Deloitte appoints Chris Gatford & Keith Hazelwood as CEO

In response to the challenges organisations face as they seek to balance digital transformation and technology risk, the company is making another significant investment in its growth strategy and cyber security offerings, with the team from leading cyber consultancy, Hacktive, joining the professional services firm.

Founded by CEO Chris Gatford and Keith Hazelwood in 2018, Hacktive specialises in the full range of cyber risk services, including vulnerability assessment and penetration testing, managed security services provider (MSSP) services, testing and incident readiness and response.

The team of ten operates from Sydney and primarily works with clients across the financial services, health, utilities, retail and public sectors. Gatford will become a Deloitte Risk Advisory partner, and Hazelwood a Risk Advisory principal.

"The incoming team from Hacktive will elevate our current cyber practice, bolster our ability to provide managed cyber security services, and expand capability within our Cyber Intelligence Centre. We're excited to be bringing them to our Risk Advisory practice and to Deloitte," says Steve Jansz, Risk Advisory Managing Partner, Deloitte.

"Hacktive's cyber specialist team is experienced in the delivery of penetration testing and managed cyber security services," says Ian Blatchford, Cyber Leader, Deloitte.

"Their arrival will complement our existing capabilities, including our global network of Cyber Intelligence Centres that have been helping clients understand and address their cyber threats for some years now," he adds.

"Cyber risks are global and evolving faster than organisations can react. Hacktive focuses on helping clients understand the security vulnerabilities of their networks, applications, premises and people and delivering the right solutions," says Chris Gatford, CEO at Hacktive and soon-to-be Deloitte Risk Advisory partner.

"Keith and I have built our business over a relatively short period of time on understanding the market and employing a team of highly experienced cyber professionals. We're aligned with Deloitte, its strong client service focus and its workplace culture, and looking forward to taking our offerings to another level."

The Hacktive team is expected to formally join Deloitte on October 11 2022. The terms of the transaction are confidential.