After years of dedication to the Cyber Security sector, Phil Jackman ‘Mr Cyber’ has retired from his role as Founder and CEO of CyberNorth leaving a legacy of innovation and growth in his mists.
Phil has been an integral part of the success here at CyberNorth, and during his tenure has played a pivotal part in raising awareness and opportunities for the sector in the region and on a national and international scale, forging instrumental partnerships with major players.
After 8 years with CyberNorth, Phil has fulfilled his ambition for our team to play a key role in promoting the North East region as an attractive destination for cyber security services, investment, and education. It was in 2018 when Phil’s career took an unexpected turn which led to the formation of CyberNorth, a former Dynamo-backed organisation. This opportunity
proved to be a perfect moment to combine his love for the region with his technological expertise gained over 30 years in IT management in both the public and private sectors.
With news recently announced of the pivotal new partnership with FTSE 100 company, Sage, the leader in accounting, financial, HR and payroll technology for small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) to spearhead and leverage the capabilities of the North East cyber security community, Phil is confidently handing the reigns to Danielle Philips who is excellently placed to further elevate and drive CyberNorth forward as CEO.
A passionate advocate for cyber security and the region, under his tenure CyberNorth has come a long way with a number of high profile initiatives including Phil orchestrating the launch of CyberFest, becoming a founding member of the UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3), a key catalyst in forming relationships with the central government, especially DSIT and DBT, the development of the Shared Apprenticeship scheme, a global first and a unique way to deliver talent into the sector, and launching and running two innovation centres.
A firm champion for collaboration and connectivity, Phil has always seen cyber security as a way to create sustainable employment opportunities for future generations in the region. In honour of his legacy we have launched The Jackman Fund, which has already received thousands in generous donations from the cyber security community.
Danielle Phillips, CEO at CyberNorth said:
“Phil’s legacy is one we want to remember and as such, we’ve created The Jackman Fund, a fund that will administer small grants to young people, career changers, veterans and career returners looking to get into cyber security.
This fund will be used to give small bursaries to people, whether that be funding certifications or helping to buy a suit for an interview, it’s really about giving people their first leg up into the world of cyber security, and this is something very close to Phil’s heart.”
Danielle added:
“Phil has been the beating heart of CyberNorth for the last 8 years and his reputation in the sector is second to none, it’s Phil’s ethos, connections and energising spirit that have opened doors for the region, creating a safe, secure and sustainable business model in CyberNorth.
As Phil retires, he will be sadly missed, and we absolutely value him from the bottom of our hearts – he was always there whenever anyone needed him and having that bedrock in our community has been so valuable – an array of businesses exists in the cyber security community because he believed in them, he really did have the ‘The Jackman effect’.”
Phil has reflected on his time with CyberNorth, achievements and plans for the future on our recent It’s Cyber Up North podcast with CEO, Danielle Phillips which can be accessed HERE.
To donate to The Jackman Fund, click HERE.