Howard Watson was previously Group Chief Security & Networks Officer and a member of the Executive Committee at BT Group, responsible for the security and resilience of BT’s networks and services, alongside its fixed and mobile network strategy and operations. His 40-year career in telecommunications and technology has included senior network and IT roles at BT, Virgin Media and Telewest, and he led BT’s research activities for around a decade.
Since leaving BT in March 2026, Howard has developed a portfolio of board, advisory and academic roles spanning technology, cyber security and critical infrastructure. These include advisory roles with Tata Consultancy Services, Lumine Group and BT, membership of the UKRI Advanced Communications Technologies and Cyber Programme Board, and a Visiting Professorship at the University of Surrey.
Howard holds a first-class honours degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Aston University and is a Fellow of both the IET and BCS. He was named CTO of the Year in 2018 and World Technology Leader in 2024.
Howard is also a former commercial helicopter pilot and flying instructor.