Government appoints ambassador to tout British cyber security tech abroad

The Government's Department for International Trade has appointed Dr Henry Pearson as the UK's new Cyber Security Ambassador, tasked with promoting UK business security expertise around the world.

More specifically, he will help British firms connect with other international businesses to close security-related contracts. The role will focus on organisations that need high levels of security expertise, such as governments and financial institutions.

The majority of the work Pearson will be responsible for will take place in South East Asia and the Gulf, the Government explained, significantly boosting the nation's reputation for security skills outside of Europe.

"I am delighted to welcome Henry Pearson as the Department's new Cyber Ambassador," said International Trade Secretary Dr Liam Fox.

"The UK's reputation for cyber expertise is recognised worldwide and my department is committed to ensuring the UK fulfils its global potential, with cyber exports projected to be worth 2.6bn by 2021."

Pearson has significant experience in security technologies, working as an advisor for the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), as an independent advisor for the Ministry of Defence and most recently, senior executive at Detica Ltd, now BAE Applied Intelligence.

"Henry's appointment will be instrumental in ensuring our world leading firms are able to compete on the global stage and our cutting-edge technology is the first port of call for overseas government's looking to secure their critical national infrastructure," Fox added.

Pearson will replace Conrad Prince, who left the role a year ago. His appointment is part of the UK's strategy to push itself as a worldwide cyber security leader.