The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is welcoming Richard Horne as its new chief executive officer in the autumn this year.

Horne is set to lead the UK’s national technical authority for cybersecurity as it continues in its mission to make the UK the safest place to live and work online.

He will join the NCSC from PwC UK, the quality assurance business services company, where he currently chairs the Cyber Security Practice.

Ensuring the NCSC delivers its vital contribution to the UK’s National Cyber Strategy will be central to Horne’s role.

This will include increasing the UK’s cyber resilience, keeping cybersecurity at the heart of the UK’s approach to future technology challenges like AI and quantum computing, and making sure the NCSC continues to be able to manage the most critical cyber incidents affecting the UK.

“I’m delighted that Richard Horne will become the next CEO of the NCSC,” Anne Keast-Butler, director of GCHQ said.

“He brings with him a wealth of experience working with major companies and organisations to help them understand and manage their cyber security – and respond to incidents when they occur.

“Richard’s experience will ensure the NCSC continues to drive cyber security up the boardroom agenda and develop its world-leading partnerships to address the cyber security threats that the UK faces.”

Prior to joining PwC, Horne was the managing director for Barclays PLC. While there, he was seconded from Barlcays to the Cabinet Office for 2011, to help shape and drive the government’s first cybersecurity strategy across both government and the wider economy.

Horne holds a PhD in Mathematics from Royal Holloway, University of London, and has served on a number of advisory boards for academic institutions and cybersecurity startup companies.

“It is an honour to become CEO of the NCSC,” Horne said.

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“Over the seven years since its establishment, the NCSC has repeatedly shown its world-leading understanding of technology and its unparalleled knowledge of the cyber threat we face in the UK.

“I’m incredibly honoured and excited about leading a globally recognised organisation, its world class experts and leaders into the future whilst helping ensure that our mission is realised.”