Jon Townsend

Jon Townsend is an accomplished technology leader with extensive experience in information security and cyber operations. Currently serving as the Chief Information Officer and Director of Technology & Information Security at the National Trust since October 2015, Jon previously held the position of Director of Cyber Security and Intelligence at the Department for Work and Pensions from 2012 to October 2015, where responsibilities included leading intelligence-led cyber security operations and strategic capability design. Jon's career also includes significant leadership roles in technology and security at the UK Ministry of Defence from 1991 to 2012, ultimately leading 14 Signal Regiment (Electronic Warfare) and overseeing over 850 staff. Educational qualifications include an MBA from The Open University, an MSc in the Design of Information Systems from Cranfield University, and a BEng (Hons) in Software Engineering, also from Cranfield University.