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10
July
2025
|
12:37
Europe/London

Chief Information Security Officer appointment

Michael Knight has been appointed as the University鈥檚 Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and will be joining the IT Services team in October 2025. 

Michael will lead the Information Security division within the University鈥檚 Directorate of IT Services, overseeing the development of our next security programme, with strong alignment to 51福利社 2035 and a coherent vision for protecting the University's digital footprint. He will also serve as a member of the IT Leadership Team, helping shape and deliver our broader digital and operational priorities.

PJ Hemmaway, Chief Information Officer, said: 鈥淚鈥檓 delighted that Michael will be joining us later this year as our new Chief Information Security Officer. This is a key appointment for the University as we continue to strengthen our cyber security posture and build digital trust across all areas of our work. With growing reliance on data, digital platforms, and AI, having the right leadership in place is essential. Michael will bring a wealth of experience and insight that will help us innovate responsibly, safeguard our communities, and support the University鈥檚 strategic ambitions.鈥

On accepting the offer, Michael said: "I'm really excited to be joining an organisation that is recognised globally for its innovation and impact to society 鈥 this means a great deal to me personally and professionally. I look forward to working collaboratively across the institution to strengthen our cyber resilience and enable innovation in a secure and trusted way."

PJ added: 鈥淢ichael will also bring valuable experience in leading secure research environments and will be partnering closely with our research community to support innovation, enable collaboration, and ensure compliance across an evolving digital research landscape.鈥

I'm really excited to be joining an organisation that is recognised globally for its innovation and impact to society 鈥 this means a great deal to me personally and professionally. I look forward to working collaboratively across the institution to strengthen our cyber resilience and enable innovation in a secure and trusted way.

Michael Knight

Michael will be joining the University from NHS South East London, where he is currently Chief Information Security Officer. In this role, Michael leads on the development and delivery of the cyber security and technology resilience strategy for health and social care in the region.

Prior to joining NHS South East London, Michael was Chief Technology Officer at NHS South, Central and West where he led the delivery of managed IT services and information security, supporting over 45,000 staff across the south of England. Michael is a Fellow of the British Computer Society and also a Chartered Healthcare Chief Information Officer.

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