Ciaran Martin

The First CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre, Former Head of Cyber Security at GCHQ & Professor of Practice in the Management of Public Organisations at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford

Ciaran Martin’s Biography:

Ciaran Martin is one of the United Kingdom’s foremost cybersecurity experts, best known as the founding Chief Executive Officer of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). Widely credited with transforming the UK’s approach to cyber defence, Ciaran pioneered a more interventionist posture towards cybersecurity that became a cornerstone of the Government’s National Security Strategy in 2015. Under his leadership, the UK rose to first place on the International Telecommunication Union’s Global Cybersecurity Index, cementing its reputation as a world leader in cyber resilience. As a speaker, Ciaran offers unparalleled insight into cybersecurity, national security, cybercrime, technology and government policy.

Ciaran spent 23 years in the UK Civil Service, building a distinguished career across some of the most influential departments in government. In 2002, he was appointed Principal Private Secretary to the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service, while also serving as Private Secretary to the Permanent Secretary to HM Treasury. He later became Director of Security and Intelligence at the Cabinet Office, before serving as Constitution Director, where he played a key role in negotiations surrounding the Scottish Referendum and reforms to the Royal Succession Law. In 2013, he was appointed Head of Cyber Security at GCHQ before becoming the first CEO of the NCSC in 2016.

In recognition of his contributions to cybersecurity, Ciaran was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in 2020 for Services to International and Global Cyber Security. Following his government career, he has continued to contribute to academia and public policy, becoming Professor of Practice in the Management of Public Organisations at the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford.

Alongside his academic appointments, Ciaran serves as a Visiting Professor in the Department of War Studies and the Strand Group at King’s College London. His expertise extends beyond cybersecurity to public finances, constitutional affairs and the complexities of modern government. Combining frontline experience in national security with strategic leadership at the highest levels of government, Ciaran provides audiences with a rare and authoritative perspective on the challenges shaping the digital age.

Why Hire Ciaran Martin?

Ciaran is hired to provide expert analysis on cybersecurity, cybercrime, technology policy and national security. Drawing on decades of experience at the heart of the UK Government, he delivers practical insights into managing cyber threats, protecting critical infrastructure and building organisational resilience. Audiences benefit from his firsthand experience leading major national security initiatives and advising senior policymakers. Whether speaking to business leaders, government organisations or technology professionals, Ciaran offers clear, strategic guidance on navigating an increasingly complex digital and geopolitical landscape.

Ciaran Martin‘s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Ciaran Martin’s remarkable career:

• 2020 – Appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath for Services to International and Global Cyber Security.
• 2020 – Joined the University of Oxford as Professor of Practice in the Management of Public Organisations.
• 2016 – Became the first Chief Executive Officer of the National Cyber Security Centre.
• 2015 – Helped shape the UK Government’s National Security Strategy through his interventionist cyber approach.
• 2013 – Appointed Head of Cyber Security at GCHQ.
• 2011 – Served as Constitution Director of the Cabinet Office, overseeing major constitutional reforms.
• 2008 – Became Director of Security and Intelligence at the Cabinet Office.
• 2002 – Appointed Principal Private Secretary to the Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Civil Service.
• 2002 – Served as Private Secretary to the Permanent Secretary to HM Treasury.