CREST has announced a number of updates to its UK Council, reflecting both continuity in leadership and a continued focus on evolving the organisation’s work across the cybersecurity sector. 

After six years of service, Rob Dartnall (SecAlliance) will step down this month as Chair of the UK Council and transition into a CREST Ambassador role. 

During his tenure, Rob played a central role in strengthening UK Council governance, deepening engagement with members, regulators and industry partners, and helping guide CREST through a period of significant regulatory change. His contribution has provided consistency and leadership at a critical time for both CREST and the wider cybersecurity community. Read the full announcement here > 

The process of appointing a new Chair for the CREST UK Council is now underway, and we will communicate this once finalised, during April 2026. The new Chair, when appointed, will take over from Rob Dartnall on the CREST International Council, representing the UK. 

New appointment to the CREST UK Council: Philip Ridley, CyberOne 

CREST welcomes Philip Ridley, Cyber Risk Management Director at CyberOne, who has been elected to the UK Council for an initial three-year term. 

Philip brings extensive experience in cyber risk, governance and advisory services, and will support the Council’s work in representing member interests and shaping CREST’s strategic direction in the UK market. 

Re-election and continuity: Jed Kafetz, Claranet 

Jed Kafetz, Head of Commercial Innovation at Claranet, has been re-elected to the UK Council for a further three-year term. 

His continued involvement ensures valuable continuity, supporting the Council’s ongoing work across standards development, member engagement and industry collaboration. 

Expanding focus: AI and emerging challenges: Martin Walsham 

Martin Walsham, Principal Consultant at AMR CyberSecurity, will transition from his role on the CREST UK Council to contribute to our AI Working Group, bringing a penetration testing perspective to this evolving area. This move reflects CREST’s increasing focus on the role of AI in cybersecurity, and the importance of grounding that work in real-world technical expertise. 

Continued service to the cybersecurity industry 

CREST’s UK Council plays a key role in representing Member perspectives, supporting governance, and ensuring alignment between regional priorities and CREST’s global mission, says CREST CEO, Nick Benson: 

“These leadership updates reflect how CREST continues to evolve alongside the cybersecurity landscape. Our UK Council brings together deep industry expertise, and with new appointments, continued leadership and an increased focus on areas like AI, we’re ensuring it remains well positioned to represent our Members and support the development of trusted, high-quality cybersecurity services. 

I’d also like to thank Rob for his significant contribution over the past six years and for continuing to support CREST in his new role as Ambassador.” 

We are currently in the process of appointing a new Chair for our UK Council, which will be announced separately in due course. 

To learn more about the CREST UK Council, please visit: https://www.crest-approved.org/membership/region-uk/