CyberNorth unveils new look & confirms leadership team
CyberNorth has unveiled a refreshed brand identity and confirmed its new leadership team, appointing Jon Holden as Chief Executive Officer and Sarah Raw as Head of Operations.
The organisation, which positions itself as a focal point for cyber security activity in the North East of England, is also expanding its in-house marketing function with the appointment of Emily Perella as Marketing Manager. Perella joins Helen Matthews, Head of Portfolio Delivery, and Thea Scott, Head of Regional Growth.
Leadership change
Holden previously led Cyber and FinTech activity at CyberNorth and has served as interim CEO in recent months. He succeeds Danielle Phillips, who has moved to the North East Combined Authority.
He brings three decades of executive security experience across global banking, fintech and regulated financial services. He previously served as Chief Information Security Officer at Atom Bank, where he built and led the security function for the UK's first app-only bank. Earlier roles included senior positions at Citibank, Northern Rock, Egg and Virgin Money.
CyberNorth also highlighted his involvement in the UK cyber security ecosystem, including work with UK banking regulators and the National Cyber Security Centre, and participation in industry initiatives such as Tech Skills and the Cyber Ambassador scheme.
Operations focus
Raw joins from UKC3, where she supported the development and coordination of the UK's national cyber cluster network. Her background spans operations and programme delivery across the cyber security sector.
Perella will lead marketing and digital platform development. She has worked with start-ups and technology companies across the region, with experience in growth strategy and campaign delivery.
Annabel Berry, Chair of CyberNorth, linked the internal changes to recent partnerships and investment activity involving Accenture, Gateshead College and Sage, adding that the organisation is prioritising internal strengthening as it enters its next phase.
"Following partnerships and investment from key industry players including Accenture, Gateshead College and a significant collaboration with FTSE 100 company Sage, our priority has been strengthening the organisation from within. With the internal appointment of Jon as CEO, a strengthened in-house team and the transition to a streamlined CyberNorth identity, we are entering an exciting new chapter. These changes reflect both the maturity of the community and the board's confidence in the organisation's future. We are creating greater operational stability and capacity, ensuring CyberNorth can continue to champion and facilitate the growth of the cyber security sector across the region." - Annabel Berry, Chair, CyberNorth
Community footprint
CyberNorth said it has supported more than 100 businesses and over 2,000 professionals since its inception, working across sectors including FinTech, Space, Maritime and Defence.
It also cited relationships with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Business and Trade as part of its engagement with government on sector development and the region's profile.
Holden described the current period as a step change as the organisation refreshes its brand and formalises its leadership team.
CyberNorth has also set out priorities for Holden's tenure, including developing skills in the North East and establishing a National Cyber Security Centre national hub in the region. It also plans to deepen collaboration between education providers and industry, and improve student access to employment-linked opportunities.
Holden said the brand refresh reflects the organisation's growth and future direction.
"This is a pivotal moment in CyberNorth's history, and I'm delighted to take the helm. It's a privilege to help steer the organisation and expand the reach of the cyber security sector. Our new look and rebrand reflect the progress we've made and the ambitions we have for the future. With a strengthened team and in-house capability, we are well positioned to continue supporting the cyber security sector and its growing community across regional, national and international platforms." Jon Holden, Chief Executive Officer, CyberNorth.
Sector context
The leadership changes come as regional cyber clusters seek to attract investment, grow talent pipelines and align with national security priorities. Cyber security remains closely tied to critical national infrastructure and digital transformation programmes across public and private sectors.
Holden said the group saw stronger engagement across its membership and wider partners during 2025, which he described as evidence of demand for community-led coordination in the sector.
"2025 was a defining year for our community, and we saw unprecedented engagement from members, stronger collaboration across regions and sectors, and a clear signal that the industry is hungry for community-driven leadership. Cyber security is of vital importance to critical national infrastructure and emerging technologies. The North has a fantastic opportunity to position itself as a hotbed for talent in the sector. These organisational changes within CyberNorth allow us to better support our member businesses and professionals in their commercial ambitions, and to increase the spotlight on the region to encourage more trade, talent and interest. Our mission remains the same, but our ambitions are bigger. This restructure and refresh are markers of confidence-confidence in our community, our members, and the role we play in shaping and scaling the future of cyber security in the region." said Jon Holden.