Michael Willing leads Accenture’s National Security practice
Accenture has hired New South Wales Police deputy commissioner Michael Willing to lead its National Security practice.
Willing spent more than three decades working in the NSW police force, growing the ranks to hold several senior roles during this period.
Commenting on his move, Willing said, “I am delighted to join Accenture to help public sector clients navigate the increasingly complex threat landscape, to build cyber resilience, and to grow and reinvent with confidence. I look forward to leading the practice and protecting the security of our nation, particularly across organisation boundaries of intelligence, policing and borders.”
Prior to serving as deputy commissioner, Willing was the assistant commissioner-commander of the metropolitan region, assistant commissioner-commander of the Counterterrorism and Special Tactics Command, and bushfire disaster and detective superintendent-commander for the homicide squad for around six years.
“Michael’s experience positions him well to work with Accenture’s clients in the public sector as they address their security challenges,” said John Vidas, a Senior Managing Director at Accenture.
Accenture’s recently launched its National Security practice in order to provide a multidisciplinary security offering to public sector, intelligence, public safety and border protection organisations. The practice leans heavily on Accenture’s technology expertise (cloud, AI, biometrics, etc), but also brings in capabilities in the area of organisation, governance and (international) cooperation.
“Security remains one of the most important priorities of our government clients, with threats increasing and evolving rapidly. The National Security practice will help governments to be more secure, resilient and innovative across a range of capabilities – from technology to human performance,” said Willing.
Willing’s move comes in the footsteps of two other senior Police figures who recently crossed to the consulting industry. In March, former NSW Police commissioner Mick Fuller joined PwC, and last year former Australian Federal Police commissioner Andrew Colvin joined Deloitte.
