Ray Watts

Background

About Ray Watts

As a seasoned cybersecurity and data protection executive with over two decades of experience in safeguarding corporate assets and data, my journey has been driven by a relentless commitment to optimizing organizational cybersecurity agendas, reducing risks, and achieving business objectives through comprehensive compliance programs. I began my career conducting offensive cyber operations for the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense (DoD), and the National Security Agency (NSA). These formative experiences gave me an unparalleled understanding of the evolving threat landscape and the critical importance of cybersecurity. As an entrepreneur, I co-founded and currently oversee Neutral Group, a holding company building a thriving portfolio focused on compliance, privacy, risk, and security. Under my guidance, Neutral Partners, Neutral Party, and Neutral Policy have thrived while offering innovative solutions to complex compliance challenges. Throughout my career, I facilitated the seamless integration of new acquisitions, eliminating redundancy in security controls to reduce costs and enhancing data protection practices across organizations. My compliance-first approach has not only reduced risk but also accelerated sales cycles for numerous companies. As a trusted advisor to boards, audit committees, and C-level executives, I provide invaluable insights into compliance, risk, and security strategy. I excel in recommending frameworks and standards for adoption, enhancing M&A playbooks, challenging third-party risk management programs, and sharing industry best practices. I am honored to have been a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Cybersecurity Leadership Council member, where I had the privilege of briefing member company boards of directors and senior executive teams on cybersecurity best practices, emerging threat-actor behaviors, and advocated for policy updates to industry regulations and compliance standards. I co-authored a groundbreaking study on electric grid vulnerability, collaborating with Tom Ridge, former Secretary of Homeland Security, for Protect Our Power. This research was presented to members and staff of the U.S. Senate Committee on Armed Services at the request of Senator Tom Cotton. I'm passionate about cybersecurity, data protection, and compliance. My expertise is in seamlessly aligning security with business objectives. If you need a cybersecurity and compliance expert to drive results and propel your organization, let's connect.