The Central Intelligence Agency, United States’ prime intelligence agency, has appointed its first-ever Chief Technology Officer (CTO). The agency announced the development in a blog post on April 29, and its Director William J Burns appointed Nand Mulchandani as CIA’s first-ever CTO.

The CIA post notes that Mulchandani brings “substantial private sector, startup, and government” expertise to CIA and has over 25 years of experience working in Silicon Valley and recently the Department of Defence (DoD).

As per the digital media The Record, which covers cybersecurity, Mulchandani will report directly to CIA Director Burns and lead the agency’s technology strategy. His appointment marks a big step as the American agency aims to revamp its strategy to combat growing cybersecurity threats. The new CTO will also be responsible for revamping the CIA’s approach to technology and competition, especially against China, the publication notes.

The CIA post notes that Mulchandani as the CTO will ensure the agency is leveraging “cutting-edge innovations and scanning the horizon for tomorrow’s innovations to further CIA’s mission”.