Robert Hannigan

Robert Hannigan is the former Director of GCHQ and a leading authority on cyber security, digital intelligence and national security strategy.

Robert Hannigan is one of the UK’s most respected voices in cyber security and intelligence. As the former Director of GCHQ – the UK’s largest intelligence and security agency – he’s been at the heart of the most significant national and global cyber strategies of the last two decades.

Today, Robert is Chairman of BlueVoyant International, a global cyber security services firm, and advises international businesses on digital risk, resilience and innovation. He’s also a Senior Fellow at Harvard’s Belfer Center, an Honorary Fellow of Wadham College, Oxford, and a Distinguished Fellow of RUSI.

During his time at GCHQ, Robert shaped the UK’s first Cyber Security Strategy and set up the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), launching the UK’s active cyber defence programme. He also led the UK’s offensive cyber operations alongside military counterparts and played a key role in modernising the intelligence community for the digital era – a transformation praised for its boldness and vision.

Prior to his work in cyber, Robert was a central figure in the Northern Ireland Peace Process, acting as Tony Blair’s principal civil service adviser and leading negotiations with political parties, paramilitaries and international governments. He later served as the Prime Minister’s Security Adviser and chaired the UK’s Joint Intelligence Committee.

Known for his calm authority, strategic insight and clear communication, Robert is a powerful speaker on topics such as national security, cyber threats, digital transformation and the future of intelligence. He is widely credited for making the world of cyber more transparent and accessible, championing technical talent and helping position the UK as a global cyber leader.

A passionate advocate for innovation and digital skills, he is a Trustee of Bletchley Park, Chair of LORCA’s Industry Advisory Board, and a former member of the Government’s Defence Innovation Advisory Panel. His contributions to security have earned him both a CMG from Queen Elizabeth II and the US Intelligence Distinguished Public Service Medal – one of few non-US nationals to receive the honour.