Ciaran Martin confirms plans to step down from NCSC

6 Jan 2020 03:02 PM

Ciaran Martin recognised in New Year’s Honours and confirms plans to step down.

Over the Christmas period, Ciaran Martin, founding CEO of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB). In his acceptance of the appointment he confirmed his plans to depart the NCSC this summer.

Appointed to lead GCHQ’s Cyber Security Mission in December 2013, Ciaran’s departure will end a six-and-a-half-year period where he led the UK’s efforts to improve cyber security at home and globally. As part of this, he was the driving force behind the creation of the NCSC, recommending its establishment to Government Ministers after the 2015 election.

The NCSC was subsequently created and flourished under his leadership, providing major improvements to UK cyber security and increasing cyber skills across the population. It has gained plaudits across the world both for increasing UK cyber resilience and as a model to be emulated.

Commenting on his honour and departure, Ciaran said:

“When we created the NCSC we set out to achieve something truly special, and I hope and believe we are leaving UK cyber security in much better shape.

“Challenges around securing technology are only going to get ever more complex so it is right that after six and a half years that someone else takes this world-class organisation to the next level.”

The process of appointing a new Chief Executive will begin in due course and in good time to enable a smooth transition by the end of the summer of 2020.  techUK will be keeping a close eye on these developments and will inform members once a replacement has been announced.  We have developed a good relationship with Ciaran over the years and would like to thank him for his work in helping to make the UK the safest place to work and do business online.