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CISSP certified CISO Advisory Lead | @Thrive | Assisting HF,AM,PE, FS & multi-sector Clients Across Europe, US, ME and APAC | MBA | Board Advisor | AI governance | Proven CTO in global Hedge Funds and more.
As a CISSP-certified Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) at Thrive, a global managed IT security provider (MSSP) , I lead client-facing advisory, strategy, and management for financial services and enterprise clients. I deliver DORA-ready ISO27001 certification, SOC2, FCA/EU/FSRA compliance, vulnerability remediation, incident response, and proportionate security frameworks that protect assets without stifling innovation. I accelerate risk assessment, compliance, and business processes, while bridging technical controls and AI governance with executive priorities. I have deep hands-on experience in cybersecurity architecture, proven hedge fund CTO and secure paperless law firm COO leadership, true digital transformation at Microsoft, and global delivery (hybrid Ireland-London base + APAC/US/ME client engagements). I transform regulatory complexity into strategic advantage. Additional credentials include an EMBA from Quantic, Merit Diploma in Software Development, cloud certifications, and prior lecturing to Gen Z at Munster Technological University.
Code Institute
Merit Diploma in Software Development (E-commerce Applications), Full Stack Software Development
June 1, 2022 – June 1, 2023
Quantic School of Business and Technology
EMBA, International Business
June 1, 2020 – June 1, 2021
INSEAD
Microsoft-INSEAD Value Negotiation
January 1, 2018 – January 1, 2018
University College Dublin
BSc, Computer Science
N/A – Present
Thrive
Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO)
August 1, 2023 – Present
Thrive
Director, Information Security - Europe
March 1, 2020 – August 1, 2023
Ian Bowell Consulting Ireland
Founder and Director
April 1, 2019 – March 1, 2022
Killorglin, County Kerry, Ireland
Munster Technological University
Assistant Lecturer
January 1, 2019 – January 1, 2020
On-site
Microsoft
Digital Architect (MCS)
August 1, 2017 – March 1, 2019
Dublin, Ireland
Leman Solicitors
COO
May 1, 2016 – July 1, 2017
Dublin
Capital Markets Consulting
Strategic Technology Consultant and CTO
January 1, 2015 – April 1, 2016
UK and Ireland
Prologue Capital
CTO
April 1, 2013 – January 1, 2015
London, United Kingdom
Options Technology
Head of Technology (Americas)
April 1, 2012 – March 1, 2013
New York, New York
Fauchier Partners
Chief Technology Officer
May 1, 2011 – March 1, 2012
London, United Kingdom
London Diversified Fund Management
Head of IT Infrastructure/Partner
April 1, 2003 – April 1, 2011
London, United Kingdom
Align
Senior IT Consultant
April 1, 2002 – March 1, 2003
Align
Director of IT Services
June 1, 2000 – March 1, 2002
Park City
Independent Technologist
October 1, 1999 – May 1, 2000
Greater Salt Lake City Area
Credit Suisse
Vice President of Equities IT Engineering
September 1, 1997 – September 1, 1999
New York, London and Asia
ING Barings
Assistant Vice President of IT Engineering
March 1, 1997 – September 1, 1997
New York City
Align
Project Engineer and Manager
June 1, 1994 – March 1, 1997
New York
McKinsey & Company, Inc.
IT Specialist
March 1, 1993 – September 1, 1993
New York
Instruction Set
Senior Technical Consultant
April 1, 1991 – March 1, 1993
Greater Boston Area
Softbridge Microsystems
Technical Analyst
September 1, 1989 – April 1, 1991
Greater Boston Area
George Consultants, Ltd.
Programmer/Analyst
June 1, 1988 – February 1, 1989
London, United Kingdom
AWS Partner: Accreditation (Technical)
Amazon Web Services (AWS)
June 23, 2026 – Present
Prince2
Advantage Learning Ltd
June 23, 2026 – Present
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft
June 23, 2026 – Present
Microsoft-INSEAD Value Negotiation
INSEAD Executive Education
June 23, 2026 – Present
Microsoft Global Challenger
Microsoft
June 23, 2026 – Present
Story Impact: Learning to Connect and Compel
Lange International Inc.
June 23, 2026 – Present
Worldwide Communities - Community SME 2018
Microsoft
June 23, 2026 – Present
Microsoft Digital Advisor Certifications
Microsoft
June 23, 2026 – Present
Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)
Quantic School of Business and Technology
June 23, 2026 – Present
Hatz AI Champion Certification
Hatz AI
June 23, 2026 – Present
ISO 27001 - Information Security Certification
Approachable Certification Ltd
June 23, 2026 – Present
Preventing Discrimination & Harassment: UK Managers Edition V5
Traliant
June 23, 2026 – Present
Diploma in Full Stack Software Development (with merit)
Code Institute
June 23, 2026 – Present
Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
ISC2
June 23, 2026 – Present
Become an AI-Powered People Manager
June 23, 2026 – Present
Responsible AI for Managers
June 23, 2026 – Present
Generative AI: Working with Large Language Models
June 23, 2026 – Present
Certificate issued to Ian Bowell by LinkExec - Connectd. A secure TRUE original document.
Connectd
June 23, 2026 – Present
Cultural Fit Analysis
The candidate's career trajectory shows a blend of deep technical roles, strategic consulting, and academic involvement. Experience in diverse company sizes and industries (finance, tech, education) suggests adaptability. The focus on digital transformation, cloud computing, and cybersecurity aligns with modern tech-driven environments. The candidate's long tenure in leadership roles indicates a preference for impactful, decision-making positions. The recent diploma in Full Stack Software Development and AI certifications show a commitment to continuous learning and staying current with technology trends, which is a positive indicator for cultural fit in dynamic tech environments.
Soft Skills & Operational Fit
The candidate's experience in leadership roles (vCISO, Director, CTO, COO) across various organizations suggests strong management, strategic planning, and operational oversight skills. Descriptions of leading digital transformation, managing teams, and client-facing CISO management indicate robust communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities. The EMBA and lecturing experience further support strong communication and strategic thinking.