Fergus Hay is a trailblazer in the cyber security space, combining deep commercial acumen with a visionary approach to talent development and digital defence. As CEO and Co-Founder of The Hacking Games, Fergus is on a mission to solve one of the most urgent challenges facing the digital world: the global cyber skills shortage. With cybercrime expected to cost the world $23.8 trillion by 2027, and 80% of teenagers reportedly having experimented with hacking by the age of 16, Fergus believes the key to building a safer world lies in harnessing the curiosity and potential of the next generation. His platform is not only a recruitment engine – it’s a movement designed to inspire and equip young people to become ethical hackers and guardians of the digital future.
Before launching The Hacking Games, Fergus built a high-profile international career at the intersection of marketing, investment, and technology. He served as CEO of creative agency Leagas Delaney, where he led the company to become the UK’s third-fastest-growing agency during his tenure. Prior to that, he was Worldwide Managing Director and Senior Partner at Ogilvy & Mather, overseeing global accounts and leading Asia’s largest social media agency, Social@Ogilvy. His experience spans North America, Asia, and Europe, and includes major client work for Uber, Coca-Cola, Unilever, Barclays, and Builder.ai. In 2020, he co-founded Elysian Fields, a consultancy that supports the growth of venture-backed tech companies. He is also Venture Partner at Blue Lion Global VC, and holds advisory roles with firms including Soul Machines, NUOS, and RYSE Asset Management.
Fergus has a rare ability to see both the strategic and human sides of cyber security. Through The Hacking Games, he uses AI and gamification to attract, assess, and place unconventional talent into cyber roles – helping close the industry’s labour deficit of 4 million unfilled positions. His model combines education, entertainment, and community to engage Gen Z and introduce them to ethical hacking as a career path. He is a regular tech commentator for BBC World News, Sky News and NBC Euronews, where he shares insights on cyber trends, AI disruption, and digital ethics. His approach is grounded in a belief that cultural understanding is as vital to security as technical expertise.
An engaging and sought-after keynote speaker, Fergus brings together global trends, lived experience, and fresh thinking in every talk. He speaks on topics such as defending against the evolving threat landscape, building ethical digital cultures, and unlocking new cyber talent pipelines. Backed by an Executive MBA from NYU Stern, LSE, and HEC Paris, and decades of frontline business leadership, Fergus delivers actionable insights for corporate leaders, educators, and policymakers. His energy, credibility, and focus on practical solutions make him a standout voice in today’s cyber security conversation.
