I am an experienced Information Security leader and a former Data Protection Officer. In addition, I have worked in IT for over 25 years and with business security for over 16 years.

During this time, I have held numerous leadership roles in various industries, such as politics, charity, manufacturing and technology sectors. I have built security and compliance programmes. I use excellent business communication skills and a deep knowledge of information security and cybersecurity to partner with C-level executives, leaders and auditors to build and sustain best-in-class cybersecurity and security risk management programs aligned to the business. This strategic focus, alongside the ability to articulate risks and threats in business terms, assists in developing a proactive stance by identifying the most crucial aspects of the business. I then develop robust governance and operational frameworks to mitigate the disruption to these critical workflows. (See Sarah Armstrong-Smith’s book about the variable nature and impact of disruptive activities and risky behaviours)

I am also an archaeologist who is the co-Director (with a Sudanese Professor) heading a mission in the Sudan at a site first excavated by the founder of the Wellcome Trust. I firmly believe that my social science skills and project management skills are cross-disciplinary, and I leverage them every day to the benefit of the company I worked for and with in InfoSec.