Post SDR: The Digital Defence Challenge

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The defence sector is navigating a rapidly changing digital environment. Join us for this online panel discussion, as we bring together leading experts, policymakers, and strategic thinkers to provide valuable insights on the pressing challenges and exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Event Details

Date: Thursday 15 May
Time: 16:30 – 17:30
Location: Zoom (link shared after registering)
Register: Complete our registration form to secure your spot.

The Discussion

In this discussion on ‘Post SDR: The Digital Defence Challenge’, our experts explore:

Why is there so much misunderstanding of SMEs?
Balancing Sovereignty in an increasingly international operating environment
Integration by Interoperability and connectivity
Implications of the Cybersecurity & Resilience bill
Resilience of the defence supply chain

Our Chair

Chris Parker MBE (Director of Government Strategy, Fortinet UK)

Chris Parker MBE serves as the UK Director of Government at Fortinet UK, a subsidiary of the world’s largest cybersecurity vendor. With extensive experience in both national and multinational operations, Chris has led and designed international strategies across various sectors. He is an enthusiastic collaborator between industry and government, actively supporting initiatives focused on integration, skills and sustainability.

Chris has held the role of Industry Co-Chair for the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) Integration Working Group since 2022. In addition, he chaired the DESNZ COPP from 2023-2024, where he led efforts to enhance resilience in the UK energy supply chain. Chris serves on two techUK Government committees and is a guest lecturer for the UK FCDO Chevening Fellowship, helping improve cyber leadership in developing nations.

Chris had a 20-year military career on nine combat and operational tours, notably as Chief of Staff 7th Armoured Brigade in Kosovo 2001 and Iraq 2003. He then held a range of senior corporate roles, including as Project Director of a £1B engineering project, Chief Operating Officer at a global oil exploration corporation and founder of three consultancy businesses.

Our Panel

Stuart Mckean (Founder & CEO, Nine23)

Stuart Mckean is a former British Army Lynx helicopter pilot with an accomplished service career spanning 23 years. Now the Founder and CEO of Nine23, a UK Sovereign High Assurance MSP, providing high assurance managed services, cyber security integration, private and hybrid cloud, collaboration, interoperability, and managed infrastructure solutions to UK Central Government, Law Enforcement, Defence Industry, and their supply chains.

Sara Sharkey CBE (Strategy Director, Prolinx)

Ben Baker (Head Strategic Engagement Land / Defence Enablers, Lockheed Martin)

Ben Baker is the Head of Strategic Engagement at Lockheed Martin (UK) for the Land and Integrated Force. This follows a British Army career where he served on operations globally in Land and Joint leadership and staff roles, often working with Allies and Partners.

His final military appointment was supporting Defence’s most senior leaders as part of the UK Ministry of Defence Strategy Unit. He is currently an industry member of the DIJC Market Engagement Task and Finish Group. He has a particular interest in the history of Combined and Joint Operations.