Merlin Group has announced the appointment of Robert (Bob) Costello as its new Chief Digital & Information Officer, bringing on board a seasoned technology leader with over two decades of experience in government cybersecurity and IT modernization. Known for investing in and scaling innovative cyber and mission-focused technology companies, Merlin is strengthening its leadership team at a time of rapid growth and increasing demand for advanced digital capabilities.
Costello joins Merlin after an impactful tenure at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), where he served as Chief Information Officer and led mission engineering efforts. During his time there, he was instrumental in driving enterprise IT strategy, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing the agency’s ability to defend civilian federal networks and critical infrastructure. His leadership contributed to significant improvements in operational efficiency and cybersecurity resilience across the organization.
In his new role, Costello will oversee Merlin Group’s digital strategy, technology architecture, and enterprise AI initiatives. He will also collaborate closely with Merlin’s affiliates and portfolio companies to strengthen their digital capabilities and accelerate the delivery of mission-critical technologies to government and regulated industries. His appointment reflects Merlin’s commitment to building a robust digital foundation that supports innovation while addressing complex security challenges.
Costello’s career spans multiple senior leadership roles within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), where he played a key role in advancing large-scale IT and cybersecurity initiatives. His ability to bridge the gap between complex mission requirements and practical technology solutions has earned him a strong reputation across the federal technology landscape.
Leaders at Merlin Group have expressed confidence in Costello’s ability to drive the company’s next phase of growth. His experience managing large-scale modernization programs and his deep understanding of government operations are expected to bring significant value as Merlin expands its platform and continues supporting cybersecurity and mission technology companies.
Costello shared his enthusiasm about joining Merlin, highlighting the company’s unique role in connecting innovative technology providers with organizations responsible for safeguarding critical systems. He emphasized his focus on strengthening Merlin’s digital capabilities and helping accelerate the delivery of impactful solutions to mission operators.
His appointment comes as Merlin Group continues to expand its presence across government and regulated markets through its affiliates, including Merlin Ventures, Constellation GovCloud, and Merlin Cyber. With Costello leading its digital and AI initiatives, Merlin is well-positioned to enhance its platform and drive innovation at the intersection of cybersecurity, technology, and national security.
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