Michael Daniel

Michael Daniel is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Cyber Threat Alliance, a position he has held since 2017, where he leads global collaboration between cybersecurity organisations to combat evolving cyber threats. Widely recognised for his expertise in cybersecurity strategy and public policy, Michael previously served as Cybersecurity Coordinator under President Barack Obama, acting as the President’s senior cybersecurity adviser and overseeing national cyber policy. With more than 21 years of experience in the US federal government, he is an authoritative speaker on cybersecurity, cyber risk, technology, innovation and public-private collaboration, offering audiences valuable insight into securing organisations against emerging digital threats.

Michael began his career in 1992 as a Research Assistant at the Southern Center for International Studies before joining the Office of Management and Budget in 1995 as a Program Examiner. During his 17-year tenure, he rose through the ranks to become Branch Chief, gaining extensive experience in national security and technology policy. In 2012, he was appointed Cybersecurity Coordinator at the White House, where he was responsible for coordinating federal cybersecurity policy and planning and implementing the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative. Alongside his professional career, he also studied National Resource Planning at the National Defence University, further strengthening his expertise in strategic security planning.

Since leaving government, Michael has continued to shape global cybersecurity policy through his leadership of the Cyber Threat Alliance and as a member of the Aspen Cybersecurity Group since 2018. Throughout his career, he has been recognised as one of the leading voices in cybersecurity policy, with extensive experience bringing together governments and private-sector organisations to improve cyber resilience and information sharing.

Michael’s unique blend of senior government leadership, policy development and private-sector collaboration makes him an engaging and insightful keynote speaker. Drawing on experience at the highest levels of national cybersecurity, he explains complex cyber risks in an accessible way, helping organisations understand today’s evolving threat landscape, strengthen resilience and prepare for the challenges of an increasingly digital future.

Michael Daniel is hired as a speaker for his unparalleled insight into cybersecurity policy, national security and cyber resilience, gained from advising President Barack Obama and leading the Cyber Threat Alliance. Having spoken at major cybersecurity conferences, government forums and industry events, he provides audiences with practical perspectives on cyber risk, public-private collaboration and emerging technologies. His ability to translate complex cybersecurity challenges into clear, strategic guidance makes him an outstanding keynote speaker for business leaders, policymakers and technology professionals alike.

Here are some of the key milestones that define Michael Daniel’s remarkable career:

  • 2018 – Became a member of the Aspen Cybersecurity Group, contributing to discussions on the future of cybersecurity policy and strategy.
  • 2017 – Appointed President and CEO of the Cyber Threat Alliance, leading collaboration between global cybersecurity organisations.
  • 2012 – Selected as White House Cybersecurity Coordinator, serving as senior cybersecurity adviser to President Barack Obama.
  • 2012 – Led the planning and implementation of the Comprehensive National Cybersecurity Initiative across the US government.
  • 2001 – Promoted to Branch Chief within the Office of Management and Budget, overseeing key federal programmes.
  • 1995 – Joined the Office of Management and Budget as a Program Examiner, beginning a distinguished career in federal government.
  • 1992 – Started his professional career as a Research Assistant at the Southern Center for International Studies.