The UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – a part of GCHQ – has announced that Ollie Whitehouse will become its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

According to the NCSC, Whitehouse will play an instrumental role in shaping and delivering the UK’s national approach to cybersecurity, working to combat the cyber-threats the nation faces at scale and building the organisation’s collective resilience to help keep the UK safe online.

The centre also says that Whitehouse will help to maintain its role as the National Technical Authority for cybersecurity and will be influential in tackling the challenges of tomorrow, from diversifying the pipeline of expert talent to anticipating technological capabilities.

Experience in cybersecurity

Whitehouse will join the NCSC after 27 years working in cybersecurity in the private sector.

Until last year, he was the CTO at NCC Group. Before that, he was responsible for research in EMEA at BlackBerry and has also worked in Advanced Threats Research at Symantec.

He has also held senior roles advising government, including serving as Chair for the DSIT Cyber Technology External Advisory Group.

“We’re delighted that Ollie will be joining the NCSC as our new CTO,” said NCSC CEO, Lindy Cameron.

“He will bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our mission to make the UK the safest place to live and work online at a time when the pace of technological change has never been more evident.”

“I’m honoured to be starting as CTO at the NCSC and look forward to supporting its world-class talent in their critical work keeping the UK safe online,” Whitehouse added.

“Having worked closely with the NCSC since its inception, I know how crucial its mission is and I am eager to contribute to our national security by addressing the collective challenges we face in maintaining our edge in cyberspace.”

Whitehouse will formally become CTO in late October 2023.