Speaker Spotlight: Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE – Labour Party Life Peer & Minister of State for Investment

The Right Honourable Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE

Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE is a prominent British businesswoman and a Labour Party Life Peer, currently serving as the Minister of State for Investment since 2024. Widely recognised as a trailblazer in cyber security, she rose to prominence as the former CEO of Darktrace, one of the world’s leading cyber AI companies. Poppy played a pivotal role in shaping the development and adoption of autonomous cyber defence technologies, making her a central figure in the fight against cyber threats. Her expertise bridges the worlds of technology and policy, positioning her as a key voice in shaping the UK’s digital and investment landscape.

Poppy Gustafsson’s Key Career Achievements:

As a preeminent authority in cyber security, technology and politics, Poppy has made countless achievements throughout her distinguished career. Below are just some of the many highlights:

• 2024 – Joint Minister of Investment for the Department of Business & Trade and HM Treasury
• 2016 – CEO & COO of Darktrace
• 2013 – CFO of Darktrace
• 2009 – Corporate Controller for HP Autonomy
• 2008 – Fund Accountant at Amadeus Capital Partners
• 2004 – Assistant Manager at Deloitte

Baroness Poppy Gustafsson’s Biography:

Poppy Gustafsson began her professional journey with a strong academic foundation, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Sheffield. She went on to train at Deloitte, one of the world’s leading professional services firms, where she qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2006. Starting her career as an Assistant Manager at Deloitte, Poppy honed her expertise in finance and business operations. Her sharp analytical skills and keen understanding of financial systems led her to roles as a Fund Accountant at Amadeus Capital Partners and later as Corporate Controller for HP Autonomy, gaining valuable experience in the fast-paced world of venture capital and technology.

In 2013, Poppy joined the cutting-edge cyber security firm Darktrace as Chief Financial Officer, helping to shape the financial direction of the fast-growing company. She played a key role in leading Darktrace through its initial public offering, before stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer and eventually being appointed Chief Executive Officer in 2016. Under her leadership, Darktrace has become a global leader in Autonomous Cyber AI. The company is renowned for its self-learning AI that can detect and respond to novel cyber threats across complex digital environments. Poppy’s vision and leadership positioned Darktrace at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation, having also listed the company on the London Stock Exchange.

In 2024, Poppy Gustafsson transitioned from tech leadership to public service, appointed by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer as Minister of State for Investment. In this joint ministerial role, she serves both the Department for Business & Trade and HM Treasury, applying her extensive business acumen to drive strategic investment into the UK. Recognised for her outstanding contributions to technology and finance, she was made a Life Peer, taking the title Baroness Gustafsson of Chesterton in the City of Cambridge.

Poppy Gustafsson’s Awards:

Poppy’s distinguished career has seen her awarded several prestigious accolades.

• 2025 – Appointed CBE in the New Year Honours
• 2024 – Named one of the Top 100 Influential People
• 2022 – Awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science from the University of Sheffield
• 2021 – Recipient of the CEO of the Year Award from the Digital Masters Awards
• 2020 – Named the Vodafone Woman of the Year for Technology & Innovation
• 2019 – Appointed OBE in the Birthday Honours for Services to the Cyber Security Industry
• 2019 – Named Tech Businesswoman of the Year at the UK Tech Awards

As Minister of State for Investment, Baroness Poppy Gustafsson plays a vital role in driving the UK government’s number one priority: economic growth. Sitting in the House of Lords, she continues to speak on key issues such as innovation, digital transformation, and national cyber resilience. Her role is focused on supporting businesses and investors as they expand into the UK, ensuring the country remains a leading global destination for investment. Speaking from experience in both tech and finance, she helps shape strategic policies across the Department for Business & Trade and HM Treasury to unlock growth and boost the UK economy.

Baroness Poppy Gustafsson as a Keynote Speaker:

Baroness Poppy Gustafsson is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for her insight into technology, investment, and leadership. In June 2025, she’s centre stage at London Tech Week with a compelling keynote titled “Why the UK is the Ultimate Launchpad to Expand Your Business”, highlighting the UK’s innovation ecosystem and global potential. She also addressed international audiences at NASSCOM, speaking on “Can Governments Keep Up? Redefining Leadership in a Tech-Driven World“, where she explored the evolving relationship between state policy and rapid technological change. In March 2025, she delivered an engaging keynote speech at the Driving International Trade Conference hosted by the British Chambers of Commerce, speaking on the UK’s role in global trade and investment.

Poppy’s speaking journey has been defined by timely, thought-provoking contributions. In 2023, she joined a panel at the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change to discuss “How AI Will Transform Britain”, bringing her expertise in autonomous cyber AI to the national conversation. The year prior, she tackled “AI Regulation & Its Shortfalls” at the Bloomberg Technology Summit, challenging policymakers to think more boldly. Her TEDx talk in 2019, “The Cyber Challenge: Innovating Our Way Out”, marked her early recognition as a forward-thinking voice in cybersecurity and digital resilience.

Baroness Poppy Gustafsson speaks on a powerful blend of topics at the intersection of technology, business, and policy. Drawing from her background in AI, cybersecurity, and government, she covers themes such as innovation-led growth, the future of digital leadership, and how governments and businesses can adapt in a fast-moving tech landscape. She is particularly known for her insights on AI regulation, cyber resilience, and making the UK a global hub for investment. Whether addressing global conferences or industry leaders, Poppy delivers forward-thinking, practical insights that inspire action and challenge traditional thinking in the age of digital transformation.

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Here at The Cyber Security Speakers Agency, we have the pleasure of working with many of the world’s top keynote speakers who are leading the narrative on cyber security. From Ciaran Martin, the CEO of the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre, to Mary Aiken, Professor of Forensic Cyberpsychology at the University of East London, The Cyber Security Speakers Agency have the perfect speaker for your next conference.