The United Kingdom’s cybersecurity landscape is shaped by leaders operating across government, financial services, and industry advocacy. From national advisory roles and major banking institutions to community-building and AI-focused leadership, this group reflects the breadth of influence driving cyber resilience across the UK.
Sharon Barber — Co-Chair, National Cyber Advisory Board, Cabinet Office
Sharon Barber plays a key role in shaping the UK’s national cybersecurity direction as Co-Chair of the National Cyber Advisory Board within the Cabinet Office. Her career spans senior leadership roles across financial services and government, including serving as Chief Resilience & Security Officer and Group CIO at Lloyds Banking Group.
With deep experience in resilience, large-scale technology operations, and financial infrastructure, she brings both strategic and operational insight into national cyber priorities. Her additional role as an independent non-executive at the Bank of England further reinforces her influence across critical financial systems.
Colleen Rose — CISO, Barclays UK
Colleen Rose leads cybersecurity for Barclays’ UK operations, overseeing the protection of one of the country’s largest financial institutions. Her role places her at the forefront of defending against evolving threats in a sector increasingly shaped by geopolitical risk and regulatory pressure.
She brings extensive global experience from her time at Unilever, where she held multiple senior leadership roles including Global CISO. That background across multinational environments gives her a strong perspective on scaling security programmes across complex, distributed organisations.
Lisa Ventura — Founder, Cyber Security Unity & AI and Cyber Security Association
Lisa Ventura is one of the most visible voices in the UK cybersecurity community, known for her work in advocacy, inclusion, and industry collaboration. As founder of Cyber Security Unity and the AI and Cyber Security Association, she focuses on bringing together professionals, organisations, and policymakers around shared cyber challenges.
Her work emphasizes the human side of cybersecurity, including awareness, diversity, and mental health, alongside the technical and strategic dimensions. Through speaking, writing, and community leadership, she has built a platform that extends well beyond traditional enterprise security roles.
Monica Verma — AI & Board Advisor, Fractional CSO, Monica Talks Cyber
Monica Verma operates at the intersection of cybersecurity, AI, and board-level advisory, bringing more than two decades of experience across enterprise security, risk, and governance. A former multi-time CISO, she now advises organisations on building resilience in increasingly AI-driven environments.
Her work spans AI governance, cybersecurity strategy, and executive leadership, often supporting boards and senior teams in navigating emerging risks. As a global keynote speaker and founder of Monica Talks Cyber, she has become a recognised voice on how organisations can align cyber resilience with business growth.
A Diverse and Influential UK Cyber Ecosystem
From national policy and financial services to grassroots advocacy and AI leadership, the UK’s cybersecurity ecosystem is shaped by leaders working across multiple layers of influence.
Discover more women making their mark in cybersecurity through our Women’s Month tag.