{"id":6042,"date":"2025-12-02T14:24:42","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T14:24:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cybersecurityinfocus.com\/?p=6042"},"modified":"2025-12-02T14:24:42","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T14:24:42","slug":"cso-30-awards-2025-celebrating-excellence-innovation-and-leadership-in-cybersecurity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cybersecurityinfocus.com\/?p=6042","title":{"rendered":"CSO 30 Awards 2025: Celebrating Excellence, Innovation and Leadership in Cybersecurity"},"content":{"rendered":"
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With submissions\u00a0showcasing\u00a0advances in automation, inclusion, workforce development, and real-world resilience, this year\u2019s programme\u00a0highlights the multifaceted role of today\u2019s\u00a0CSO. As threats evolve and organizational complexity grows, the CSO is now a strategist, communicator, technologist, and cultural leader.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A panel of expert judges reviewed an exceptional set of candidates,\u00a0ultimately selecting\u00a0winners whose work\u00a0demonstrates\u00a0measurable impact, strategic clarity, and a commitment to elevating the cybersecurity profession.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Below are the 2025 CSO 30 Award\u00a0Innovation Award\u00a0winners.\u00a0<\/p>\n

AI and Digital Excellence in Cybersecurity<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Winner: Greg Emmerson,\u00a0Applegreen<\/strong>\u00a0
This category celebrates outstanding leadership in AI, automation, and digital innovation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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UK CSO 30 2025 winner Greg Emmerson (right)\u00a0with judge Andrew Barber (left)<\/p>\n

CSO UK \/ Foundry<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Greg Emmerson stood out for transforming both the culture and capability of\u00a0Applegreen\u2019s\u00a0security organization.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Emmerson\u00a0established\u00a0regional\u00a0Centres\u00a0of Excellence to strengthen collaboration and skill development across global teams, modernizing operations through Continuous Threat Exposure Management and enterprise-wide canary tooling. By unifying identities and embedding advanced backup and recovery practices, he has positioned security as a true business enabler.\u00a0<\/p>\n

His approach balances innovation with wellbeing, promoting focused priorities, adaptive working, and micro-learning initiatives that have elevated awareness and resilience across the enterprise.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rising Star in Cybersecurity<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Winner: Chris Bardell, Royal Papworth Hospital<\/strong>\u00a0
The Rising Star Award recognizes early-career professionals whose dedication and innovation are already reshaping security within their organizations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While completing a demanding Level 4 Cyber Security Apprenticeship, Bardell led major improvements across incident response, automation, AI governance, and endpoint resilience. His work on ransomware preparedness, simulations, phishing exercises, and awareness campaigns has significantly strengthened operational readiness at Royal Papworth Hospital.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Combining technical capability with empathy and collaboration, Bardell exemplifies the next generation of cyber leadership.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Diversity, Inclusion and Social Impact in Security<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Winner: Amy Lemberger<\/strong>\u00a0
This award honours leaders who advance equity, inclusion, and societal benefit through their security programs.<\/p>\n

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UK CSO 30 2025 winner Amy Lemberger (right) and judge Theo Botha (left)<\/p>\n

CSO UK \/ Foundry<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Amy Lemberger built an entire cybersecurity function from the ground up, prioritizing inclusive hiring, removing unnecessary qualification barriers, and personally reaching out to underrepresented talent. The resulting team is high-performing, diverse, and characterized by exceptional retention and trust.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Lemberger has driven innovation through automation and AI partnerships while championing mental health, meaningful leadership, and authentic inclusion across the cyber community.\u00a0<\/p>\n

People, Culture and Security Collaboration<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Winner: Simon Chan, Berenberg<\/strong>\u00a0
This category recognizes leaders who enable security-aware cultures through engagement, creativity, and cross-functional collaboration.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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UK CSO 30 2025 judge Holly Foxcroft (far right) with representatives from Berenberg (left)<\/p>\n

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CSO UK\/Foundry<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Simon Chan transformed security engagement at Berenberg through storytelling and inclusive communication. His team\u2019s innovative internal podcast series opened conversations across the business,\u00a0showcasing\u00a0varied perspectives and building a shared sense of responsibility.\u00a0<\/p>\n

By blending technical insight with human connection, Chan positioned cybersecurity not as a back-office function but as a collaborative driver of enterprise success.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Future Talent and Workforce Development in Security<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Winner: Adrian Hope, University of Warwick<\/strong>\u00a0
Adrian Hope reshaped cybersecurity culture within higher education by uniting academic and operational communities. His work brings together students, scholars, and professionals to enhance defences and embed security across the university.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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UK CSO 30 2025 winner Adrian Hope (left) and CSO 30 Chair Romy Tuin (right)<\/p>\n

CSO UK \/ Foundry<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Hope has fostered a diverse and empowered team, championed responsible AI adoption, and delivered creative awareness initiatives including a Cyber Security Escape Room to engage staff and students alike.\u00a0<\/p>\n

His efforts\u00a0demonstrate\u00a0what is possible when security leadership embraces education, collaboration, and long-term talent development.\u00a0<\/p>\n

CSO of the Year<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n

Winner: Craig Hickmott, British Heart Foundation<\/strong>\u00a0
The highest honour of the evening, the CSO of the Year Award, recognizes visionary leadership with enterprise-wide impact.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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UK CSO of the Year winner Craig Hickmott (right) with judge Manoj Bhatt (left)<\/p>\n

CSO UK \/ Foundry<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Craig Hickmott inherited a fragmented and under-resourced security function. Through strategic clarity, persistence, and a human-first philosophy, he secured long-term investment, rebuilt the team, and embedded security across the organization as a true partner and enabler.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hickmott has created one of the sector\u2019s most diverse security teams, launched the organization\u2019s first cybersecurity apprenticeship, and introduced groundbreaking practices including AI \u201cteam members,\u201d data-driven operations, and transformative ransomware simulations for executives.\u00a0<\/p>\n

He has championed wellbeing, mental health, and psychological safety through initiatives such as \u201cManual of Me,\u201d fostering a culture where security and humanity reinforce one another. His\u00a0holistic approach\u00a0has strengthened resilience across an organization whose mission impacts millions of lives.\u00a0<\/p>\n

CSO 30 Hall of Fame 2025<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n

The evening concluded with the induction of three exceptional leaders into the prestigious CSO 30 Hall of Fame, individuals whose long-term contributions have shaped the cybersecurity landscape.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Theo Botha, Chief Information Security Officer, Dr. Martens<\/strong>\u00a0
With over twenty years in technology and cybersecurity, Botha has built and delivered security strategies across multiple industries. At Dr. Martens, he leads the security and\u00a0governance approach enabling responsible AI adoption while preserving brand heritage and driving transformation.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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CSO UK \/ Foundry<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Jasmine\u00a0Eskenzi, Co-Founder & CEO, The\u00a0Zensory<\/strong>\u00a0
Eskenzi has redefined how organizations approach wellbeing, focus, and digital resilience. Through The\u00a0Zensory, she has helped more than 150,000 people reduce burnout and build healthier workplace cultures, integrating neuroscience, wellbeing, and cybersecurity for global brands including Google,\u00a0Vodafone\u00a0and the NHS.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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CSO UK \/ Foundry<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Andrew Barber, Head of Apps and Devices, Surrey and Sussex Police<\/strong>\u00a0
Barber\u00a0oversees\u00a0a team developing innovative, user-centred\u00a0solutions that enhance public safety. Across a career in financial services and technology leadership, he has delivered large-scale transformation while championing mental health,\u00a0diversity\u00a0and inclusion,\u00a0demonstrating\u00a0that leadership must balance technical excellence with empathy.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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CSO UK \/ Foundry<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Celebrating a New Era of Cybersecurity Leadership<\/strong>\u00a0<\/h2>\n

This year\u2019s CSO 30 Awards highlight a profound shift in the industry. Today\u2019s cybersecurity leaders are not only technologists,\u00a0they are\u00a0culture builders, educators, innovators, and advocates for people. Their work ensures not just safer systems, but stronger, more resilient organizations.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Congratulations to\u00a0all of\u00a0this year\u2019s winners and Hall of Fame inductees.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Adrian Hope,\u00a0CISO,\u00a0University of Warwick\u00a0<\/p>\n

Amar Patel,\u00a0CISO,\u00a0Fund Management\u00a0<\/p>\n

Amy Lemberger,\u00a0CISO,\u00a0Gamme\u00a0<\/p>\n

Bronwyn Boyle,\u00a0CISO,\u00a0PPRO\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chris Bardell,\u00a0Cyber Security Analyst,\u00a0Royal Papworth Hospital\u00a0<\/p>\n

Chris Leather,\u00a0CISO,\u00a0Clifford Chance\u00a0<\/p>\n

Craig Hickmott,\u00a0Director of Information Security and Organisational Resilience,\u00a0British Heart Foundation\u00a0<\/p>\n

Daniel Card,\u00a0Founder,\u00a0PwnDefend\u00a0<\/p>\n

David Edwards,\u00a0VP of Information Security,\u00a0Payroc\u00a0<\/p>\n

Gregory Emmerson,\u00a0Group IT Director Security & Operations,\u00a0AppleGreen\u00a0<\/p>\n

Hazel McPherson,\u00a0Founder & CEO,\u00a0Culture Gem\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ian Edwards,\u00a0Head of Information Security,\u00a0Induction Healthcare (a Vital Hub Company)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jagjot Singh,\u00a0CISO,\u00a0Castore\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jim Wilson,\u00a0Director of Technology,\u00a0Cogora\u00a0<\/p>\n

Jon Winterburn,\u00a0CISO,\u00a0J.D. Power\u00a0<\/p>\n

Joseph van der\u00a0Vlugt,\u00a0Information Security Administrator,\u00a0Amnesty International\u00a0<\/p>\n

Leum Dunn,\u00a0Head of Information Security,\u00a0Pencil AI Limited\u00a0<\/p>\n

Mitch Islin,\u00a0Head of IT & Infosec,\u00a0Motors.co.uk\u00a0<\/p>\n

Moneer\u00a0Alitto,\u00a0CTO,\u00a0IDWise\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nicholas Bown,\u00a0CSO,\u00a0Sycurio\u00a0<\/p>\n

Peter Adams,\u00a0CIO,\u00a0IM Group\u00a0<\/p>\n

Ritesh Patel,\u00a0Security Principal,\u00a0bp\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sam Das,\u00a0CISO,\u00a0Metro Bank\u00a0<\/p>\n

Samantha Rule,\u00a0CISO,\u00a0Ninety One\u00a0<\/p>\n

Simon Chan,\u00a0Head of Cyber Security Operations,\u00a0Berenberg\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tarnveer\u00a0Singh,\u00a0CISO,\u00a0The Exeter\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tim Grieveson,\u00a0Chief Security & Risk Officer,\u00a0CloudPay\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tim Stead,\u00a0Infrastructure Manager,\u00a0Hovis Ltd\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tom Gormley,\u00a0Senior Security Analyst,\u00a0Everywhen (previously\u00a0Ardonagh\u00a0Advisory)\u00a0<\/p>\n

Tom Pepper,\u00a0AI Cyber Advisory Practice Lead,\u00a0Avella Security Ltd\u00a0<\/p>\n

A special thank you to our event sponsor HP for supporting this celebration of cybersecurity leadership and innovation.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

The CSO and CIO Events team will be heading to Manchester on the\u00a019th\u00a0March for our next UK Cybersecurity Event, learn more about our next event\u00a0here<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

With submissions\u00a0showcasing\u00a0advances in automation, inclusion, workforce development, and real-world resilience, this year\u2019s programme\u00a0highlights the multifaceted role of today\u2019s\u00a0CSO. As threats evolve and organizational complexity grows, the CSO is now a strategist, communicator, technologist, and cultural leader.\u00a0 A panel of expert judges reviewed an exceptional set of candidates,\u00a0ultimately selecting\u00a0winners whose work\u00a0demonstrates\u00a0measurable impact, strategic clarity, and a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":0,"featured_media":6043,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6042","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-education"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cybersecurityinfocus.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6042"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cybersecurityinfocus.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cybersecurityinfocus.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cybersecurityinfocus.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=6042"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/cybersecurityinfocus.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6042\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cybersecurityinfocus.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/6043"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cybersecurityinfocus.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=6042"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cybersecurityinfocus.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=6042"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cybersecurityinfocus.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=6042"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}