Victoria Government CISO Dovid Clarke Departs, Replacement Search Underway

Victoria’s whole-of-government Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Dovid Clarke, has departed his role. This departure initiates an external search for his replacement. Mr. Clarke served as the Victoria government CISO for just over two years.

What Happened

Dovid Clarke has exited the Victorian government’s chief information security officer position. He moved to RedShield, a New Zealand-based security vendor. An external recruitment process is currently underway to find his successor.

Details From Sources

Dovid Clarke’s New Role

Dovid Clarke joined RedShield, a New Zealand-based security vendor, in January this year. This move was shared via a LinkedIn post.

The Dual CISO Role

The whole-of-government CISO role in Victoria also carries the title “executive director of data and digital resilience.” This dual-title role will continue with the next appointee, as indicated in a recruitment advertisement.

Responsibilities of the Role

The role’s responsibilities include leading the state’s Cyber Defence Centre. It also involves directing major incident responses. Furthermore, the role drives improvements to IT systems and telecommunications resilience in Victoria.

Interim Leadership

Rohan Davies is acting in the leadership role during the recruitment process. He is director of cyber at Victoria’s Department of Government Services (DGS).

Department of Government Services (DGS)

DGS was formed in 2023. Its purpose is to oversee Victoria’s digital resilience. DGS also manages cyber posture and the government’s incident response.

Background Context

Dovid Clarke served as the Victorian government chief information security officer for just over two years. He played an instrumental role in building cyber maturity across the state’s public service. The Department of Government Services (DGS), established in 2023, is responsible for overseeing Victoria’s digital resilience, cyber posture, and government incident response.

Future Implications

(SPECULATIVE) The ongoing external search for a replacement will determine future leadership for Victoria’s cyber security efforts.

Conclusion

Dovid Clarke has departed from the Victoria government CISO role. An external search for his successor is underway to lead crucial cyber security functions. Rohan Davies is currently providing interim leadership during this transition period.

FAQ

• Q1: Who is Dovid Clarke?
  A1: Dovid Clarke was the Victorian government’s whole-of-government Chief Information Security Officer (CISO).
• Q2: Why did Dovid Clarke leave his role?
  A2: Dovid Clarke left the Victorian government CISO role and moved to New Zealand-based security vendor RedShield in January this year.
• Q3: How long was Dovid Clarke in the Victoria government CISO role?
  A3: Dovid Clarke served as the Victorian government CISO for just over two years.
• Q4: What are the responsibilities of the Victoria government CISO role?
  A4: The role includes leading the state’s Cyber Defence Centre, directing major incident responses, and driving improvements to IT systems and telecommunications resilience in Victoria.
• Q5: Who is currently acting as the Victorian government CISO?
  A5: Rohan Davies, director of cyber at Victoria’s Department of Government Services (DGS), is currently acting in the leadership role.