Craig McEwen

Craig is about to embark on a new role in June as Global Head of Cyber Technology and Operations at Unilever. Craig will manage multiple functions, including Security Architecture, Security Engineering, multiple Security Operations Centres, Intelligence, Insider Threat and Forensics and various other departments. 

In his previous role, Craig was Group Chief Information Security Officer for Anglo American, a globally diversified mining company.  In this role, Craig was responsible for the entire cyber security programme within the business, including Security Operations, Governance Risk and Compliance, Ethical Hacking, Vulnerability Management, Security Architecture, Threat Intelligence and OT Security.  He oversaw a complete transformation of Anglo American’s cyber security function, growing the team from two to over 60 in six years and creating an IT / OT cyber security capability that spanned all major land masses.  In his six years in role, Anglo American never experienced any loss of production or compromise of safety as a result of a cyber attack, despite various high level attempts.

Craig is a strong advocate for diversity and talent development within cyber security, establishing the mining industry’s first internal cyber apprenticeship programme in the UK.  He established an apprenticeship centre of excellence in North Yorkshire, delivering two year cyber security apprenticeships across multiple specialisations and delivering seven trained apprentices each year.

He also established and chairs the Mining, Manufacturing and Engineering Trust Group with the NCSC, which promotes sharing and collaboration against cyber criminals / attacks.

Prior to his career in cyber, Craig had a distinguished and varied career as an Officer in the British Army that included tours of Afghanistan and Somalia and jobs as a reconnaissance and intelligence operator and a helicopter pilot.  He continues to serve as a Major in the Reserves, teaching leadership to young Officers and advising on cyber security approaches to Army Head Quarters.

Craig holds a PGDip in International Relations, a PGDip in Business Management, a PGCE in Education and a BSc in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics.  He lives in Bedfordshire with his wife Sarah and two children, Alice and Rory.  He is a keen runner and enjoys sailing, skiing, and climbing.  He is also developing an interest in astronomy.