‘Mr Cyber’ logs off from CyberNorth

A North East cybersecurity network is marking a milestone as its long-serving founder steps down.

Phil Jackman, known across the sector as ‘Mr Cyber’, has retired after eight years leading CyberNorth, the region’s cybersecurity cluster organisation. 

Since founding the network in 2018, Phil has helped put the North East on the map as a hub for cyber innovation, skills and investment.

His work included launching the CyberFest event series, being a founding member of the UK Cyber Cluster Collaboration (UKC3) and establishing global-first initiatives such as the Shared Apprenticeship scheme to attract new talent.

CyberNorth, which has supported over 100 businesses and 2000 professionals, has grown under Phil’s leadership into a key player in the UK cyber scene, forming strong ties with Government departments and industry leaders across fintech, defence and maritime sectors.

Phil’s retirement follows the announcement of a new partnership with FTSE 100 firm Sage, aimed at further elevating the region’s cyber capabilities. 

His successor, Danielle Phillips, will now take over as chief executive.

She said: “Phil has been the beating heart of CyberNorth for the last eight 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’.”

To honour Phil’s legacy, CyberNorth has launched The Jackman Fund, which has already attracted thousands of pounds in donations to continue supporting innovation and inclusion in the sector.

Danielle added: “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.”

Phil has reflected on his time with CyberNorth, achievements and plans for the future in a recent It’s Cyber Up North podcast with Danielle, which can be found here.

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