Major-General Jonathan Shaw

The first Head of the Defence Cyber Security Programme at the Ministry of Defence, Former Director of Special Forces & Author of ‘Britain in a Perilous World’

Jonathan Shaw’s Biography:

Major-General Jonathan Shaw is a former senior British Army officer, strategic defence leader and cyber security adviser who has operated at the highest levels of military command and government policy. A Companion of the Order of the Bath and former Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff, Jonathan is recognised for his expertise in global security, cyber defence and modern warfare strategy. Today, he is a sought-after speaker on geopolitics, resilience and national security leadership.

Jonathan graduated from the University of Oxford before beginning a distinguished military career that included service in the Falklands and senior operational deployments in Kosovo and Iraq. He commanded 12 (Mechanised) Brigade and later served as General Officer Commanding Multi-National Division (South-East) in Iraq. His leadership experience spans frontline command, coalition operations and complex multinational environments.

In 2003, Jonathan was appointed Director of Special Forces, overseeing some of the UK’s most sensitive military capabilities. He went on to become Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff and later Assistant Chief of Defence Staff Global Issues, where he played a leading role in shaping British defence strategy. In 2011, he became the first Head of the Defence Cyber Security Programme at the Ministry of Defence, directing a £90 million cyber initiative during a period of growing digital threat.

Following his military career, Jonathan transitioned into advisory and governance roles. He has chaired boards, served on strategic advisory panels in cyber security and authored ‘Britain in a Perilous World: The Strategic Defence and Security Review We Need’. In 2025, he appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Across the Red Line to debate UK defence spending, continuing to shape national security conversations through public discourse.

Why Hire Jonathan Shaw?

Jonathan is hired as a speaker for his unparalleled insight into defence, geopolitics and cyber security at the highest strategic level. Having commanded in active conflict zones and later shaped UK defence policy, he brings authority, clarity and calm analysis to discussions around global instability and national resilience. He was awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service in 1996, recognising his operational contribution early in his distinguished career.

As the first Head of the Defence Cyber Security Programme at the Ministry of Defence, he offers rare first-hand insight into the intersection of military strategy and digital threat. His talks help leadership teams understand risk, preparedness and decision-making in volatile environments, making him highly relevant to defence, financial services and infrastructure sectors.

Jonathan Shaw’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Jonathan Shaw’s remarkable career:

• 2025 – Appeared on BBC Radio 4’s Across the Red Line to debate the UK’s rising defence spending and the broader strategic implications for national and global security.
• 2023 – Participated in the Financial Times Live Cyber Resilience Summit, contributing senior-level insight into defence strategy, digital threats and infrastructure protection.
• 2022 – Appointed Head of the Advisory Board at Assured Cyber Protection, guiding cyber security governance and strategic direction at board level.
• 2014 – Published Britain in a Perilous World: The Strategic Defence and Security Review We Need, outlining a forward-looking assessment of UK defence strategy.
• 2012 – Appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in recognition of distinguished service.
• 2011 – Served as Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Global Issues) while leading the Defence Cyber Security Programme, overseeing a £90 million cyber initiative.
• 2009 – Appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Staff, contributing to high-level defence planning and international military coordination.
• 2006 – Commanded Multi-National Division (South-East) in Iraq, leading complex coalition operations in a high-risk operational theatre.
• 2003 – Appointed Director Special Forces, overseeing the UK’s most sensitive and strategically critical military capabilities.
• 2002 – Commanded 12 (Mechanised) Brigade, holding senior operational responsibility within the British Army.