The Security Institute has announced that Professor Simon Hepburn, MA MCMI FRSA, has been selected for the role of Chief Executive for The Security Institute.

Professor Hepburn was selected from a strong set of candidates after an independent, rigorous selection process carried out on behalf of The Security Institute by NFP Consultants, a well-respected executive search company.

Hepburn to bring “wealth of experience” to The Security Institute

Professor Simon Hepburn is a 25-year veteran of the not-for-profit, education and careers sector, a Visiting Professor at Aston University in Birmingham, the Chair of the Board of Trustees of ReachOut youth mentoring charity and was named as one of the 100 most influential people of African or African Caribbean heritage in the POWERLIST Magazine 2023.

Professor Hepburn was the first Chief Executive Officer for the UK Cyber Security Council, developing the organisation from a start-up to a well-respected Royal Chartered organisation, which is leading in cyber standards development and is able to bestow professional titles to individuals, including chartership, a world-first.

Professor Hepburn has also held director positions within a variety of national and international charities, multi-academy trusts and businesses,  was a Trustee Board member of ACEVO (Association for Chief Executives of Voluntary Organisations), an Enterprise Advisor for the Greater London Authority (GLA) and sat on the BBC Charities Advisory Board.

The Security Institute said that as it continues to grow and adapt to meet new demands within the security sector, Professor Hepburn “has the experience and breadth of knowledge to move The Security Institute forward and develop the organisation to meet those demands.”

Professor Hepburn has significant experience in influencing and stakeholder engagement. He has responded to government consultations, been involved in advisory groups, is a popular keynote speaker and panellist, and is a champion for his organisations’ work in the policy and thought leadership arena.

Over the years, he has also built an extensive network from the public, private, and third sector which will greatly benefit The Security Institute in extending its reach and influence, it said.

Speaking on his appointment, Simon commented: “I am pleased to join The Security Institute as the new Chief Executive Officer. The Institute has over twenty years of experience providing essential services and being the voice of the security profession. This industry I believe carries out some of the most important work to protect the UK. I look forward to working with the Board, staff, key partners, stakeholders and practitioners to  amplify this crucial work and lead the organisation through its next development phase, growth and influence.”

The Institute’s Chair, Julie Nel, welcomed Simon to the team, saying: “Simon will bring his wealth of experience and extensive network to significantly benefit The Institute. He will be integral to building on our current structure and service delivery. His understanding and experience of working within the cyber security field, as well as leading a membership organisation, means we have recruited a Chief Executive who will be able to deliver the strategy of the Board and ensure growth and service excellence for our members, partners and stakeholders.”

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