The UK Cyber Security Council has appointed Giles Grant as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking a significant leadership change for the UK’s independent professional body for cyber security. Grant will take up the role on 2 March, following an extensive recruitment process at the end of 2025.
Grant brings more than two decades of senior leadership experience across global professional bodies and information services. Most recently Executive Director at the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET), he oversaw a £50m international portfolio spanning membership, digital learning and community engagement. His background includes driving strategic growth, strengthening professional communities and leading large scale organisational transformation.
Frances Le Grys, Chair of the Council’s Governance & Nominations Committee, said the appointment comes at a pivotal moment for the organisation.
“We are delighted to welcome Giles as our new CEO. He brings a wealth of senior leadership experience, with a strong track record of fostering growth and building engaged and exciting professional communities,” she said.
“Giles has a proven ability to bring together diverse stakeholders to drive change and deliver impact. This is exactly the leadership we need as we continue to connect, champion and charter the UK’s cyber security sector.”
Grant said he was “extremely excited” to take up the position, emphasising the importance of a trusted and professionalised cyber workforce to the UK’s economic and national resilience.
“The UK depends on access to a qualified and trusted cyber security profession. The UK Cyber Security Council’s role as an independent professional body is vital to the continued growth and development of the sector,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to working closely with our community of professional registrants, licensed bodies, corporate partners, Government and other stakeholders to grow and empower the UK’s cyber workforce. There’s so much we can do together to embed professional standards, bring more people onto the Professional Register and open up clear and accessible routes into cyber.”
The Council, awarded Royal Charter status in 2022, is responsible for setting professional and ethical standards for the cyber security sector and maintaining the UK’s Cyber Security Professional Register. Grant’s appointment follows a period of notable growth for the organisation, which recently surpassed 1,000 registrants.
Alongside this milestone, the Council has launched the Cyber Access Network, an initiative aimed at supporting individuals exploring careers in cyber and introduced a new Associate Professional Title to complement its existing Practitioner, Principal and Chartered designations.
The Council said Grant’s appointment reflects its continued focus on strengthening the UK’s cyber security community, embedding professional standards and supporting a skilled and trusted workforce.
