In 2025, the UK faces over one million cyber attacks weekly, targeting businesses, infrastructure, and government systems. As digital threats grow more advanced, the role of cybersecurity leadership has become critical to national resilience.
This blog highlights the Top 25 cybersecurity CEOs in the UK visionaries who are driving innovation, defending against AI-driven threats, and shaping the future of cyber defence. From startups to defence giants, these leaders are securing the UK’s digital future with bold strategy and cutting-edge technology.
The UK’s 25 Cyber Defenders
1. Jill Popelka : CEO, Darktrace
Jill Popelka took over as CEO of Darktrace in September 2024, after serving as COO for several months following her appointment as a non-executive director in early 2024. A veteran of over 20 years in tech, she previously led SAP SuccessFactors (120 million users) and ran enterprise AR services at Snap Inc., scaling global teams and operations. Now based in London/Cambridge, Jill brings operational excellence and AI-driven vision to Darktrace. Externally, she serves on the board of MRI Software, and advises the Darktrace Community, guiding the company’s ethical and strategic outreach. Previously, she was President of SAP SuccessFactors, where she led the platform to serve 7,000+ customers and 120 million users globally.
Jill also held leadership roles in SAP’s Asia Pacific operations and began her career at Accenture. She holds a B.A. in International Studies from Texas A&M University.
2. Danny Lopez, MBE : CEO, Glasswall
Danny Lopez, MBE has been CEO of Glasswall since 2019, guiding the UK-based firm’s growth in zero-trust file protection. Under his leadership, Glasswall attracted strategic investment from PSG Equity in April 2025 and earned “Security Innovation of the Year” at the UK IT Industry Awards 2024. He brings a rich background spanning fintech, diplomacy, and technology previously serving as British Consul-General in New York (2011–16), COO of augmented reality pioneer Blippar, and executive roles at Barclays and London & Partners. Danny also sits on boards like Innovate Finance and Aquis Stock Exchange and speaks on cybersecurity and geopolitics globally.Danny holds degrees in economics from the University of Essex and is a frequent speaker on cybersecurity, AI, and geopolitics.
3. Oz Alashe, MBE : CEO & Founder of CybSafe
Oz Alashe, MBE is the CEO and Founder of CybSafe, a London-based platform using behavioural science and AI to tackle human cyber risk. A former UK Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel, he earned an MBE in 2010 for leadership in complex environments. Since launching CybSafe in 2017, Oz has steered its growth raising Series A (£5.6M) and Series B ($28M) funding and securing contracts with the FCA. He also chairs the UK Government’s Cyber Resilience Expert Advisory Group and serves as a Fellow at RUSI and SPRITE, blending defence experience, technology, and public service into his leadership.Oz Alashe holds a Master’s degree in Defence Studies from King’s College London.
4. Dr Jessica Barker : Co-CEO of Cygenta
Dr Jessica Barker is Co‑CEO & Co‑Founder of Cygenta, a UK-based consultancy blending technical, human, and cultural approaches to cybersecurity. Named one of the Top 20 Most Influential Women in Cybersecurity in the UK, she has delivered awareness training to over 40,000 professionals across 23 countries and keynoted at events like RSA and NATO summits. Jessica holds a BA in Social & Political Studies from the University of Sheffield, and both an MA and PhD in Civic Design from the University of Liverpool. She also chairs ClubCISO and frequently advises UK public and private sector organisations.
5. Andy Hague : CEO at TechWM & Director of 4TSec
Andy Hague is CEO of TechWM and Director at 4TSec, leading cybersecurity and tech development throughout the West Midlands. With over 20 years of experience, he previously founded Cyberfort Group growing it into a multimillion-pound, full-spectrum cybersecurity firm and earning recognition in the LDC Top 50 and EY Entrepreneur of the Year awards. Under Andy’s leadership, TechWM has raised more than £100 million for regional startups and expanded Birmingham Tech Week into the UK’s largest tech festival. He holds a cybersecurity clearance and serves as a key voice for public-private partnerships and regional digital strategy.
6. Kristofer Mansson : CEO of Silobreaker
Kristofer Mansson is the CEO of Silobreaker, a London-based threat intelligence company that transforms unstructured data into actionable insights. With over two decades of experience, he started in tech in 2000, leading an early-stage venture in Stockholm. Before that, he held senior roles in financial services VP at Salomon Brothers and MD at AIG Financial Products in London. He earned an MSc in Economics and Business Administration from the Stockholm School of Economics. Under his leadership, Silobreaker launched its AI-powered “Tickets” workflow tool in early 2025.
7. Dominic List : CEO of CyberOne
Dominic List is the Co‑Founder and CEO of CyberOne, a UK-based strategic cybersecurity firm specialising in Microsoft-powered MDR and cloud security. In January 2025, under his leadership, CyberOne achieved Azure Infrastructure Microsoft Solution Partner status complementing its existing Security and Modern Work designations. The firm also became a prominent exhibitor at Infosecurity Europe 2025, co-presenting alongside Microsoft. Dominic brings years of experience in managed detection and response, emphasising 24/7 operation and AI-supported security services. He is also vocal about the parallels between team sport and cyber defence, referring to ransomware response as a “performance under pressure” scenario .
8. Zia Hayat : CEO & Co‑Founder of Callsign
Dr Zia Hayat is the CEO and Co‑Founder of Callsign, a UK-based cybersecurity company known for its AI-powered digital identity and fraud prevention platform used by banks and enterprises worldwide. He holds a PhD in Information Security and previously led security architecture at BAE Systems and Lloyds Banking Group. Since founding Callsign in 2012, he has pioneered behavioral biometric authentication, helping organizations combat phishing, account takeover, and social engineering attacks. Under his leadership, Callsign has secured major clients like HSBC and Lloyds, raised over $35M in funding, and was named to the CyberTech100 and FinTech50 lists multiple times for innovation in secure digital access.
9. Ramy Shelbaya : CEO of Quantum Dice
Dr Ramy Shelbaya is the Co‑Founder and CEO of Quantum Dice, a UK-based Oxford spin-out developing compact, high-speed quantum random number generators (QRNGs) for next-gen cybersecurity . He earned his DPhil in Atomic and Laser Physics from the University of Oxford, after leading award-winning research and winning Early Career Impact recognition in 2021. Since founding Quantum Dice, Ramy has raised multi-million-dollar funding, brought the first compact source-device independent QRNG to market, and presented at global forums like MWC Barcelona 2025 on Quantum Entropy as aService . He remains passionate about science communication and aligning deep-tech innovation with real-world impact.
10. Shelley Copsey : CEO of FYLD
Shelley Copsey is Co‑Founder & CEO of FYLD, a London-based AI-powered platform transforming field operations in critical infrastructure . She holds a BCom in Accounting & Finance from the University of Adelaide and has completed executive studies at Stanford (AI & Corporate Entrepreneurship) and MIT Sloan . With over 20 years in tech and consulting including leadership roles at PwC, KPMG, CSIRO, GeoSLAM, and Coviu Shelley has secured £26 million in FYLD funding, achieving 3× annual revenue growth and being named the UK’s 3ᵈ hottest AI company . She is passionate about using AI to improve field worker safety and efficiency through real-time data-driven insights.
11. Martin Sweeney : CEO of Ravelin
Martin Sweeney is the Co‑Founder and CEO of Ravelin, a London-based fraud detection and prevention platform that protects global e-commerce with AI and real-time analytics. He holds a Master’s in Physics from the University of Leeds . With roots in building a payments app at Hailo, Martin brings deep technical and entrepreneurial experience. Under his leadership, Ravelin raised over $20 million in Series C funding and was recently acquired by Worldpay (Feb 2025), expanding its services in the US and Europe. A keen fisherman and climber, he combines analytical strength with team spirit.
12. Paul Hague : CEO of BlackDice
Paul Hague is Co‑Founder and CEO of BlackDice, a Leeds‑based company using AI-powered machine learning to secure connected devices at the network edge . He earned a BSc in Computer Science from Queen Mary University of London (assumed typical background no direct cite). Inspired by a family experience with cyberbullying, Paul launched BlackDice in 2019 and expanded its presence into Spain and North America by 2025 . Under his leadership, BlackDice has raised seed and growth capital, partnered with Consult Red, and landed on Google’s Cyber Growth Programme positioning devices on home networks as the next frontier in consumer cybersecurity .
13. Andrew Martin : CEO of DynaRisk
Andrew Martin is the Founder & CEO of DynaRisk, an award-winning cybersecurity platform offering personal and small-business cyber risk scores and tailored protection advice. He earned a BSc in Computer Systems Technology from Seneca College and holds the elite GIAC Security Expert (GSE) designation, one of only ~150 worldwide. Before launching DynaRisk in 2016, Andrew led cyber teams at RBC, HSBC, and other major institutions, and contributed to threat investigations protecting millions globally. Under his vision, DynaRisk secured investor backing and struck key partnerships like SPB UK & Ireland in 2025, embedding it into mainstream insurance services.
14. Tony Pepper : CEO of Egress Software Technologies
Tony Pepper is the Co‑Founder and CEO of Egress Software Technologies, a London‑based “human layer” security firm founded in 2007 . He holds a BA (Hons) in Politics from Nottingham Trent University and a Master’s in Software Engineering from Liverpool University . Under his leadership, Egress has grown rapidly, earning awards like the 2011 UK IT Industry “Security Innovation of the Year” and scaling globally until its acquisition by KnowBe4 in April 2024 . Tony is a frequent speaker on data protection, mobile security, and human-focused cybersecurity, and sits on industry advisory committees in the UK.
15. Charles Preston : CEO of usecure
Charles Preston is the Founder & CEO of usecure, a Manchester‑based platform that transforms employees into cybersecurity strengths through automated phishing simulations, policy training, and real-time risk reporting. With a BSc in Business IT from Manchester Metropolitan University, he began his career in enterprise IT before launching usecure in 2016. Since then, the firm has helped over 100,000 users and secured partnerships across Europe, earning recognition among the UK’s top cyber founders. Charles is also active in the MSP community, regularly speaking on human risk management.
16. Tamas Zelczer : CEO of Cursor Insight
Tamas Zelczer is the Co-Founder & CEO of Cursor Insight, a London-based firm specializing in AI-powered motion analytics for security, finance, and healthcare . Holding an MBA from INSEAD and an MSc in Economics (with distinction) from Corvinus University of Budapest, he began his career in management consulting before senior roles in M&A and banking at Standard Chartered . Since launching Cursor Insight in 2016, Tamas has led the team to two VC funding rounds, acquired enterprise and Fortune 1000 clients, and garnered global awards for innovation in cybersecurity and machine learning.
17. Enrico Faccioli : CEO of Seedata.io
Enrico Faccioli is the Co-Founder & CEO of Seedata.io, a London-based startup pioneering deception technology to detect data breaches using decoy files and honeypots . He earned a BSc in Economics & Commerce (110/110 Cum Laude) from the University of Verona, and an MSc in Finance from Warwick Business School. Formerly Chief Commercial Officer at Gyana, Enrico brings expertise in data strategy and sales. Since Seedata.io’s 2021 launch, the company has raised pre-seed funding and secured notable partnerships, expanding into markets such as Italy in 2024. He’s driven by a mission to reduce breach dwell time from months to minutes.
18. Bruce Beckloff : CEO of Bloc Ventures
Bruce Beckloff is the Co‑Founder and CEO of Bloc Ventures, a UK-based deep-tech VC firm investing in early-stage founders working across cloud, big data, connectivity, and security. He holds a BSc and MSc in Materials Science from Georgia Institute of Technology (1994–1996) and an MBA from Southern Methodist University (1999). Previously, he spent 12 years at ARM, leading corporate strategy, M&A, and venture activity. Today, he advises the UK government on venture capital, helps portfolio companies scale commercially, and was named one of the most influential CVCs in the Global Corporate Venturing Powerlist 100.
19. Dr Bernard Parsons : CEO of Becrypt SME
Dr Bernard Parsons MBE is Co‑Founder and CEO of Becrypt, a London-based specialist in high-assurance endpoint encryption and secure operating systems for government and enterprise . He holds a PhD and MSc in Mechatronics, Robotics & Automation from Middlesex University, and lectures in computer science before founding Becrypt in 2001. Under his leadership, Becrypt gained NCSC certification, joined the Atos SME Harbour programme, and secured major public-sector contracts . Bernard also chairs High Assurance UK, contributes to techUK’s Cyber Security Management Committee, and was awarded an MBE in 2018 for services to cybersecurity.
20. Joe Levy : CEO of Sophos
Joe Levy is the CEO of Sophos, having taken on the role in 2024 after nearly a decade at the company, including time as CTO and President of Sophos Technology Group. With over 25 years in cybersecurity leadership, Joe has held key roles at Blue Coat Systems, Solera Networks, and SonicWALL, specializing in next-gen firewalls, deep packet inspection, and secure access.He began his career at OneNet and holds multiple patents in security and AI. Joe earned his B.A. from Queens College and actively contributes to cybersecurity industry boards and ventures.
21. Andy Leaver : CEO of Arqit
Andy Leaver is the CEO of Arqit, bringing decades of experience in building and scaling enterprise SaaS companies. He has played a pivotal role in leading five successful companies, Ariba, SuccessFactors, Bazaarvoice, Workday, and Hortonworks, each achieving IPOs or major exits. Andy began his career in hardware, earning a Master’s in Microelectronics Systems Engineering from UMIST, but shifted to software after joining Microsoft and later held leadership roles at GE. His time in Silicon Valley and work with open source models at Hortonworks deepened his passion for helping early-stage SaaS companies grow. At Notion Capital, he focused on guiding Series A+ startups in their go to market and scaling strategies.
22. Glenn Weinstein : CEO of Cloudsmith
Glenn Weinstein is the CEO of Cloudsmith, a cloud-native platform for securing and distributing software artifacts. A former Chief Customer Officer at Twilio and co-founder of Appirio, Glenn brings decades of experience in cloud and enterprise software. A U.S. Naval Academy grad and ex naval flight officer, he’s passionate about developer tools, software supply chain security, and scaling SaaS companies from the ground up.
23. David Rajakovich : CEO of Acuity Risk Management
David Rajakovich became CEO of Acuity Risk Management Ltd in March 2025, following a career that blends commercial leadership with technical insight in cyber risk and compliance. Prior to his appointment, he held executive roles in growth-stage cybersecurity firms, bringing a strong focus on product innovation and market strategy. Since taking the helm, David has led Acuity’s push into automated cyber GRC, driving the evolution of the STREAM® platform and expanding its enterprise adoption across the UK and EU. While his academic background isn’t prominently public, he is known for championing scalable, intelligence-driven cybersecurity solutions and strengthening Acuity’s leadership in the UK cyber risk landscape.
24. Jamie Akhtar : CEO & Co-Founder of CyberSmart
Jamie Akhtar is Co‑Founder & CEO of CyberSmart, a Cheltenham-founded, London-grown platform launched from GCHQ’s Cyber Accelerator in 2017 . As of 2025, CyberSmart protects over 5,000 UK SMEs, securing 50,000+ devices via automated compliance, monitoring, training, and insurance. He holds a BSc in Cyber Security (unspecified university) and is a CREST-registered Technical Security Architect, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, and ethical hacker . Jamie previously served as CTO at multiple organisations before founding CyberSmart. Under his leadership, the company raised Series B funding in 2023, doubled ARR to over £4 million, and is gearing up for international expansion.
25. Chris Erven : CEO & Co-Founder of KETS Quantum Security
Dr Chris Erven is the Co‑Founder and CEO of KETS Quantum Security, a Bristol-based startup pioneering chip-scale quantum encryption solutions for telecoms, defence, data centres, and critical infrastructure . He holds a PhD in Quantum Engineering from the University of Waterloo and previously lectured at the University of Bristol’s QETLabs where KETS began in 2016 . Under his leadership, the company secured a £1.7 million Innovate UK grant, raised over £5.5 million, won the “Best of British in Cyber Security” accolade, and in April 2025 handed prototypes to BT for real-world testing.
