Speakers

Ethan Duffell, Head of Information Security, Clifford Chance LLP

Ethan is a highly accomplished executive in the field of cyber security. He is a specialist in cyber security, cyber governance, enterprise risk, technology risk and business resilience. Ethan has a wealth of real-world hands-on leadership experience, with a track record of problem solving.  He is currently serving as Head of Information Security at Clifford... Chance.  With over 15 years in Cyber Security, Ethan has worked in a variety of sectors and international organisations, contributing to security standards and regulations (NIS, ETSI, ENISA).

Recently, Ethan was involved in the formation of the UK Cyber Security Council of which he is a chartered candidate assessor. He is also Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Information Security and recently became one of the first Chartered Cyber Security professionals in the UK with specialisms in Governance & Risk and Audit and Assurance.  He has an impressive collection of retro video games consoles and is a support human to two demanding Irish Wolfhounds.  more

Steve Davies, Head of Cyber Security, DLA Piper

As the Head of Cyber Security at DLA Piper, I lead a global team of security professionals who are responsible for protecting the firm's data, systems, and reputation from cyber threats. With over 10 years of experience in the information security field, I have successfully developed and executed cybersecurity strategies and initiatives that align with the firm's... business objectives and risk appetite.

My core competencies include security architecture, engineering, and operations, as well as crisis management, compliance, and vulnerability management. I have in-sourced Security Operations, established Security Engineering capabilities, and driven vulnerability management processes across the firm. I have also implemented SIEM solutions, intrusion detection systems, and technical guardrails for public cloud adoption, leveraging my expertise in Cloud Security and SABSA. My mission is to foster a culture of security excellence and resilience, and to enable the firm to deliver innovative and secure solutions to its clients. more

Jonathan Freedman, Head of Technology & Security, Howard Kennedy

Jonathan Freedman is the Head of Technology & Security at London law firm Howard Kennedy, with a background in Enterprise Architecture and systems engineering within the UK professional services sector spanning more than 18 years, now focusing on information and cybersecurity. Working closely with teams from across the firm, his role includes both the review,... development and implementation of new technology within the firm and leading the firm’s internal cybersecurity/cyber awareness programs. In addition, he holds multiple industry certifications including, Certified Ethical Hacker, CGEIT, CISSP, TOGAF, and ISO27001 with special interests in cybersecurity, ethical hacking & penetration testing, data protection, cryptography, secure systems design, mobile device security and technology innovation. more

Eleanor Ludlam, Partner - Cyber, Privacy and Technology Litigation, Pinsent Masons

Eleanor is a partner who specialises in cyber and data risk, with significant experience in acting for insurers and insureds operating in a range of sectors including manufacturing, technology, media and financial institutions.  Eleanor joined Pinsent Masons’ Cyber team in April 2023 and has a background in commercial litigation and data protection which... provides her with unique expertise when advising clients in relation to privacy litigation, cyber and data risk matters.  Eleanor spent 15 months on secondment to the Global Privacy team at one of the world’s largest insurers and 6 months on secondment to a SaaS technology company. She holds the IPAA Certified Information Privacy Professional (Europe) (CIPP/E) qualification and is the winner of the Most Inspiring Woman in Cyber Awards 2021. Eleanor is one of five Back to Law Ambassadors for the Law Society assisting people who are returning to the law after a career break. She regularly speaks at events on issues specific to people returning to careers in law, including challenging stereotypes and misperceptions.  more

Jonathan Turner, Head of Cyber Security, Farrer & Co

Jonathan Turner is a cyber security professional with more than a decade of experience across technical operations, governance, risk, and compliance. His background includes cyber strategy, incident response, auditing, and regulatory compliance. He is currently Head of Cyber Security at Farrer & Co, where he is responsible for strategy, incident management, and... resilience.  Previously, he held senior positions at L3Harris Technologies, where he managed complex infrastructures and delivered projects ranging from site migrations to policy and security overhauls, while also guiding the business through certifications and compliance.more

Adam Speker KC, Barrister, 5RB

Adam Speker KC is a barrister at 5RB specialising in all aspects of media and communications law including breach of confidence, misuse of private information and defamation. He took silk in 2020. He is the joint editor of the current edition of The Law of Privacy and the Media (OUP 2024). Since obtaining the first ransomware injunction in 2017 in Clarkson PLC v Person... Unknown, he has advised in a great many ransomware cases and appeared on almost all of those that have gone to court including 4 New Square (2021), The Ince Group plc (2022) and Armstrong Watson LLP (2023).more

Ryan Virani, Director, Adeptis Group

Ryan Virani is a dynamic and experienced Cyber Security talent acquisition expert specialising in the EMEA and US regions. As a Director at Adeptis Group, Ryan's unwavering commitment lies in transforming conventional hiring approaches and delivering comprehensive solutions that empower businesses to seize the talent required for consistent scalable growth. With an... unwavering passion for fostering innovative strategies, Ryan Virani is your go-to partner in revolutionising how companies attract and retain top-tier professionals, providing end-to-end solutions that empower businesses to harness the skills needed for growth. With an impressive eight-year tenure at Adeptis Group, Ryan has played a pivotal role in empowering cutting-edge companies to thrive amidst the digital revolution and demands of cyber transformations. His expertise lies in cultivating high-performing teams that give businesses a decisive advantage. As a key leader in Adeptis, Ryan & Adeptis offer a range of services dedicated to accelerating growth in the dynamic cyber world.   
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Mark Penlington, Head of Risk, Resilience and Internal Audit, Irwin Mitchell LLP

Mark Penlington is Head of Risk, Resilience and Internal Audit at Irwin Mitchell.  He has successfully established and led forward thinking and strategically minded Internal Audit teams across the insurance, travel and legal sectors. 
 

Ekow Oduro, IT Security Operations Lead, Forsters LLP

Ekow Oduro is a seasoned cybersecurity and IT leader with over 19 years in technology and more than eight years specialising in security operations, risk management, and compliance. As IT Security Operations Lead at Forsters LLP, Ekow heads the firm’s security operations, advancing enterprise resilience through proactive threat detection, identity protection, and... cloud security governance. His leadership has driven alignment with Cyber Essentials Plus standards, while strengthening the firm’s XDR and incident response capabilities. Ekow holds CISM and CEH certifications and is recognised for his strategic, business-aligned approach to cybersecurity, bridging technical excellence with operational impact.more