In this case study, Jack Jobling explains how we supported a private equity-backed healthcare SaaS platform in appointing a Chief Information Security Officer during a critical phase of international growth and M&A activity. Through a targeted UK-wide search and deep engagement with our cybersecurity leadership network, we delivered a focused shortlist and secured a high-calibre CISO within eight weeks, strengthening the organisation’s security capability while reinforcing investor and customer confidence.
Operating in a highly regulated environment, the business provides software solutions that support healthcare providers in improving patient safety, governance and operational performance.
Following the investment, the organisation identified cybersecurity as a critical strategic priority and sought to appoint a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to strengthen its security capability and support its next phase of growth.
Post-investment, the business required a Chief Information Security Officer who could operate effectively within a private equity-backed environment, combining strategic leadership with the ability to execute operationally.
Cybersecurity had been identified as a key value-creation lever. The incoming CISO would need to elevate the organisation’s security maturity, embed best-practice governance and compliance frameworks, and support the company’s ongoing international expansion and acquisition strategy.
The role also required someone capable of building a strong security culture across the organisation, while acting as a credible partner to both the executive team and investors.
Crucially, the appointment needed to be made within a tight timeframe. The business wanted to provide confidence to investors and customers while avoiding a prolonged search process, without compromising on the quality of the long-term leadership hire.
We conducted a targeted search focused on CISOs with experience in healthcare SaaS and private equity-backed environments.
The brief centred on identifying leaders who could combine strategic oversight with operational depth. This included expertise across security and compliance frameworks such as ISO 27001, GDPR, NHS DSPT and HIPAA, alongside experience leading security due diligence and post-acquisition integration within M&A-driven organisations.
Candidates who had previously embedded scalable security frameworks within high-growth SaaS businesses while maintaining strong alignment with regulatory requirements were prioritised.
Leveraging our established network of cybersecurity leaders within the private equity ecosystem, we delivered a focused shortlist of candidates capable of strengthening security maturity while acting as credible partners to both the executive team and the firm’s investors.
For a healthcare SaaS platform operating in a regulated industry, cybersecurity is closely tied to both customer trust and enterprise value.
As the company expanded internationally and integrated newly acquired businesses, the ability to maintain robust security standards across multiple jurisdictions and systems became increasingly important.
Appointing the right CISO, therefore, played a critical role not only in strengthening the organisation’s security posture but also in supporting its broader growth strategy and reinforcing investor confidence.
We conducted a UK-wide search targeting CISOs and adjacent senior security leaders with experience across HealthTech, SaaS, private equity environments and acquisition-led growth.
Alongside the search process, we delivered full salary benchmarking to provide clarity on market positioning and ensure alignment with the company’s budget expectations.
The search produced a longlist of nine qualified candidates, spanning the lower, mid and upper ends of the compensation range, all with relevant HealthTech and private equity experience.
From this group, five candidates progressed to the shortlist, with three advancing to the final stage of interviews. Two candidates were considered strong enough to receive offers.
One candidate ultimately accepted, completing the process from initial brief to signed offer within an eight-week timeframe.
To find out more about similar technology and cybersecurity leadership appointments, or to discuss how we can support your next strategic hire, please get in touch.
