Charlie McMurdie

Owner of Achilleon Consultancy, Former Head of the Police National Cyber Crime Unit of the Metropolitan Police, Former Senior Cyber Crime Advisor for PwC UK & Inductee into the Infosec Hall of Fame

Charlie McMurdie’s Biography:

Charlie McMurdie is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected cyber security and cybercrime experts, with a distinguished career spanning more than three decades in law enforcement and digital investigations. Best known for serving as the former Head of the Police National Cyber Crime Unit and leading the Police Central e-Crime Unit for the Metropolitan Police, Charlie has played a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s response to cybercrime. Having secured £32 million in funding to establish national cybercrime capabilities and regional forensic units, she is widely recognised as a pioneering force in cyber policing. Today, Charlie is a sought-after keynote speaker who shares practical insights on cyber resilience, cybercrime trends and organisational security.

Charlie began her career with the Metropolitan Police in 1981, building extensive expertise across criminal investigations and specialist law enforcement operations. During her time as a Detective in the National Crime Squad, she undertook covert operations targeting serious and organised crime. As technology became increasingly central to criminal activity, Charlie transitioned into cybercrime leadership roles, ultimately retiring from New Scotland Yard as a Detective Superintendent. She established and led the Police Central e-Crime Unit, developed national cybercrime training programmes and helped create regional cybercrime and forensic capabilities throughout the UK. She also represented the UK internationally through collaborations with the International Criminal Police Organisation and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation on cybercrime initiatives.

Following her retirement from policing, Charlie became Senior Cyber Crime Advisor for PwC UK, where she contributed to major cyber incident response programmes, including Breach Aid, the firm’s multidisciplinary critical incident response team. In recognition of her achievements, she was inducted into the Infosec Hall of Fame and awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Warwick’s Cyber Security Centre. She has also become a trusted media commentator, regularly appearing on television and radio to discuss cybercrime, online threats and digital security.

Today, Charlie is the owner of Achilleon Consultancy, advising organisations on cyber risk, cyber resilience and emerging technological threats. Combining frontline investigative experience with strategic leadership expertise, she provides audiences with a unique perspective on the evolving cyber threat landscape. Her engaging presentations bridge the gap between law enforcement, business and technology, making complex cyber security challenges accessible, relevant and actionable for organisations worldwide.

Why Hire Charlie McMurdie?

Charlie McMurdie is hired as a speaker for her extensive experience at the forefront of cybercrime investigations, national cyber security strategy and critical incident response. Having built and led some of the UK’s most important cybercrime capabilities, she offers audiences practical insights that few can match. Charlie delivers engaging presentations on cyber resilience, cybercrime trends, digital transformation and organisational preparedness. Her experience advising governments, law enforcement agencies and major corporations, combined with frequent television and radio appearances, enables her to provide authoritative, real-world guidance that helps organisations strengthen their cyber defences.

Charlie McMurdie’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Charlie McMurdie’s remarkable career:

• 2014 – Awarded an Honorary Fellowship from the University of Warwick’s Cyber Security Centre in recognition of her contribution to cyber security and law enforcement.
• 2013 – Founded Achilleon Consultancy, providing strategic advice on cybercrime, cyber security and technology-related risks.
• 2013 – Joined PwC UK as Senior Cyber Crime Advisor, supporting organisations with cyber incident response and cyber resilience strategies.
• 2012 – Secured £32 million in funding to expand the UK’s cybercrime capabilities and strengthen national law enforcement resources.
• 2011 – Inducted into the Infosec Hall of Fame for her pioneering contributions to cybercrime prevention and cyber security.
• 2000s – Served as the UK lead on cybercrime initiatives with the International Criminal Police Organization and the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation.
• 1985 – Worked as a Detective in the National Crime Squad, conducting covert operations against serious and organised crime groups.
• 1981 – Joined the Metropolitan Police, beginning a distinguished law enforcement career that would ultimately shape the UK’s national cybercrime strategy.