Benchmark Executive Search Recruits Chief Security Officer for SSL MDA Holdings

February 14, 2017 – Benchmark Executive Search has placed Phil Robinson as the new chief security officer of SSL MDA Holdings. Jeremy King, president of Benchmark, led the assignment.

Mr. Robinson will report to the senior vice president, chief legal and compliance officer and work in partnership with the senior management team and the government security committee at SSL MDA.

When SSL set out to fill the post it sought a proven government contracting security leader who would be responsible for improving, implementing, and monitoring all aspects of security.

Mr. Robinson seems to have fit the bill. He is a senior security practitioner with nearly 30 years of experience overseeing security and risk programs within complex defense, intelligence and aerospace organizations. He is a recognized leader in National Industrial Security Program compliance and processes specializing in the execution of Foreign Ownership, Control or Influence (FOCI) mitigation programs.


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Previously, he served as vice president of compliance and managed security services at Squadron Defense Group (SDG), which provides an extensive array of industrial, personnel and information security solutions. He formerly served as corporate senior director of security at CGI Federal.

SSL MDA Holdings is the recently organized U.S. operating company of Canadian parent MacDonald Dettwiler and Associates Ltd. (MDA) and has its headquarters in San Francisco. It is a global communications and information services company with $2.1 billion in revenue and 4,800-plus employees. Primary products and services include communications satellites for geosynchronous and low earth orbit transmission of video, audio, and data communications; satellite sub-systems including antennas, payloads, and electronics; autonomous and guided robotic operating systems used in space and terrestrial applications; communication ground systems; defense communications systems; aviation software; and geospatial information processing services.

SSL (also known as Space Systems Loral) is MDA’s largest business unit. SSL is a provider of commercial satellites with broad expertise to support satellite operators and innovative space related missions.


Addressing Cyber Risk

The hunt for seasoned cybersecurity talent has seen a dramatic increase in the last two to three years according to a recent special issue of search industry newsletter ESR devoted to cybersecurity. According to the report, recruiters are finding a lack of qualified candidates just as companies put a greater emphasis and give a higher priority to corporate security. “Cybersecurity is quickly transforming from an independent corporate functional focus to a full-fledged integrated business sector,” said Scott A. Scanlon, the report’s editor-in-chief. Mr. Scanlon said cyber-attacks are growing in magnitude, complexity, and frequency – leaving many companies vulnerable. To address this risk, search firms are stepping up their efforts to identify next-generation leaders in the space ….. Here’s some further reading from Hunt Scanlon Media.

Benchmark Executive Search Launches New Service to Connect Cybersecurity Experts
Benchmark Executive Search has launched Expert Network, a new service designed to match its network of experts, advisors and consultants with companies seeking to upgrade their corporate asset protection, risk management and cyber strategies.


Benchmark Executive Search focuses on helping startups, emerging growth and mid-cap companies recruit leaders with government or private public sector experience to work in the defense, intelligence and national security markets in areas like information technology, military communications, homeland security, cyberwarfare, cloud, analytics and more.

Mr. King, the firm’s founder, has nearly 20 years of senior level recruiting experience. He specializes at the intersection of VC/PE backed technology innovators, government contractors and federal mission needs matching them to senior cyber / national / corporate security executives and board members. Mr. King has developed deep relationships with government and industry insiders, particularly within the intelligence, DoD and national security communities. He has worked with over 350 startups, emerging growth companies as well as publicly traded leaders.

Contributed by Dale M. Zupsansky, Managing Editor, Hunt Scanlon Media

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