Purvi Kay

Head of Cyber Security Governance at BAE Systems, Advocate for Women & Neurodiversity & Chair for Women in Cyber Security

Purvi Kay’s Biography:

Purvi Kay is a highly respected cybersecurity leader whose work has helped protect some of the United Kingdom’s most critical national interests. With more than 14 years of service across the Civil Service, Defence and the UK Intelligence Community, she brings exceptional expertise in shaping national cyber strategy and developing resilience across high-risk environments and mission-critical systems.

She currently serves as Head of Cyber Security Governance, Risk and Compliance at BAE Systems PLC, directing enterprise-wide cyber governance and enabling secure digital transformation on a global scale. Alongside this, she leads cyber security for Future Combat Aircraft Systems, ensuring the UK’s most advanced defence innovation is protected against emerging technological adversaries.

Across earlier roles within the Home Office, HM Revenue & Customs, the National Cyber Security Centre and the Ministry of Defence, Purvi has influenced major national initiatives in telecommunications security, operational cyber policy and critical infrastructure protection. Her leadership has strengthened government response capabilities and improved security performance across complex stakeholder networks.

A champion for diversity and the future cyber workforce, Purvi is Chair for Women in Cyber Security and an Advisory Board Member for both Cyber London and the Cyber Resilience Centre for London. She is recognised for uplifting underrepresented talent and building inclusive pathways into cyber careers, establishing her as a powerful advocate for shaping the future of the industry.

Why Hire Purvi Kay?

Purvi offers rare dual insight from both government and defence industry leadership. She brings clarity to the fast-changing global threat landscape and equips leaders with practical tools to embed resilience into culture, operations and governance. Known for her strong communication style, she enables technical and non-technical audiences alike to quickly understand cyber risk and emerging technologies.

A passionate advocate for inclusion, she draws on her influential leadership roles and her TEDx talk, “How Neurodiversity Can Strengthen Cyber Security“, shares insights to highlight how different ways of thinking strengthen cyber strategy, enabling organisations to unlock hidden talent and build sustainable security capability for the future.

Purvi Kay’s Career Highlights:

Here are some of the key milestones that define Purvi Kay’s inspirational career:

• 2025 – Delivered engaging keynotes across the UK, sharing her expertise throughout cybersecurity.
• 2024 – Appointed Chair for Women in Cyber Security, driving national inclusion and representation across the industry.
• 2023 – Joined the Advisory Board for the Cyber Resilience Centre for London, guiding regional cyber capability and prevention.
• 2023 – Became Head of Cyber Security for Future Combat Aircraft Systems at BAE Systems, securing strategic defence innovation.
• 2022 – Appointed Head of Cyber Security Governance, Risk and Compliance for BAE Systems PLC, leading enterprise resilience strategy.
• 2022 – Delivered TEDx Talk “How Neurodiversity Can Strengthen Cyber Security”, promoting inclusive workforce reform.
• 2021 – Became Head of Cyber Policy, Outreach & Business Operations at the UK Home Office, shaping national cyber priorities.
• 2020 – Appointed Head of Governance, Engagement & Business Management, HM Revenue & Customs, enhancing organisational cyber readiness.
• 2019 – Senior Policy Advisor for Telecoms Security, Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, influencing national connectivity protection.
• 2018 – Government Liaison for Cyber Assessments at the National Cyber Security Centre, improving national threat response.
• 2017 – Cyber Risk Advisor, Centre for the Protection of National Infrastructure, strengthening protection of critical systems.
• 2014 – Eurofighter Communications Subsystem Desk Officer, Ministry of Defence, supporting secure defence communications.