CREST appoints Zoja Antuchevič as the new Chair of the CREST Europe Council

21 January 2026 – Zoja is CEO and Managing Partner at SolutionLab, a cybersecurity consultancy delivering strategic and technical services across Europe, MEA and the US. She leads cross-border teams supporting organisations ranging from SMEs to critical infrastructure operators, helping them build secure, resilient digital environments aligned with key EU regulatory frameworks including NIS2, DORA and the Cyber Resilience Act. 

Zoja joined the CREST Europe Council as a Council Member in April 2025, where she has already played an active role in shaping regional priorities, advancing professional standards and strengthening collaboration across the cybersecurity community. She now steps into the Chair role at a pivotal time for the European cyber ecosystem as regulation, buyer expectations and threat landscapes continue to evolve rapidly. 

Our Councils explained 

If you’re not familiar with CREST Councils, they play a vital role in shaping the future direction of our organisation, ensuring that we remain closely aligned with regional market needs. 

“CREST Regional Councils are strategic engines that connect member perspectives with CREST’s global standards and purpose. Each Council is composed of elected representatives from Member organisations and exists to guide CREST’s regional direction, ensuring our work responds to real-world needs on the ground.” 

Made up of senior industry leaders, practitioners and Member representatives, the Councils act as strategic advisory bodies, with primary objectives of building capability, capacity, consistency and community across the cybersecurity industry. This involves working collaboratively with governments, regulators, buyers and suppliers in the region to support internationally recognised schemes and create an environment where trusted cybersecurity services can flourish.   

Specifically, the Councils help to:  

• Bring a regional perspective on emerging risks, market needs and regulatory shifts to inform CREST’s Focus Groups and support the continued evolution of our standards and accreditation frameworks 
• Represent regional insights within CREST’s broader strategy, making sure the region’s market dynamics are understood and embedded into global priorities.  
• Strengthen engagement with regulators and policy makers, helping bridge industry practice with evolving requirements and compliance landscapes.  
• Build community and professional capability, by advocating for skills development, encouraging collaboration and expanding the reach of CREST’s focus groups, events and initiatives.   

The Europe Council in particular provides critical insight into one of the most complex and fast-moving regulatory environments globally. Through close collaboration with industry, government and buyers, the Council helps ensure CREST standards remain relevant, rigorous and trusted across European markets. 

These goals not only enhance cybersecurity resilience across Europe but also open market expansion opportunities for CREST Member companies and create opportunities for CREST qualified individuals – reinforcing both Member value and market confidence in the broader buyer community. 

Why this matters for Members 

For CREST Members, the Councils are a direct channel into how standards evolve and how the organisation responds to market change. Under Zoja’s leadership, the Europe Council will continue to: 

• advocate for Member interests at regional and regulatory level
• shape future accreditation and certification pathways
• support business growth through market credibility and trust 
• foster collaboration between Member organisations 
• promote best practice across the cyber services industry 

This ensures Members are not only accredited but actively represented and supported within the wider cybersecurity ecosystem. 

Value for buyers and the wider ecosystem 

For cyber buyers, CREST Councils help maintain the integrity and relevance of CREST accreditation. By working closely with regulators and industry bodies, the Councils ensure that CREST standards reflect real-world risk, compliance requirements and buyer expectations. 

This means buyers can: 

• procure services with confidence 
• trust the competence and professionalism of accredited providers 
• reduce supplier risk 
• align procurement decisions with regulatory obligations 

Zoja’s experience working with regulated sectors and national authorities positions her strongly to strengthen this bridge between industry and regulation, reinforcing CREST’s role as a trusted authority in cybersecurity assurance. 

Leadership for a changing landscape 

Alongside her role at SolutionLab, Zoja is Chair of the Board at KSEA (Cyber Security Experts Association), where she champions professional standards, public-private collaboration and cyber skills development in Lithuania. Her work across national and international networks reflects a strong commitment to harmonising cybersecurity practices across borders. 

Her background is impressive, too: Zoja holds an MBA in Information Systems Management, a BBA from Vilnius University, and the ecoDa European Board Diploma, underpinning her focus on governance, trust and strategic resilience at executive and board level. 

Commenting on her appointment, Zoja said: 

“I’m honoured to take on the role of Chair of CREST’s Europe Council. At a time when cybersecurity regulation and accountability are evolving rapidly across Europe, CREST’s role in setting standards and building trust has never been more important. I look forward to working closely with members, regulators and industry partners to strengthen collaboration, support skills development and drive a resilient cybersecurity ecosystem across the region.” 

Zoja’s appointment follows the transition of Rodrigo Marcos Alvarez, who previously served as Chair of the Europe Council and has now stepped into the role of Chair of CREST’s International Council – strengthening leadership across both regional and global governance. 

Nick Benson, CEO of CREST, added: 

“Zoja brings deep regional insight, regulatory expertise and leadership experience to this role. Her appointment reflects our commitment to strong regional governance and meaningful industry collaboration. I’d also like to extend special thanks to Rodrigo Marcos Alvarez for his strong leadership of the Europe Council to date; and congratulate him on his new role as Chair of CREST’s International Council. We look forward to the impact both will make across our European community.” 

We look forward to working closely with Zoja as she leads the next chapter of CREST’s Europe Council and continues to strengthen trust, standards and collaboration across the cybersecurity industry. 

For Media and Press enquiries, please contact: 
Emma Millard – Head of Marketing & Engagement, CREST International 
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 (0)1234 567 890 

About CREST: 

CREST is a global not-for-profit organisation dedicated to raising standards and building trust in the cybersecurity profession. 

Founded in 2006, CREST works with its international community of member companies and practitioners to promote excellence, integrity and professional development across the cyber ecosystem. Through robust standards, accreditation frameworks and skills pathways, CREST helps organisations buy cybersecurity services with confidence and supports practitioners in developing trusted, globally recognised careers. 

Working closely with governments, regulators and industry stakeholders, CREST plays an active role in shaping policy, strengthening market confidence and supporting the growth of a resilient, professional cybersecurity sector worldwide. 

For more information, visit www.crest-approved.org