CSO Group and xAmplify to become MARQ1:
New brand and leadership team unveiled

SYDNEY, 11 September 2024 – Australian cyber security business CSO Group and xAmplify, Australia’s leading automation systems and artificial intelligence (AI) integrator today revealed their new, unified brand: MARQ1. This new identity will launch upon the completion of the companies’ strategic merger as they become Australia’s largest home-grown integrated cyber security and AI services group.

The name MARQ1 is inspired by the synergy and shared vision between CSO Group and xAmplify. It is a reflection of both organisations’ goal to leave a lasting mark with their customers, through solving real world challenges and delivering a powerful impact on each industry that they touch.

With a total headcount of more than 160 cyber, automation and AI specialists, MARQ1 will be led by CSO Group CEO Michael Simkovic as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He will be responsible for the overall strategic direction of the group, working closely with xAmplify CEO Wayne Gowland who will lead operations and sales as Chief Operating Officer (COO). Reporting into Wayne will be recently appointed Chief Revenue Officer (National) Howard Fyffe, who will oversee engagement with state government and private sector clients, and xAmplify’s Tom Scicluna who becomes Chief Revenue Office (Federal) with overall responsibility for Federal public sector and ACT clients.

Pictured from left to right: Michael Simkovic and Wayne Gowland.

Daniel Keys, former Department of Health CIO, and xAmplify Head of Innovation of Futures, will take on a new leadership role at MARQ1 as Head of Strategy – AI & Innovation. Hank Clark, CSO Group Chief Strategy Officer, will step into the new role of Head of Strategy – Cyber & Intelligence.

Michael Simkovic, CEO of MARQ1 said: “We are delighted to unveil MARQ1. As Australia’s largest home-grown AI and Cyber services group, our new identity signifies our shared commitment to delivering exceptional services to our customers. Our new management structure is a testament to the great leadership talent within MARQ1 – and will help seamlessly integrate and streamline both sides of our business as we come together to create something truly unique in the Australian market.”

The unified MARQ1 brand will be launched across all platforms, including a new website, social media, packaging and marketing materials, starting 1st October, 2024. 

MARQ1 will enable government and enterprise clients to access the capabilities of both CSO Group and xAmplify, spanning strategy, governance, risk and compliance, managed security, AI and both technology and business automation services. It will also bring a renewed cyber security lens to provision high performance IT service and sovereign-secure AI technologies.

Wayne Gowland as COO of MARQ1 said: “We have ambitious goals both in terms of the levels of excellence we deliver to our clients as well as for our own growth and our contribution to the Australian digital consulting and technology ecosystems. MARQ1 represents the synergy and shared vision of CSO Group and xAmplify. It demonstrates our commitment to delivering unparalleled value to our customers, applying our combined intelligence and capabilities to solve real-world challenges for our clients.”

The merger of CSO Group and xAmplify into MARQ1 is expected to be finalised by 30th September 2024.

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About MARQ1

MARQ1 is Australia’s leading home-grown cyber security and AI services group formed by the 2024 merger between Australian cyber security business CSO Group and xAmplify, Australia’s leading automation systems and artificial intelligence (AI) integrator. Headquartered in Sydney, MARQ1 delivers some of the most innovative and digitally advanced AI, automation and cyber solutions to over 110 enterprise and government organisations across Australia spanning industries such as defence, federal and state government, energy, financial services, health, logistics, retail, construction and mining. 

About xAmplify

Since forming in 2018, xAmplify has grown into Australia’s leading AI and Automation Integrator. We aim to improve Australian Government and businesses through the world’s most innovative technology, services and people. A local Australian company, with local people and local leadership, supported by the global leaders in innovation and technology.

About CSO Group

Since 2017, CSO Group has been at the forefront of delivering market-leading cyber security solutions to government and enterprise customers across Australia. Driven by a team of experts with decades of experience in information security, they excel in solving complex cyber security challenges and achieving integrated security outcomes.