Robert Hannigan

Robert Hannigan is a specialist in the area of cybersecurity, having spent most of his career working for the UK government, including being former Prime Minister, Tony Blair’s Security Adviser and the developer of the UK’s first national cyber security programme. In 2013, he was honoured with a CMG for his UK national cybersecurity efforts by Queen Elizabeth II. He is also a former Director of GCHQ and currently Chairman at BlueVoyant International. As a speaker, Robert covers topics such as cybersecurity, national security, technology in national security, and more.

A graduate of University of Oxford, Robert’s early career began in the private sector, and he joined the Northern Ireland Office as a Deputy Director of Communications in 2000, Director of Communications in 2001, Associate Political Director in 2004, and Director-General (Political) in 2005. It was in 2007 that he became the Prime Minister’s Security Adviser and established the UK’s first cybersecurity strategy. He was also Principal Adviser to Tony Blair on the Northern Ireland Peace Process. More of his roles include Member of Defence Innovation External Advisory Panel, Special Adviser in Cyber Security at Hiscox, Senior Adviser at McKinsey & Company, Chair on Advisory Board at Immersive Labs, and Trustee at Bletchley Park Trust.

For his significant contributions to the UK’s cybersecurity industry, Robert has received prestigious recognition, including being honoured by Queen Elizabeth in 2013 and the US Intelligence Public Service Medal in 2017. He is also an Honorary Fellow at Wadham College at University of Oxford, a Fellow at The Institution of Engineering and Technology, a Distinguished Fellow at The Royal United Services Institute, and a Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Centre. In 2021, he became a Warden of Wadham College at University of Oxford.

Most recently, Robert published his book, Counter-Intelligence: What the Secret World Can Teach Us About Problem-Solving and Creativity, which was highly acclaimed by The Economist as one of the Best Books of 2024. Not only does his book offer a look inside the brain of one the greatest cybersecurity experts, but Robert is also available as a virtual speaker for events such as webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements. Robert brings his vast industry experience to provide brilliant insights into cybersecurity and national security technology, sharing achievable methods that will prepare audiences for a secure future in the digital world.