A former NHS Scotland tech boss has joined a leading global cybersecurity firm, it has been announced.

Deryck Mitchelson, who recently stepped down from his role as digital director of NHS National Services Scotland (NSS), as we exclusively revealed in December, has been named Check Point Software’s new field chief information security officer (CISO) and C-Suite advisor for Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

He joins the company after almost four years in the public sector, where he led the delivery of national tech platforms rolled out by the Scottish Government in response to Covid.

These include the Protect Scotland contact tracing app, the QR-code based ‘check in’ app, and most recently the Covid passport app.

In his new position, Mitchelson will “focus on building executive level relationships, understanding strategy and challenges, and using the Check Point differential to address cyber risks and gaps, enabling transformation and growth”.

Check Point also announced the appointment of Adam Bradley as regional director UK and Ireland. Bradley, who has over 20 years’ experience in the cybersecurity sector, will lead and expand Check Point´s UK and Ireland sales organisation in response to the growing demand to protect against cyber threats.

Thorsten Freitag, vice president sales EMEA at Check Point Software, said: “It is fantastic to welcome two senior industry players to Check Point Software. Our strategic direction is built around companies deserving the best security and both, Adam and Deryck, will use their deep knowledge and expertise to advise entities about the best security strategies required for their digital transformation. 

“Deryck will play a major part in shaping our security strategies across the whole of the EMEA region. He will support existing and prospective customers with immediate and future security concerns and challenges, leveraging the Check Point portfolio in securing their entire enterprise.

“Adam will lead the growth of the UK&I team and drive further engagement with customers and channel partners, ensuring that they all get the best out of Check Point.”

Check Point, which provides cyber security solutions to governments and corporate enterprises globally, is headquartered in Tel Aviv, Isreal, and employs over 5,200 people worldwide.