February 28, 2023
Washington, D.C. –WestExec Advisors announced today that John Costello has returned to the team as a Principal. John was most recently Chief of Staff and principal architect of the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) at the White House. He previously served as a Senior Advisor at WestExec in 2021. He specializes in national cybersecurity, technology policy, U.S.-China trade relationship, export controls, investment screening, and U.S. policy on information and communication technology (ICT) and emerging technologies. As Principal, John will assist WestExec clients as they navigate the current technology, cybersecurity, and national security domains.
Before his time at ONCD, John was the Deputy Executive Director of the Cyberspace Solarium Commission, where he led the Commission’s work on cybersecurity, resilience, supply chain security, and the Commission’s legislative efforts. John has also served at the Department of Commerce as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Intelligence and Security. In that capacity, he established the Commerce Department’s intelligence analysis capability and led the Department’s information and communications technology and service supply-chain analytical and regulatory efforts. John was previously the Director of Strategy, Policy, and Plans and Senior Advisor to the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
In 2016, John was selected as a Congressional Innovation Fellow, serving on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. During his time on the Hill, John helped investigate the 2015 cyber breach of the Office of Personnel Management and helped oversee federal IT security. John started his career as an enlisted U.S. Navy sailor, serving his tours of duty at the National Security Agency as an intelligence analyst and operations officer. While at the National Security Agency, John specialized in foreign adversary cyber, electronic, and information warfare. John has a working professional proficiency in Chinese Mandarin, graduating with honors from the Defense Language Institute.
Michèle Flournoy, Managing Partner of WestExec Advisors remarked on John’s appointment: “We are thrilled to welcome John back to the WestExec team. John’s deep expertise in a wide range of areas, as well as his most recent experience at the top levels of government, will prove invaluable to our team as we grow and help our clients continue to tackle today’s most complex challenges head on and capitalize on new business opportunities.”
WestExec Advisors, LLC helps business leaders make the best decisions by advising on geopolitical risk and emerging opportunities. To learn more, visit www.westexec.com or email info@westexec.com.