17 January 2024

LRQA is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Payne as the new Managing Director of its Cybersecurity division, known as LRQA Nettitude. With a wealth of experience spanning 25 years in director and board-level roles for managed IT businesses across the UK, USA and Australasia, Simon brings a deep understanding of the cybersecurity industry.

Simon will undergo a comprehensive handover process with the outgoing Managing Director, Karen Bolton, who has made the decision to step down due to personal circumstances. Her contributions to LRQA are reflected in the growth of the cybersecurity division and its strong client relationships.

Simon’s appointment marks a significant milestone in LRQA’s continued journey to be the leading global assurance partner. Prior to assuming his new role, Simon held senior positions within LRQA’s Inspection Services division, focusing on our renewable energy portfolio and asset management services. His breadth of experience within LRQA uniquely positions him to help lead LRQA offer a connected, more holistic portfolio of services to meet the evolving needs of clients in this new era of risk management.

Ian Spaulding, CEO of LRQA, said: 

“On behalf of us all, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Karen for what she has done during her tenure for LRQA. Our cybersecurity business, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, has moved from strength to strength under her leadership, helping global clients to certify systems, identify vulnerabilities and prevent potential impacts on their brand, finances and operations. We’re so proud of that work and I know Simon will continue this positive journey in the market.” 

Simon Payne, incoming Managing Director for Cybersecurity at LRQA, said: 

“I look forward to continuing Karen’s impactful work as Managing Director for LRQA’s Cybersecurity division. I will be focused on supporting and growing the world-class team we have today and as well as working tirelessly so that our clients continue to receive the service excellence and value that they deserve. I look forward to the future, as we push ahead to help clients manage risk across our connected portfolio.” 

Simon Payne will become a member of LRQA’s Executive Committee, reporting to CEO Ian Spaulding.  

About LRQA Nettitude

Founded in 2003, LRQA Nettitude is an award-winning global provider of cybersecurity services, bringing innovative thought leadership to the ever-evolving cybersecurity marketplace. Through their research and innovation, they provide threat-led services that span technical assurance, consulting, and managed detection and response offerings.

Driven by a desire to build and deliver the best cybersecurity propositions in the industry and stay abreast of the evolving legislative and regulatory landscape. They help clients to prioritise their cybersecurity risks, enabling them to focus on the activities that are core to their business.

LRQA Nettitude is part of LRQA, a leading global assurance partner, bringing together decades of unrivalled expertise in assessment, advisory, inspection, and cybersecurity services – underpinned by data-driven insights – to help its clients navigate a new era of risk.

Media contacts 

For LRQA Nettitude
Gary Bell, Content and Communications Manager
gbell@nettitude.com

17 January 2024

LRQA is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Payne as the new Managing Director of its Cybersecurity division, known as LRQA Nettitude. With a wealth of experience spanning 25 years in director and board-level roles for managed IT businesses across the UK, USA and Australasia, Simon brings a deep understanding of the cybersecurity industry.

Simon will undergo a comprehensive handover process with the outgoing Managing Director, Karen Bolton, who has made the decision to step down due to personal circumstances. Her contributions to LRQA are reflected in the growth of the cybersecurity division and its strong client relationships.

Simon’s appointment marks a significant milestone in LRQA’s continued journey to be the leading global assurance partner. Prior to assuming his new role, Simon held senior positions within LRQA’s Inspection Services division, focusing on our renewable energy portfolio and asset management services. His breadth of experience within LRQA uniquely positions him to help lead LRQA offer a connected, more holistic portfolio of services to meet the evolving needs of clients in this new era of risk management.

Ian Spaulding, CEO of LRQA, said: 

“On behalf of us all, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Karen for what she has done during her tenure for LRQA. Our cybersecurity business, which celebrated its 20th anniversary last year, has moved from strength to strength under her leadership, helping global clients to certify systems, identify vulnerabilities and prevent potential impacts on their brand, finances and operations. We’re so proud of that work and I know Simon will continue this positive journey in the market.” 

Simon Payne, incoming Managing Director for Cybersecurity at LRQA, said: 

“I look forward to continuing Karen’s impactful work as Managing Director for LRQA’s Cybersecurity division. I will be focused on supporting and growing the world-class team we have today and as well as working tirelessly so that our clients continue to receive the service excellence and value that they deserve. I look forward to the future, as we push ahead to help clients manage risk across our connected portfolio.” 

Simon Payne will become a member of LRQA’s Executive Committee, reporting to CEO Ian Spaulding.  

About LRQA Nettitude

Founded in 2003, LRQA Nettitude is an award-winning global provider of cybersecurity services, bringing innovative thought leadership to the ever-evolving cybersecurity marketplace. Through their research and innovation, they provide threat-led services that span technical assurance, consulting, and managed detection and response offerings.

Driven by a desire to build and deliver the best cybersecurity propositions in the industry and stay abreast of the evolving legislative and regulatory landscape. They help clients to prioritise their cybersecurity risks, enabling them to focus on the activities that are core to their business.

LRQA Nettitude is part of LRQA, a leading global assurance partner, bringing together decades of unrivalled expertise in assessment, advisory, inspection, and cybersecurity services – underpinned by data-driven insights – to help its clients navigate a new era of risk.

Media contacts 

For LRQA Nettitude
Gary Bell, Content and Communications Manager
gbell@nettitude.com