Richard Horne appointed new CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre and GCHQ Board member.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has today announced that Richard Horne will become its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in the autumn this year.
Richard will lead the UK’s national technical authority for cyber security as it continues in its mission to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.
He will join the NCSC from PwC UK, where he currently chairs the Cyber Security Practice.
Ensuring the NCSC delivers its vital contribution to the UK’s National Cyber Strategy will be central to Richard’s role. This will include increasing the UK’s cyber resilience, keeping cyber security at the heart of the UK’s approach to future technology challenges like AI and quantum computing, and making sure the NCSC continues to be able to manage the most critical cyber incidents affecting the UK.
Anne Keast-Butler, Director, GCHQ, said:
“I’m delighted that Richard Horne will become the next CEO of the NCSC.
“He brings with him a wealth of experience working with major companies and organizations to help them understand and manage their cyber security – and respond to incidents when they occur.
“Richard’s experience will ensure the NCSC continues to drive cyber security up the boardroom agenda and develop its world-leading partnerships to address the cyber security threats that the UK faces.”
Richard Horne, incoming CEO of the NCSC, said:
“It is an honor to become CEO of the NCSC.
“Over the seven years since its establishment, the NCSC has repeatedly shown its world-leading understanding of technology and its unparalleled knowledge of the cyber threat we face in the UK.
“I’m incredibly honored and excited about leading a globally recognized organization, its world class experts and leaders into the future whilst helping ensure that our mission is realized.”
Prior to joining PwC, Richard was Managing Director of Cyber Security for Barclays PLC. Richard was seconded from Barclays to the Cabinet Office for 2011, to help shape and drive the Government’s first Cyber Security Strategy – both across government and the wider economy.
Richard holds a PhD in Mathematics from Royal Holloway, University of London. He has served on a number of advisory boards for academic institutions and cyber security startup companies.