"We are thrilled to have someone of Michelle's calibre in the cyber security sector join us at EY," said EY Oceania cybersecurity leader Richard Bergman.

"Michelle has a distinguished career as an instrumental figure responsible for the growth of Australia's cyber security entrepreneurial talent, and assuring a diverse pipeline of people and technology capabilities for the industry and wider economy.

"Michelle will be leading the government and public sector team within EY Oceania cybersecurity practice and primarily focused on protecting digital government and essential services. Michelle will also grow EY's cyber security ecosystem and the Industry including working with start-up and the private equity community.

Price is currently CEO of AustCyber, which she joined as chief operating officer when the organisation was formed in 2017.

She previously served as senior cyber security advisor to the National Security College at the Australian National University, and as senior domestic cyber policy advisor to the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Price has also held a range of senior roles in the Australian Border Force, Medicare, and Comcare after starting her career in marketing services.

She is also a board member of the Australian Cyber Collaboration Centre, co-chair of the World Economic Forum's global future council on cybersecurity, and a startup mentor at CyRise, and was formerly a board member of the Cyber Security CRC.

Price holds a bachelor's degree in business law, commerce and marketing from Macquarie University, and an honours degree in visual communication from the University of Technology Sydney. She is also a graduate of the AICD company director's course.

"I'm very excited to be joining EY; it's a perfect cultural fit with its transformational approach to tackling cyber security challenges with clients, and a global network of leading practitioners and resources to continue my passion for the cyber security sector and protecting Australia," said Price.

Price takes up her new role on 2 May 2022.