Sir Rob Wainwright is an internationally recognised security expert, former Executive Director of Europol and former Group Chief Information Security Officer at UBS. With extensive experience in international law enforcement, intelligence, cybersecurity and financial crime prevention, Rob has helped shape global approaches to tackling complex security threats. Knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 2018 for services to policing and security, he is widely respected for his leadership in strengthening international cooperation against organised crime and cyber threats. As a keynote speaker, Rob provides insights into cybersecurity, geopolitical risk, intelligence, leadership and the evolving global security landscape.
Rob graduated from the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1989 with a degree in International Relations before beginning his career as an Intelligence Analyst at the UK Ministry of Defence. In 2000, he became UK Bureau Chief at Europol, progressing to International Director at the National Criminal Intelligence Service in 2003 and the Serious Organised Crime Agency in 2006. His expertise in international policing led to his appointment as Executive Director of Europol in 2009. During his nine-year tenure, Rob oversaw the agency's transformation into a major European security institution, strengthening its capabilities in intelligence sharing, counterterrorism, cybercrime and organised crime investigations.
Following his departure from Europol in 2018, Rob joined Deloitte as a Partner and became involved with several international security organisations, including the World Economic Forum's Centre for Cybersecurity and the Global Cyber Alliance. In 2019, he was appointed Honorary Professor at the University of Nottingham, while in 2021 he became Chair of the Global Expert Group at the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime. Between 2023 and 2026, Rob served as Group Chief Information Security Officer at UBS, overseeing cybersecurity strategy within a major global financial institution. In 2026, he became a Member of the Board of Advisers at RUSI Europe and continued his career as a Non-Executive Director and Board Adviser.
As a sought-after keynote speaker, Rob draws on his leadership experience across Europol, UBS and international security organisations to explore the challenges facing governments and businesses. His presentations address cyber resilience, financial crime, geopolitical uncertainty, digital threats and effective leadership in complex environments. Combining strategic insight with experience managing international security operations, Rob helps audiences understand emerging risks and develop stronger approaches to organisational resilience. He is particularly suited to corporate conferences, cybersecurity summits, financial services events and leadership forums seeking authoritative perspectives on global security.
