Wynyard hires former GCHQ chief to push crime fighting software

Wynyard, the supplier of crime fighting and intelligence software, has appointed Andrew France OBE, the former deputy director of cyber defence operations at British listening centre GCHQ, as its strategic advisor for intelligence.

France spent the last years of his GCHQ career helping to develop and deliver a UK national cyber defence strategy. Wynyard said cyber-threats now top the list of concerns for its government and corporate customers around the world.

Wynyard group chief executive officer Craig Richardson said: "Our customers are increasingly concerned with managing risk, protecting sensitive data, intellectual property and critical computer-operated infrastructures against threats and disruption from organised crime syndicates and state-sponsored actors."

On France's appointment, he said: "Andy has deep experience working with governments and private companies across the world to keep information, technology and critical national infrastructures safe. His risk management and intelligence experience will be invaluable to Wynyard and our customers."

At Wynyard, France joins former commander of the London Metropolitan Police homicide and serious crime group Dave Johnston, former executive assistant director of the FBI Louis Grever, and former assistant secretary at the US Office of Homeland Security Louis Quijas.

France will be based at Wynyard's London office, and will work across Wynyard's operations in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the UAE.