The automotive industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Vehicles are no longer just mechanical products; they are increasingly software-defined, connected, and reliant on complex digital ecosystems. As the sector accelerates toward electrification, autonomous driving, and cloud-based services, cybersecurity has moved from a support function to a strategic business priority. The leaders who can secure this transition while enabling innovation are the ones shaping the future of UK automotive.
This list highlights CISOs and senior security leaders who have made significant impacts in the UK automotive ecosystem. Some are current CISOs, others have moved on to new roles but remain influential, and a few operate in adjacent sectors (like motorsport and aviation) where their work still directly influences automotive security standards and practices.
Hazel McPherson — Chief Information Security Officer, Ayvens (formerly ALD Automotive)
Hazel McPherson leads the information security strategy and governance for Europe’s largest vehicle leasing and fleet management company. With over seven years in the role, she manages compliance, risk, incident response, and security awareness across a highly complex global organization. Hazel is also a certified C|CISO, CISSP, ITIL Expert, and Chartered IT Professional, with a Master’s in Cyber Security and an Executive MBA. She is known for her leadership in building security cultures and championing women in cybersecurity, and she’s a keynote speaker, director of BSides Bristol, and founder of 4FOX Security.
Ewa Pilat — Chief Information Security Officer, International Air Transport Association (formerly Group CISO, Jaguar Land Rover)
Ewa Pilat is a seasoned cybersecurity executive with nearly three decades of experience across finance, technology, telecommunications, and automotive. She served as Group CISO at Jaguar Land Rover, guiding cyber strategy and resilience for one of the UK’s most prominent OEMs. Although she has since moved into a new role at IATA, her influence on automotive cyber risk strategy and governance remains relevant, especially as connected vehicles and global supply chains grow increasingly intertwined.
Harry Wilson — Head of Digital Transformation, FIA (formerly Head of Information Security, Williams Racing)
Harry Wilson built the cybersecurity function from scratch at Williams Racing, where he established governance, monitoring, and incident response capabilities for a leading Formula 1 team. While his current role at the FIA is not a CISO title, his work in securing highly competitive, data-driven motorsport environments is directly relevant to automotive cybersecurity. His leadership in digital transformation and security makes him a key figure to watch as the industry continues to embrace AI, data analytics, and connected vehicle technologies.
Andrew Robson — Chief Information Security Officer, Bentley Motors
Andrew Robson is an experienced IT security specialist with a strong track record in building security programs aligned to business goals. At Bentley Motors, he leads the company’s information security strategy and operations, focusing on protecting a luxury automotive brand where customer trust and data privacy are paramount. His long tenure and sustained leadership make him one of the most stable and influential security leaders in UK automotive.
Robin Smith — Former Chief Information Security Officer, Aston Martin Lagonda
Robin Smith led cyber risk and security strategy for Aston Martin Lagonda for more than four years, overseeing intelligence-led security testing and governance across the organization. He has since moved on to a new role outside automotive, but his contributions to luxury automotive cybersecurity and risk management remain notable. His leadership helped establish stronger security foundations at a major UK automotive manufacturer.
Tim Wilkinson — Global Head of Cyber Security Operations, Rolls-Royce
Tim Wilkinson oversees global cybersecurity operations for Rolls-Royce, a company that operates at the intersection of aerospace and automotive engineering. While not a traditional automotive OEM, Rolls-Royce’s engineering and manufacturing systems share many of the same cybersecurity challenges as the automotive industry, including supply chain risk, industrial control systems, and operational resilience. Tim’s extensive experience managing global incident response teams makes him a key security leader to watch.
Ashish Shrestha — Former Group CISO, Jaguar Land Rover (now CEO & CISO, Zyn Global)
Ashish Shrestha served as Group CISO at Jaguar Land Rover, leading the organization through major cyber incidents and developing award-winning security strategies. Though he has since moved on to co-found Zyn Global, he remains a leading voice in automotive cybersecurity. His work continues to influence the sector through advisory and innovation, making him a standout leader to watch.
Tammy Archer — Interim Head of Cyber & Information Security, Aston Martin Lagonda
Tammy Archer is currently leading the cyber and information security function at Aston Martin Lagonda in an interim capacity. Her role places her at the center of automotive cybersecurity at one of the UK’s most iconic manufacturers, and she is someone to watch as the company continues to evolve its security maturity and resilience posture.
Julian Osborne — Chief Information Security Officer, Scania UK
Julian Osborne leads information security for Scania UK, a major player in commercial vehicles and transport solutions. His work involves strengthening security across operations, supply chain, and connected vehicle ecosystems. With deep experience in GRC, GDPR, and risk transformation, Julian is a critical leader for the UK’s automotive and logistics security landscape.
Dan Burns — Chief Information Security Officer, Inchcape PLC
Dan Burns leads the information security program for Inchcape, one of the UK’s largest automotive distributors. His role is vital in protecting retail and dealership networks, supply chains, and customer data across a large and distributed organization. As automotive retail becomes increasingly digital, Dan’s work in securing the sales and distribution layer is more critical than ever.
The Future of Automotive Security Is Already Here
The UK automotive industry is entering a new era where cybersecurity is not optional; it’s a core business function. From connected vehicles to digital supply chains and AI-enabled services, the leaders shaping security strategies today are defining the future of mobility. Whether they hold the CISO title or lead from adjacent roles, these professionals are driving the transformation of automotive cybersecurity in the UK and beyond.