Financial services firm PwC has welcomed a security expert who worked on the London Olympics to its Birmingham team to support organisations tackling the growing risk posed by cyber threats.

James Hampshire has joined the firm's Birmingham office as senior manager after previously being based in London.

PwC recently brought its team of more than 200 cyber security specialists together in a national practice aimed at bringing the right information to local clients more effectively.

Mr Hampshire will support clients across a range of cyber security disciplines including designing and assuring defences, threat intelligence, incident response, forensics and penetration testing capabilities.

He has previously held roles with the National Criminal Intelligence Service, Serious Organised Crime Agency, Cyber Security Operations Centre and the National Crime Agency leading cyber and intelligence operations, including providing cyber security for the London 2012 Olympics.

Since joining PwC last year, he has worked in a London-based role with clients across a range of sectors and industries, including retail and consumer, financial services, telecoms and pharmaceuticals, to manage cyber strategy, risk and governance.

He said: "I'm delighted to join the Midlands practice at a time when the region is fast becoming a thriving business destination, building on its rich heritage.

"As we see a growing number of national and international businesses moving to the region, cyber security is one of the top business risks that organisations need to identify and manage."

Chris Wight, partner and Midlands technology risk leader, added: "We're delighted to welcome James to the Midlands as an experienced and talented cyber leader to bolster our growing cyber security capability and offerings to clients.

"This comes at a time when we are bringing together our cyber team into a national practice.

"Together with our technology and data teams driving the use of data and analytics, we are continuing to invest in supporting our clients to navigate the changing world of tech and cyber."