The UK’s cyber intelligence agency has named former Barclays executive – who also spent a year advising the Cabinet Office on the first government cyber strategy – as its third ever leader

The National Cyber Security Centre has unveiled PwC senior manager Richard Horne as its new chief executive.

Horne – who also served a lengthy stint at Barclays Bank, during which he spent a year on secondment at the Cabinet Office, advising government on its first cross-Whitehall cyber strategy – will become the third person to lead the NCSC since its establishment in 2016. He follows founding leader Ciaran Martin and, latterly, Lindy Cameron, who joined the cyber centre in 2020 and is this month taking on a new role as British High Commissioner to India.

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Anne Keast-Butler, director of the NCSC’s parent agency GCHQ, said: “I’m delighted that Richard Horne will become the next CEO of the NCSC. He brings with him a wealth of experience working with major companies and organisations to help them understand and manage their cybersecurity – and respond to incidents when they occur. Richard’s experience will ensure the NCSC continues to drive cybersecurity up the boardroom agenda and develop its world-leading partnerships to address the cybersecurity threats that the UK faces.”

The incoming chief executive will play a key role in delivering the UK National Cyber Strategy, as well taking on ultimate oversight of NCSC’s responsibilities in leading the response to the UK’s most severe cyber incidents.

Horne said: “It is an honour to become CEO of the NCSC. Over the seven years since its establishment, the NCSC has repeatedly shown its world-leading understanding of technology and its unparalleled knowledge of the cyber threat we face in the UK. I’m incredibly honoured and excited about leading a globally recognised organisation, its world class experts and leaders into the future whilst helping ensure that our mission is realised.”