial and government clients.    Beard also served as SAIC's Chief Information Officer where he was responsible for modernizing SAIC's technology infrastructure and dramatically improving the company's cyber posture.  As the company's representative to the Defense Industrial Base Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council, Beard was instrumental in leading SAIC's contribution to the public-private partnership for cybersecurity information sharing between government and industry.  A former Director in the Oliver Wyman division of Marsh & McLennan, Beard provided strategic advisory services associated with corporate transactions and restructurings and developed information technology strategies to achieve business design objectives.  Beard holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Texas A&M University, and an MBA from the University of Montana.

PwC's cybersecurity consulting team helps organizations understand dynamic cyber challenges, adapt and respond to risks inherent to their business ecosystem, and prioritize and protect the most valuable assets fundamental to their business strategy.  For more information on PwC's cybersecurity point of view, visit: www.pwc.com/cybersecurity.

About PwC's Advisory Practice
PwC's Advisory professionals help organizations improve business performance, respond quickly and effectively to crisis, and extract value from transactions. We understand our clients' industries and unique business challenges, and look across the entire organization — focusing on strategy, structure, people, process and technology — to help clients build their next competitive advantage.  See www.pwc.com/us/consulting for more information or follow us @PwCAdvisory.

About PwC US
PwC US helps organizations and individuals create the value they're looking for.  We're a member of the PwC network of firms in 158 countries with more than 180,000 people.  We're committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services.  Tell us what matters to you and find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com/US.

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SOURCE PwC US