Sarah Armstrong-Smith

Sarah Armstrong-Smith is a globally recognised cybersecurity expert and former Chief Security Advisor EMEA at Microsoft, widely respected for her ability to connect complex technology with real human impact. Known for championing inclusive, people-first approaches to digital transformation, Sarah has built a reputation as a compelling diversity and inclusion speaker. Her insights extend beyond technical expertise, focusing on how organisations can create resilient, equitable environments where diverse perspectives strengthen security, innovation and decision-making.

Sarah’s career is defined by senior leadership roles at some of the world’s most influential organisations. She has served as Group Head of Business Resilience and Crisis Manager at the London Stock Exchange Group, alongside leading continuity, resilience and enterprise cyber security functions at Fujitsu. In 2020, she joined Microsoft as Chief Security Advisor for Europe, where she played a pivotal role in shaping digital transformation and cloud adoption strategies across the region. Throughout her career, Sarah has been directly involved in managing major global incidents, including early experiences during the Millennium Bug, which helped shape her pragmatic, human-centric approach to crisis leadership and organisational resilience. In 2025, she was appointed to the UK Government Cyber Advisory Board, further cementing her authority within the sector, while her recognition as a Distinguished Speaker by Microsoft highlights her ability to communicate complex ideas with clarity and impact.

Her impact has been widely recognised across the industry. Sarah has been named among the UK’s most influential tech leaders by Computer Weekly and listed as one of the Top 30 Female Cybersecurity Leaders by SC Media. She has also been a finalist for Cyber Citizen of the Year at The National Cyber Awards. Beyond corporate leadership, Sarah is an accomplished author, publishing ‘Effective Crisis Management’ and ‘Understand the Cyber Attacker Mindset’, both of which explore the intersection of technology, behaviour and organisational culture.

As a diversity and inclusion speaker, Sarah Armstrong-Smith stands out for her ability to reframe cybersecurity through a human lens. She explores how inclusive leadership, diverse thinking and psychological safety are critical to navigating modern risk and uncertainty. Drawing on real-world experience, she demonstrates how organisations can break down silos, challenge bias in decision-making, and build cultures that are both secure and inclusive. Her talks resonate strongly with business leaders and technical teams alike, offering actionable strategies that align diversity with resilience, innovation and long-term success. As a testament to her incredible influence, Sarah has been voted as the World’s Number One Cyber Security Keynote Speaker for 2026, a recognition based on official feedback, client scores, and event reviews.