CyberNorth, the focal point for cyber security in the North East, has unveiled a refreshed brand while announcing key appointments, marking an important step forward in the organisation’s continued growth and development.
The appointments reflect CyberNorth’s evolution as a leading cyber security area in the UK and highlights its commitment to supporting innovation, collaboration, and growth across the sector.
At the centre of this announcement is the appointment of Jon Holden as Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Jon previously served as CyberNorth’s Lead for Cyber and FinTech and has supported the organisation in recent months as interim CEO, following Danielle Phillips’ move to the North East Combined Authority.
Jon’s focus will be on growing the North East region’s skills and creating a national hub for the National Cyber Security centre (NCSC) in the region. Under his tenure, CyberNorth will be looking to scale the ambitions of the region to make the North East the place for cyber security, as well as the ongoing commitment to developing local talent, strengthening collaboration between education and industry, and ensuring students are well connected to real-world cyber security opportunities.
Jonbrings with him three decades of executive security experience leading cyber strategy, digital risk and technology transformation across global banking, fintech and regulated financial services. He is the former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Atom Bank, where he built and led the security function for the UK’s first app-only bank, delivering regulatory assurance and secure digital banking at scale. Jon has also held a number of senior positions in major financial institutions, including Citibank, Northern Rock, Egg and Virgin Money, shaping security strategy in highly regulated banking environments.
As a seasoned leader, Jon is passionate about the industry and actively contributes to the UK cyber security ecosystem, including work with the UK Banking Regulators and the NCSC, Tech Skills and, the Cyber Ambassador scheme among others, supporting national cyber resilience and skills development, making him well placed to lead the region’s cyber security strategic direction and drive the next stage of CyberNorth’s development.
Strengthening the team further, CyberNorth has also welcomed Sarah Raw as Head of Operations. An experienced operations and programme delivery professional with a strong track record of supporting the growth and development of the UK’s cyber security ecosystem, Sarah joins the team from UKC3, where she played a key role in supporting the development and coordination of the UK’s national cyber cluster network.
Marketing Manager, Emily Perella, specialises in growth and strategy in the technology sector and has worked with start-ups and tech companies across the region, blending analytical insights with creative planning to lead digital platform development and deliver effective marketing campaigns.
The trio will join Helen Matthews, Head of Portfolio Delivery and Thea Scott, Head of Regional Growth, where the team will focus on expanding CyberNorth’s impact, strengthening partnerships, and continuing to support the growth of the cyber security ecosystem across the North of England and beyond.
Annabel Berry, Chair, CyberNorth said: “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.”
As a key contributor to the UK’s overall cyber strategy, CyberNorth spearheads the growth of a thriving cyber security community in the North East by promoting the industry and its talent to grow recognition nationally and internationally for the region as a centre for excellence for cyber security.
Jon Holden, CEO, CyberNorth said: “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 into expanding the reach of the cyber security sector.
“Our new look and rebrand reflects the progress we’ve made as an organisation 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.”
Since its inception, CyberNorth has built a vibrant cybersecurity community in the North East, supporting more than 100 businesses and over 2,000 professionals, while collaborating across the FinTech, Space, Maritime, and Defence sectors. Strong relationships with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Business and Trade have amplified the region’s profile nationally and internationally.
Jon added: “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.”
