Phil Gardner
About Phil Gardner
Phil Gardner is the Founder and CEO of IANS, a firm dedicated to supporting Chief Information Security Officers and their teams through subscription services and consulting. With a background in the US Navy and experience at prestigious firms like McKinsey & Company and Goldman Sachs, he has over two decades of leadership in the information security sector.
Work at IANS
Phil Gardner is the Founder and CEO of IANS, a firm established in 2001 that provides support to Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) and their teams. IANS operates on an annual subscription model and offers technical consulting services, focusing exclusively on information security. Under Gardner's leadership, IANS has developed a closed, end-user community that enables clients to gain insights, share intelligence, and exchange information relevant to their security needs.
Education and Expertise
Phil Gardner holds an AB in Political Science and Government from Harvard University, where he studied from 1981 to 1985. He later earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School, completing his studies there from 1992 to 1994. His educational background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in business and strategic consulting, particularly in the field of information security.
Background
Before founding IANS, Phil Gardner had a diverse professional background. He served as a combat pilot in the US Navy, where he was a Desert Storm Combat Pilot and an Air-to-Ground Ordnance Requirements Officer at the Pentagon. His military service spanned from 1985 to 1992. Gardner also worked in the private sector, holding positions at Goldman Sachs and McKinsey & Company, where he gained experience in investment banking and management consulting.
Achievements
Phil Gardner has made significant contributions to the fields of information security and consulting. He played a key role in building a community at IANS that fosters collaboration among security professionals. His military career includes notable achievements, such as graduating at the top of his class in US Navy Flight School and participating in critical operations during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Additionally, he was one of the founders of Provant, Inc., a publicly traded training company.