Sir John Sawers

Sir John Sawers, renowned British intelligence officer and former MI6 Chief, is widely recognized for his extensive contributions to the cybersecurity field. With a career spanning high-profile international roles, Sir John has become a trusted authority on cyber threats and national security. His expertise, developed through decades of intelligence work, is highly sought after as he now shares his insights with corporate and government audiences globally.

Sir John’s journey began at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, where he quickly rose through ranks, including roles as Private Secretary to the Minister of State and Head of the European Union Presidency Planning Unit. These positions sharpened his strategic acumen and laid a strong foundation for his cybersecurity focus, which grew during his tenure as Director-General of Political Affairs and, most notably, as Chief of the Secret Intelligence Service. As MI6 Chief, Sir John invested heavily in the agency’s cybersecurity capabilities, recognizing early on the crucial role that technology and data analytics would play in identifying threats and securing national interests.

Throughout his intelligence career, Sir John led cyber-driven efforts to protect national security, including critical operations related to counterterrorism and infrastructure protection. His leadership during high-stakes geopolitical challenges, such as the Syrian conflict, earned him significant accolades, including the MCMG and GCMG for his contributions to national security.

Since leaving MI6, Sir John has continued to shape cybersecurity strategies. As Partner and Chairman of Macro Advisory Partners and Executive Chairman of Newbridge Advisory, he has provided strategic cybersecurity and geopolitical risk advice to major corporations. He also serves as a Non-Executive Director of BP, where he contributes to safeguarding critical energy infrastructure against cyber threats.

Now, Sir John is focused on sharing his expertise at international events, where he addresses topics like the future of cybersecurity, geopolitical risk, and the evolving role of technology in intelligence. As a seasoned speaker he has received an average official client rating of 9.8 for his engaging speeches, offering unparalleled insights into global security challenges, making him a highly sought-after authority in the field.