Deloitte adds former FBI leader James Turgal to cybersecurity practice

James Turgal, former executive assistant director for the Federal Bureau of Investigation Information and Technology Branch, has joined Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory‘s Cyber Risk Services practice as managing director, Deloitte & Touche LLP. Turgal recently retired from the FBI after 21 years of service.  

At Deloitte, Turgal will primarily focus on advising clients on cyber incident response, cyber war-gaming and cyber resilience. As a former member of the FBI’s C-suite, he is the highest ranking and the second former-FBI leader to join Deloitte’s Cyber Risk Services practice in a managing director role in the past year.

“James’ strategic, forward-thinking approach to incident response will be invaluable as we continue to provide world-class, comprehensive cybersecurity services to our clients,” said Chuck Saia, CEO, Deloitte Risk and Financial Advisory.

As executive assistant director for the FBI Information and Technology Branch (CIO), Turgal was responsible for all global applications, corporate systems, infrastructure and operations for the bureau’s worldwide information and technology needs. During this time, he also led the FBI’s efforts to transform cybersecurity areas including digital forensics and investigations, data privacy, identity management and cyber resiliency.

Earlier, while serving as chief human capital officer and head of the FBI’s human resources (HR) division, Turgal focused on aligning staffing resources with emerging risks, streamlining systems and processes, designing a cyber skill and recruiting program, as well as maximizing HR budgets. In addition to having received numerous awards for his professional experience, including the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive, Turgal brings a wealth of broad-based experience to his new role at Deloitte.

Before joining the FBI, Turgal was co-owner and litigation partner at Jacobs & Turgal, P.C., a Phoenix, Arizona, area law firm.

“Deloitte recognizes that a comprehensive understanding of the cybersecurity landscape is critical to helping organizations stay ahead of emerging threats,” said Turgal. “Finding the right balance between technology and talent, and knowing when and how to best utilize each, can significantly strengthen cyber incident response programs.”

Turgal maintains close ties to the law enforcement and intelligence communities and is frequently consulted for his knowledge in global cyber, counterterrorism, intelligence, criminal and security issues.

Based in Washington, DC, Turgal holds a bachelor’s degree in business and economics from Northern Arizona University, a law degree from Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley School of Law, and a master’s of law degree from Georgetown University Law Center.

Source: Deloitte