Data and Tech Sovereignty are crucial for businesses today to maintain control, security, and competitive advantage in an increasingly digital and regulated world. In this blog, find out the need-to-know information and the top expert speakers.
What is Data Sovereignty?
Data sovereignty is the principle that all data is subject to an individual country’s governance and laws from where the data is collected or stored. For example, in the UK, data must be in accordance with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This results in laws around data differing depending on where the data comes from or is stored.
Source: techUK
What is Tech Sovereignty?
Technology sovereignty is the ability not to excessively rely on foreign suppliers to design, develop. Operate and maintain critical technologies. This ensures that individual countries or regions can protect their digital infrastructure, data and innovation, therefore strengthening their national security and self-resilience.
Source: ScienceDirect
Top Speakers on Data & Tech Sovereignty:
This official list of the Top Speakers on Data & Tech Sovereignty in the UK is based on official data from 92 data & tech sovereignty events and keynote speeches held from 2024-2025.
- Orlando Machado
- Professor Mary Aiken
- Greg van der Gaast
- Sarah Armstrong-Smith
- Teddy Pahagbia
- Adrian Joseph
- Wendy Hall
- Cassie Kozyrkov
- Robert Hannigan
- Major-General Jonathan Shaw
Orlando Machado
Orlando Machado is a leading data scientist and the Chief Data Officer at The LEGO Group, recognised globally for his expertise in data strategy and innovation. With over 20 years of experience across top organisations like MoneySuperMarket, Aviva, and the BBC, Orlando has built a reputation for transforming data into strategic value. Ranked #1 in DataIQ’s 100 Most Influential People in Data-Driven Business (2019), he combines technical mastery with visionary leadership.
His deep understanding of data governance, analytics, and digital transformation makes him an exceptional speaker on Data & Tech Sovereignty, offering insights into how organisations can responsibly own and leverage their data assets.
Official Testimonial for Orlando Machado:
"The session went well this morning, Orlando had a slide deck and was very engaging and humorous, so very enjoyable! He has a great talent for making things easy to understand and digestible in what is a complex topic!" - Louise, Cheetah Digital
Professor Mary Aiken
Professor Mary Aiken is an internationally acclaimed Forensic Cyberpsychologist, celebrated for her pioneering work on the intersection of technology, human behaviour, and cybersecurity. As the author of the award-winning book “The Cyber Effect”, she has shaped global understanding of how digital environments influence psychology and crime.
A Professor of Cyberpsychology at Capitol Technology University and Global Fellow at the Wilson Centre, Mary has advised governments, INTERPOL, and the White House on cybercrime and digital policy. Her expertise in online behaviour and digital ethics makes her a powerful speaker on Data & Tech Sovereignty, illuminating the human, ethical, and psychological dimensions of digital control and security.
Official Testimonial for Mary Aiken:
"Mary is an outstanding leader, inspiring both subordinates and colleagues. She possesses that rare blend of analytical skills with outstanding creativity. Mary is also an exceptional marketer and business developer... I would very much welcome the opportunity to work with her again - she is a legitimate superstar. I unconditionally recommend Mary Aiken." - Don, Executive Board Chair, Omelet
Greg van der Gaast
Greg van der Gaast is a renowned cybersecurity expert whose 25-year career spans from notorious hacker to trusted CISO and government advisor. Once working undercover for the FBI and U.S. Department of Defence, he now leads global strategies to strengthen information security and digital resilience.
Having held senior roles such as Head of Security Architecture at CGI and Chief Technologist of Security at CDW UK, Greg blends technical insight with business acumen. Author of “Rethinking InfoSec”, he emphasises treating security as a strategic quality issue, making him an outstanding speaker on Data & Tech Sovereignty and responsible digital transformation.
Official Testimonial for Greg van der Gaast:
"Greg had a great story to tell – it sounded like the script to a Hollywood movie. He gave the audience plenty to think about as he told his amusing tale of misspent youth to a top tech consultant. For security professionals and those who just want to look at problems from a different perspective, Greg gave us food for thought." - Jamie, Learning Programme Manager, Ministry of Defence
Sarah Armstrong-Smith
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is a leading cybersecurity and resilience expert, best known for her role as Chief Security Advisor EMEA at Microsoft until 2025. With a career spanning over 25 years, she has led major initiatives in disaster recovery, data protection, and cyber crisis management, including work on the Millennium Bug and global security incidents.
A Fellow of the British Computer Society and one of Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Women in UK Tech, Sarah combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight. Her experience advising global organisations on risk, resilience, and digital ethics makes her an authoritative speaker on Data & Tech Sovereignty, inspiring leaders to strengthen trust in a connected world.
Official Testimonial for Sarah Armstrong-Smith:
"A huge thank you for today's session - you were absolutely fantastic. You managed to make cloud security (a topic that usually makes people's eyes glaze over) sound not just urgent but genuinely engaging. That's a rarity in this industry, and our audience definitely felt it. I really hope this is the first of many sessions we get to do together. You brought clarity, energy and plenty of aha! Moments - and honestly, I'm already trying to figure out how to lure you back for round two. Thanks again for lending us your time and brilliance today. We'd love to collaborate more often - and next time, maybe we'll even manage to make misconfigurations sound glamorous." - Supriya, SecPod
Teddy Pahagbia
Teddy Pahagbia, known as “Mr Metaverse,” is a pioneering thought leader in cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and digital transformation. As Founder and Chief Executive Druid of BLVCK PiXEL, he helps organisations navigate the evolving Metaverse through a fusion of anthropological insight and technological innovation. Named among the Top 30 Most Influential People in the Metaverse (2021), Teddy’s expertise spans AR, VR, blockchain, and data sovereignty.
His TEDx talk and media presence highlight his ability to make complex digital concepts accessible and engaging. A captivating and forward-thinking speaker on Data & Tech Sovereignty, he empowers audiences to envision a more equitable, human-driven digital future.
Teddy Pahagbia's Official Speaking Topics:
- Metaverse
- Blockchain
- Future Trends
- Data Sovereignty
Adrian Joseph
Adrian Joseph OBE is a distinguished technology and AI leader, celebrated for his ability to turn complex data and AI systems into real-world value. With an impressive career spanning BT Group, Google, and EY, he has led transformative digital initiatives, including overseeing 1,600 experts as Chief Data and AI Officer at BT.
A former member of the UK Government’s AI Council, Adrian helped shape the National AI Strategy and continues to advise leading organisations on digital innovation and governance. An inspiring speaker on Data & Tech Sovereignty, he champions responsible, inclusive technology that empowers people, protects data, and builds equitable digital futures.
Adrian Joseph's Official Speaking Topics:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Technology
- Digital Disruption
- Data & Tech Sovereignty
Wendy Hall
Professor Dame Wendy Hall is one of the world’s most influential computer scientists and a pioneering force in artificial intelligence, data science, and web science. As the Regius Professor of Computer Science at the University of Southampton, she was among the first to research multimedia and hypermedia, co-developing the Microcosm Hypermedia System, a forerunner to the World Wide Web.
A Co-Founder of the Web Science Research Initiative alongside Sir Tim Berners-Lee, Wendy has advised the UK Government, chaired the Ada Lovelace Institute, and served on the World Economic Forum’s Global Futures Council. A passionate advocate for women in STEM, she offers profound insights into Data & Tech Sovereignty, exploring how policy, innovation, and ethics shape our digital future.
Official Testimonial for Wendy Hall:
"Thank you for following up. Dame Wendy was very effective, and we received very positive feedback from our guests. She was engaging and inspiring, exactly what we were hoping for. Dame Wendy Hall provided an insightful and balanced perspective on AI's trajectory, its societal implications, and the urgent need for regulation. I personally found very interesting her emphasis on societal responsibility, particularly the dangers of misinformation and unchecked technological deployment. Furthermore, her optimism about AI's potential to reshape industries, education, and work patterns, while maintaining caution about existential risks, was setting a pragmatic and visionary tone that resonated with the audience.” - Sergio, Deloitte LLP
Cassie Kozyrkov
Cassie Kozyrkov is a world-leading authority on artificial intelligence and the founder of the field of Decision Intelligence. As Google’s first Chief Decision Scientist, she played a pivotal role in transforming the company into an AI-first organisation, guiding over 500 initiatives and training more than 20,000 employees. With dual PhDs in Neuroeconomics and Mathematical Statistics, Cassie blends technical depth with behavioural insight, making complex ideas accessible and actionable.
A Forbes cover star and LinkedIn Top Voice, she has inspired leaders at NASA, HSBC, and Gucci. As a Sales Kick Off speaker, Cassie empowers teams to make smarter, faster, data-driven decisions with confidence.
Cassie Kozyrkov's Official Speaking Topics:
- The Future is AI-First: Are You Ready to Lead?
- AI Won't Steal Your Job, But It Will Steal Your Excuses
- Why Businesses Fail at AI Adoption: From Buzzwords to Business Strategy
- Mind The Gap: Digital Trust Habits for the Era
- How to Upgrade Your Decision-Making...Instantly
- Winning with AI: Embrace Change and Leapfrog the Competition
- The Cognitive Advantage: Why Great Leaders Will Thrive in the AI Era
- Ethics and AI Bias: How One Track Thinking Could Derail Our Future
- Decision Intelligence Unleashed: Optimise Decisions at Scale
Robert Hannigan
Robert Hannigan is an internationally recognised authority on cybersecurity and intelligence with a distinguished career shaping the UK’s digital defence landscape. As former Director of GCHQ and the architect of Britain’s first national cybersecurity strategy, he played a central role in defining modern cyber policy. Awarded a CMG by Queen Elizabeth II, Robert now serves as Chairman of BlueVoyant International and contributes to global cybersecurity initiatives.
Known for his sharp insights and clear communication, he speaks compellingly on cybersecurity, national security, and technology’s evolving role in geopolitics—equipping audiences with strategic understanding and practical foresight in an increasingly data-driven world.
Robert Hannigan's Official Speaking Topics:
- Cyber security
- Technology and innovation
- Business management
- Computer science
- Security and risk
- Cyber threat
Major General Jonathan Shaw
Major General Jonathan Shaw, former Head of the Defence Cyber Security Programme at the UK Ministry of Defence, is a leading authority on cyber, defence, and strategic security. With over 30 years in the British Army, including senior roles in global counterterrorism, disaster relief, and international defence policy, he combines deep operational expertise with strategic foresight. Having led the UK’s £90 million cyber programme, Jonathan bridges military precision with business acumen.
A seasoned global speaker, he addresses data sovereignty, geopolitics, and digital resilience, offering audiences practical insights on leadership, national security, and technological independence, making him an exceptional speaker on data and tech sovereignty.
Official Testimonial for Jonathan Shaw:
"He was really excellent at yesterday’s conference; thoughtful, insightful and a powerful presenter. He provided real value to our conference." – Neil, FutureWorld
Why are Data & Tech Sovereignty Important in the Digital Age?
In the digital age, data and technology sovereignty are vital because they enable nations and organisations to retain control over where data is stored, how it is processed, and who has access to it, thereby protecting privacy, security and strategic autonomy. According to a recent survey, 51% of UK organisations now regard data sovereignty as a crucial part of their data-management approach. By ensuring local governance and resilience of digital infrastructure, sovereignty helps guard against external dependencies and geopolitical risks.
How Does Data & Tech Sovereignty Affect Individuals, Businesses & Governments?
Data and tech sovereignty affect individuals, businesses and governments by shaping how data is managed, controlled and protected across all levels of society. For businesses in particular, a recent study found that 84% of companies view data sovereignty as a central strategic point, and 70 % reported its relevance has significantly increased over the past one to two years. Ensuring sovereign control over data helps organisations maintain compliance, build customer trust and reduce risks tied to regulation or foreign jurisdiction.
Hire a Data & Tech Sovereignty Speaker Today!
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This exclusive article on what you need to know about data & tech sovereignty and the top experts in 2026 was authored by Mark Matthews using verified data from 92 keynote speaking events.
An image of official top speakers on data & tech sovereignty for 2026 via Champions Speakers, as selected by Senior Keynote Speaker & Entertainment Manager Mark Matthews.
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