AVANGRID, leading sustainable energy company, announced the appointment of Brian Harrell to the role of Chief Security Officer and Vice President of Physical and Cybersecurity. Harrell will lead the security efforts across the company.

“Serious cybersecurity and infrastructure threats to energy systems have grown significantly in recent years,” said Pete Church, Senior Vice President of Corporate Administration and Chief Human Resources Officer. “Protection of these assets is critically important to AVANGRID and our customers, and Brian is particularly qualified to help us continue to guard against evolving security threats to the energy industry. We are fortunate to have him as part of the AVANGRID team.”

Harrell will lead a comprehensive information, critical infrastructure, and cybersecurity program across AVANGRID’s eight network companies, Avangrid Renewables and all affiliates. Additionally, Harrell will have strategic oversight for all security processes and systems to meet regulatory requirements.

“AVANGRID is a world-class company focused on delivering safe, reliable and accessible clean energy to our communities,” said Harrell. “I am proud to join the team and apply my expertise to protect AVANGRID’s assets and help ensure the safety and security of our operations.”

Prior to joining AVANGRID, Harrell served as Assistant Secretary for Infrastructure Protection at the Department of Homeland Security and as Assistant Director at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. He has held leadership roles at Duke Energy Corporation, Electricity ISAC, and North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), charged with protecting North America’s electric grid from physical and cyberattack.