Sarah Armstrong-Smith

Chief Security Advisor EMEA of Microsoft, Fellow of the British Computer Society & Author of Effective Crisis Management

Sarah Armstrong-Smith is an acclaimed IT professional with a prolific career in the technology sector. Currently, she serves as the Chief Security Advisor for EMEA at Microsoft. Her expertise spans disaster recovery, cyber security, data protection, and privacy, making her a sought-after speaker for corporate events. With a history of frontline experience in major incidents like the Millennium Bug, Sarah has earned her place as a Fellow of the British Computer Society and garnered numerous industry accolades, cementing her status as a leading authority in cyber security.

Sarah's career began in 1995 as a Fraud Controller at PHH Arval. She then moved to Thames Water as a Business Continuity Analyst, where her involvement with the Millennium Bug set the stage for her future in technology and cyber security. In 2001, Sarah joined AXA as a Disaster Recovery Manager, further honing her skills in managing technological risks. Her career continued to ascend as she became Manager of Technology Risk Services at Ernst & Young, followed by a significant tenure at Fujitsu. At Fujitsu, Sarah's roles evolved from Principal Consultant on Enterprise and Cyber Security to Management Consultant, Distinguished Engineer, and finally Head of Continuity & Resilience, Enterprise & Cyber Security.

In 2019, Sarah was appointed Group Head of Business Resilience & Crisis Management for the London Stock Exchange and served as a Non-Executive Director for Decipher Cyber. Her trajectory reached a new peak in 2020 when she assumed the role of Chief Security Advisor for EMEA at Microsoft. Alongside her duties at Microsoft, she advises boards at Vaultree, e2e-assure Ltd, and ServBlock.

Sarah's contributions to the field have been widely recognized. She has featured on the 2022 Top 20 Cyber Security Movers and Shakers by Cyber Security Hub and the 2022 Most Influential Women in UK Tech and Most Influential Leaders in Tech lists by Computer Weekly. Her accolades also include being named one of the Top 30 Women of Influence by SC Media and a finalist for Cyber Citizen of the Year by The National Cyber Awards in 2023. Sarah Armstrong-Smith's extensive experience, leadership roles, and numerous awards make her an exemplary keynote speaker for International Women's Day. Her journey not only reflects the progression of women in technology but also inspires future generations to pursue careers in cyber security and IT.

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