Speakers

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

Rob Flanders, Head of Threat and Incident Response, BAE Systems

Rob has 10 years’ experience in Cyber Security, covering Threat Intelligence, Incident Response, Security Architecture and Risk Management. Rob's experience is in Defence and UK Government, delivering technical security focussed capabilities including leading GBEST assessments on behalf of government departments and supporting development of Threat Intelligence... capability across the public sector. Rob now leads Major Cyber Incident Response and Strategic Threat Intelligence at BAE Systems.
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Ash Spencer, Head of IT and Security, Minster Law

Ash has over 30 years in customer-facing, operational IT, with extensive experience in developing and implementing technology strategies, balancing security concerns against end user practicality.  He loves governance and has significant experience in establishing information security, disaster recovery, and business continuity frameworks, while aligning to and... complementing operational procedures. With a robust background in programme management across public and private sectors, he has led several large digital transformations and business improvement initiatives, recovering numerous failing programmes, and delivering successful multi-million-pound projects. Ash has a passion for continuous improvement and places a strong focus on learning and development to ensure his teams keep evolving and growing, to adapt to and support the needs of the business.  more

Neil Bell, Information Security Manager, Forster LLP

Neil has almost 20 years of information security, data protection, IT security and cyber experience with over 30 years of compliance and IT experience. He has been leading the security function at Forsters since February 2024 but has been a CISO for a global cyber insurer and enterprise security lead for both the National Trust and UCAS.

William Dixon, Associate Fellow, Royal United Services Institute and Senior Technology Cyber Fellow, The Ukraine Foundation

William Dixon is an Associate Fellow of the Royal United Services Institute, Senior Technology Cyber Fellow of the Ukraine Foundation and is a featured contributor on Cyber for the World Economic Forum. He started his career at GCHQ working on international security issues, and held senior positions at Barclays and the World Economic Forum where he was Head of Future... Networks and Technology. He holds a Masters Degree from the War Studies of King's College London, and is regularly featured in media outlets. more

Chris Worthy, Former Deputy Director, UK Home Office & Independent Consultant

For over 30 years, Chris worked at the heart of the UK government’s domestic national security response. He has extensive experience of leading large multi-disciplinary teams, in high-consequence operations and investigations, as well as related policy work. In 2019 he was appointed Counsellor at the British Embassy in Washington DC, leading the UK’s liaison with... US Government agencies on domestic National Security issues. In late 2022, Chris was asked to jointly set up and lead the Secretariat for a cross-Whitehall Ministerial Taskforce on Defending Democracy, helping to secure the UK from threats of foreign interference. Chris was awarded an OBE in 2007 for his services to National Security. He retired from public service in 2024, and now works as a security consultant advising on State Threats issues.more

Tim Collinson, Head of Information Security, Walkers

Tim is a security leader with a passion for pragmatic, effective solutions that actually work for the people and businesses who use them. Currently at Walkers, one of the leading offshore firms, he previously headed up information security for British Land and Bird & Bird and additionally has experience working in broking, insurance, channel distribution and the... public sector. more

Matt Adams, Head of Security Enablement, Citi

Matt is the Head of Security Enablement at Citi, where he is responsible for enabling the secure adoption of disruptive technologies such as GenAI, DLT/Blockchain, and Quantum Cryptography. In this role, he also leads a team dedicated to identifying and developing use cases for leveraging these technologies to address cybersecurity challenges. Matt's expertise lies... in the intersection of disruptive technologies and cybersecurity, and he is committed to driving innovation and enhancing security practices in the financial services industry.more

James Kwaan, CIO - GS&S, Lloyds Banking Group

James Kwaan has worked for a number of blue chip companies in Simulation, Energy and Financial Services. He is a former director of Information Security (CISO) and Global data protection officer. In his spare time he is a supporter of women into cybersecurity by starting the ISACA "SheLeadsTech" initiative in 2019. He is a recognised expert in Information Security... and in 2017 was awarded three prizes for his contribution: Malcolm Turner Memorial Prize for outstanding contribution to Risk Management and Information Security, Wayne K. Snipes prize for best European Chapter and Cyber Evangelist of the year at the Scottish Cyber Awards. James is currently working for Lloyds Banking Group.more

Nathan Hayes, Director of IT, Three Crowns LLP

Nathan Hayes is a seasoned IT executive with over 25 years of experience turning technology into a strategic enabler in the legal sector. He is currently Director of IT at Three Crowns LLP, where he oversees global IT operations and strategy and leads a team across offices in the US, UK, Europe, and Asia. Previously, as International IT Director at Osborne Clarke... LLP, he led a transition to a cloud-first, mobile-enabled infrastructure and aligned technology with business goals to improve efficiency. Known for driving innovation and security, he has spearheaded large-scale IT transformations and championed advancements in cybersecurity and information governance.more

Luke Fardell, Lead Cyber Analyst, Tokio Marine Kiln

Luke Fardell is Tokio Marine Kiln’s Lead cyber Analyst dedicated to supporting Cyber Underwriting. Luke has a background in UK Intelligence and previously worked for the UK’s Ministry of Defence and National Cyber Security Centre leading investigations into nation state cyber-attacks. Luke Fardell has investigated over a hundred ransomware incidents affecting... both the public and private sector networks conducting forensics examinations on all types of systems and infrastructure. Luke has first-hand experience of the real world implications of cyber-attacks and the Tactics, Techniques and procedures used by current threat actor groups to gain access to networks and their data. 
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Graham Holt, Regional Vice President, Arctic Wolf

Graham's 25+ year background in legal tech and security has led him to Arctic Wolf, whose aim to end cyber risk grows closer every day. His experience in data security in the legal sector means he's the go-to expert for how legal firms can secure their environments. His focus is now on how the sector can modernise its security operations to respond to a developing... threat landscape; as threat actors adapt to a cloud-based, AI-enabled world, so must we.
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Henry Glynn, Cyber Security Solutions Specialist, Bytes

Henry Glynn is a seasoned Cyber Security Solutions Specialist at Bytes Software Services. With a strong focus on email resilience, endpoint, and identity security, Henry brings extensive expertise to his role, helping organisations safeguard their digital environments against a wide range of cyber threats.

Khetan Gajjar, EMEA CTO, Mimecast

Khetan Gajjar brings over 25 years of leadership and expertise in the ICT sector to his role as Field Chief Technology Officer for EMEA at Mimecast. He sets the long-term vision for cybersecurity in the region, focusing on innovative solutions and integrating customer needs into strategic business plans. Khetan’s career includes leading roles at... Meta, where he led the OpenWiFi Project Group, and executive positions at Vodacom, VAST Networks, and Internet Solutions. As a trusted advisor, he shapes strategies to secure businesses against evolving cyber threats.more

Damian Acklam, Founder & CEO, Gradian

Damian Acklam brings over 25 years of industry experience across business development, customer engagement, corporate strategy, and business performance. As Founder and CEO, he has successfully built Gradian from a start-up to become one of the UK's most established and decorated cyber security partners, specialising in DLP, Zero Trust, Policy Management & Security... Testing Services. Under Damian's leadership, Gradian has earned the trust of global vendors and partners who rely on the company to drive customer value into their products through a combination of consultancy, professional services, and world-class support, winning multiple awards for their work within the industry. The company has developed an unrivalled level of knowledge and expertise, providing an innovative, service-led approach to solution delivery. Both his strategic vision and hands-on approach have positioned Gradian as a trusted partner for organisations seeking comprehensive cyber security solutions that deliver measurable business value.more

Scott Chenery, Regional Manager UK & Ireland, Kiteworks

Data security professional who has helped organisations of all sizes transform their data security & governance strategy. Includes consolidation of data sharing applications to help save organisations cost as well as dramatically improve their security posture + visibility and control of their sensitive data. Working closely with some of the biggest legal firms... in the world to harden their security posture to support lawyers in how they interact and share data with clients as well as support iManage integration.more

David Segev, VP Sales Global Strategic Accounts & International Markets, Layer X

David Segev is a cybersecurity veteran with over 20 years of experience. He combines a strong technical foundation with a background as a founder and early-stage operator. He specializes in building go-to-market strategies for young security companies and currently leads efforts at LayerX to address browser-based security challenges in the enterprise.

James Burchell, Manager of Sales Engineering, Mimecast

James Burchell is a cyber security professional currently serving as the Manager of Sales Engineering at CrowdStrike. With a strong background in both military and corporate cybersecurity, James has developed a multidisciplinary skill set that allows him to tackle complex IT security challenges effectively.

Justin Kuruvilla, Chief Cyber Security Officer, Risk Ledger

Justin joined Risk Ledger after a career supporting the US Government in cybersecurity. He worked as a technical director for cybersecurity operations at the US Department of Defence (DoD), which included a secondment to the UK National Cyber Security Centre. Most recently, he advised senior executives of top global corporations and investment firms on enhancing their... management of cyber risk. more