Joanna Shields is one of the leading ladies of the technology industry. As the first Minister of Internet Safety & Security in the UK, she evolved the country’s approach to cyber safety in line with the progressive nature of tech. Currently acting as CEO to BenevolentAI, Joanne’s experience in both the public and private sectors is extensive. Named on BBC Radio 4’s list of 100 Powerful Women in the UK 2013, Joanna’s influence is defining and her status on technological topics is respected internationally. From a life peerage to business leadership, Joanna is perfectly placed to give a comprehensive talk on a range of technology topics, including the impacts of government policies on businesses in the field.
With such a substantial platform, developed over her more than 30-year career, Joanna has garnered an impressive portfolio of speaking engagements, sought-after for her advanced knowledge on cybersecurity and technology. The focus of many of her talks is on utilising technology for the benefit of greater connectivity for all, of which her first-hand experience ensures a highly informed speech. Having such a broad array of topic knowledge, Joanna is invaluable for many audiences, leading her to speak previously at CognitionX conference on ‘Thinking Deep on the Future of AI’, TechWomen 50 Awards, and Future50: Joining Forces to Advance the UK Tech Sector.
Equally relevant for corporate clients, her work as a CEO aligns with the priorities of businesses, enlightening their audiences on future tech, AI, and essential developments in the field. As the current CEO of BenevolentAI, Joanna spearheads the company's leading work in AI and machine learning in the healthcare sector. Backed by over 25 years in prior senior business roles at Google, Facebook, and Bebo, Joanna has been at the forefront of the dynamic tech industry for the duration of her career. With a platform grown from business and government, Joanna embarked on a mission to prevent the exploitation of children online, supported by the UK Prime Minister, David Cameron, and 70 other countries.
WeProtect Global Alliance was born in 2014, and the initiative is still a pioneering program of its kind. Recruited by the Prime Minister in 2012, Joanna was tasked with leading the Tech City project on behalf of the government. Quickly proving herself a vital asset, Joanna was named the Advisor on Digital Economy in 2014, until 2016 when she became the first-ever Minister for Internet Safety and Security. Since, she has continued her influential political work as a Special Representative on Internet Safety, being awarded an OBE and a Life Peerage in 2014, for her contributions.
How to hire Baroness Joanna Shields
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Baroness Joanna Shields for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
When she's at corporate events, Joanna is known to cover the following topics:
- Technology
- Cyber security
- Developing greater connectivity through tech
- Business leadership
- Internet safety
- The future of artificial intelligence
- Protecting younger generations online
- 2018 - CEO of BenevolentAI
- 2014 - Life Peer in the House of Lords
- 2015 - UK Minister of Internet Security & Safety
- 2014 - Non-Executive Director of the London Stock Exchange Group
- 2013 - Digital Economy Adviser, Chair & CEO of TechCityUK
- 2010 - Vice President EMEA of Facebook
- 2007 - President & CEO of Bebo, President of People Networks at AOL
- 2005 - Managing Director of Syndication, Business Development & Partnerships for Google
- 2002 - VP International od Decru
- 2000 - VP International of RealNetworks
- 1997 - CEO of Veon
- 1989 - Product Manager of EFI
- 1986 - Product Marketing Specialist for the National Digital Corporation