Mark Watson is a recognized expert in governance, risk and compliance, with over 30 years of global experience spanning financial services, public policy and corporate advisory roles. He has advised boards, executives and regulators on strengthening oversight, improving risk governance and embedding compliance into organizational strategy and culture.
Mark leads Portcullis Consulting, where he advises private-sector and development-agency clients on a wide range of governance and risk matters. Previously, he held senior roles at SVB/First Citizens, EY and Moody’s, leading strategic projects on nonfinancial risk, internal governance, resilience, cybersecurity, sustainability and the three lines of defense.
A former McKinsey governance and organizational design consultant and UK policy advisor, he brings a rare combination of practical experience and policy insight.
Mark holds a BA (Honors) in Public Administration (First Class) from Manchester Metropolitan University and professional credentials in company direction and risk analysis. He is the author of the Power In book series on effective business communication and a prolific thought leader on board governance, culture and emerging risks.
He lives in Concord, Massachusetts—with his wife Kathryn and their three children, Soren, Aurora and Caden—a fitting home for a UK/US dual national given its historical role in the American Revolution.