Baroness Joanna Shields

Baroness Joanna Shields is a pioneer in cybersecurity, with a groundbreaking role as the UK’s first Minister for Internet Safety & Security. Collaborating with leaders like David Cameron, Joanna championed initiatives to safeguard the internet from cybercrime and enhance cybersecurity awareness across all demographics. Her commitment to online safety has been central to her career, where she’s fought against cyber threats and online exploitation, making her a highly respected voice in cybersecurity.

With an illustrious background in both cybersecurity and technology, Joanna currently leads BenevolentAI, leveraging AI for groundbreaking advancements. Her experience spans three decades in tech leadership, beginning with her role as a Product Marketing Specialist at the National Digital Corporation. She went on to hold senior roles at industry giants like Google, Facebook, and AOL, where she drove initiatives related to digital security and privacy. As the UK Minister for Internet Safety and as Digital Advisor to the Prime Minister, Joanna focused on policies to combat online abuse, protect children, and implement cybersecurity best practices across the UK.

In addition to founding the WeProtect Global Alliance, which tackles online child abuse, she also serves as Co-Chair of the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence and as Commissioner on the Oxford Commission on AI & Good Governance, bringing a cybersecurity perspective to AI ethics and governance.

Recognized with numerous awards, including the World Childhood Foundation USA Thank You Award and the BIMA Lifetime Achievement Award, Joanna is an industry authority. She has been named WIRED 100’s No.1 and Computer Weekly’s Most Influential Woman in UK IT. Now a sought-after cybersecurity speaker, Joanna draws on her extensive experience with major organizations and the UK government to educate audiences on the critical importance of cybersecurity today. When hired as a keynote speaker Joanna receives an average official client rating of 9.4 for her engaging speeches.