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Founder & inaugural CEO, UK's NCSC

Ciaran Martin

Ciaran Martin helps organisations translate national cyber threats into actionable security strategy. A leading cybersecurity keynote speaker, Ciaran advises boards and governments on cyber resilience, public-private collaboration, and digital risk leadership. Founder of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre and appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath.

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Ciaran Martin, Speaker | Cybersecurity Leader
Ciaran Martin

Ciaran Martin

Oxford, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Oxford, United Kingdom

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£11k–25k

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+44 203 835 2929

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Ciaran Martin's biography

At a glance

  • Founder and first CEO of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre
  • Oxford professor and adviser on cyber strategy and resilience
  • Board roles at CyberCX, Paladin Capital, and SANS Cyber Leaders Network
Ciaran Martin founded the UK's National Cyber Security Centre and spent more than two decades shaping how governments and organisations defend themselves against cyber threats. Ciaran served as the NCSC's inaugural CEO from 2016 to 2020, during which time the UK rose from eighth to first in the International Telecommunication Union's Global Cybersecurity Index. He is now Professor of Practice at Oxford University's Blavatnik School of Government and holds senior roles at Paladin Capital and CyberCX UK. He was appointed Companion of the Order of the Bath in 2020 for services to global cybersecurity. Drawing on more than two decades in public service, Ciaran explains how leaders can respond to cyber incidents, strengthen resilience, and build cooperation between governments and industry. He has advised senior decision-makers across national security, economic policy, and constitutional affairs, and helped establish frameworks that are now recognised internationally. Audiences gain practical approaches to cyber risk, clearer communication between technical teams and executives, and lessons from managing major national incidents. They also learn how to prepare for disruption and create cultures that support resilience and accountability. For organisations navigating an increasingly complex digital landscape, Ciaran offers experience gained at the highest levels of cyber security and public leadership.

Ciaran's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Ciaran

Ciaran brings the rare perspective of someone who built a national cyber institution from the ground up. His experience managing real-world incidents and advising leaders across government translates well for organisations focused on resilience, risk, and executive decision-making.

Testimonials

Universal enthusiasm for him, his content and his presentation. Loads of great feedback from people. He was excellent. And he delivered exactly what we asked for. He gave the impact we asked for.

Digital Engagement Consultant, M&G

Everything ran smoothly and the timings worked out well. Feedback from the Non-Exec community and those Executives in attendance was very positive. They were appreciative of the content and also the delivery style and approach from Ciaran. He clearly lays out his thought process and has a very engaging style. Overall, the committee members were impressed and also responded well to the Q&A which Ciaran was able to opine on thoroughly for each question.

Bank of Ireland

Featured Projects

Ciaran Martin - SANS Cyber Leaders podcast cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Ciaran Martin for my next event?
Email ciaran.martin@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Ciaran's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Ciaran Martin's speaking style like?
Ciaran Martin draws on his tenure as founding CEO of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre to frame talks around lessons from managing real national cyber incidents, translating those operational experiences into practical guidance for executive decision-makers on risk, resilience, and government-industry cooperation.
What topics does Ciaran Martin specialise in?
Ciaran Martin speaks on cyber incident response, organisational resilience, and government-industry cooperation in cybersecurity. He founded the UK's National Cyber Security Centre and served as its inaugural CEO from 2016 to 2020, during which time the UK rose from eighth to first in the ITU's Global Cybersecurity Index.
Can PepTalk help plan the speaker programme for my event?

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