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Keynote SpeakerBen Hanson

Leading AI, Cybersecurity, & Systems Thinking Expert & Speaker, Global Field CTO at Zenity and former Microsoft Senior Security Strategist & Advisor

Ben Hanson creates clarity for the most critically important organisations on the planet. He is a disarmingly transparent, funny, and warm storyteller, with influential keynotes and featured talks at top-tier conferences and institutions, including Cambridge University, Oxford University, ISACA, SANS, Cloud Security Alliance, and UK Cyber Security Council, as well... Read more

Watch Ben Hanson in action

Popular Talks by Ben Hanson

  • Drucker was Right…and Wrong: Why Neither Strategy Nor Culture Will Save You
  • Designing Systems not Silos: Why the Future of Cybersecurity Depends on Horizontal Thinkers
  • There's no Such Thing as a "Control Plane": What To Do When Cyber Myths Collide With Reality
  • Authenticated, Authorised, and Out of Control: Why Agent Identity is Necessary, but Not Sufficient
  • See Deeper, Believe Differently, Act in Alignment: A Model for Systemic Change in Cybersecurity
  • From No to Slow to Go: 6 Characteristics of Security as a Business Enabler

Biography

Ben Hanson creates clarity for the most critically important organisations on the planet. He is a disarmingly transparent, funny, and warm storyteller, with influential keynotes and featured talks at top-tier conferences and institutions, including Cambridge University, Oxford University, ISACA, SANS, Cloud Security Alliance, and UK Cyber Security Council, as well as leading tech firms such as Recorded Future, Rubrik, Silverfort, and Microsoft.

As global Field CTO and Director of Field Engineering at Zenity, a leading research and technology voice in agentic AI security, he operates right at the cutting edge of real-world AI. Working with CISOs and security teams at the world’s most sophisticated organisations, he helps them transition from static security controls and guardrails to the fundamentally different challenge of governing intent and agency. Prior to this he was a Senior Security Strategist and Advisor at Microsoft, where he worked with the leaders of the world’s largest Financial Services institutions, including industry giants such as HSBC, Barclays, Santander, Lloyds Banking Group, Bank of England, London Stock Exchange, and NatWest Group.

Ben is also a leading voice on applying systems thinking to cybersecurity and AI, and a member of Edinburgh University’s respected Game Theory and Systems Thinking Lab.

With counter-cultural yet highly rated talks such as “Drucker was Right…and Wrong: Why Neither Strategy Nor Culture Will Save You”, “Designing Systems not Silos: Why the Future of Cybersecurity Depends on Horizontal Thinkers”,  and “You Can’t Patch a Mental Model: How Agentic Systems Expose our Hidden Security Assumptions”, he is able to connect with audiences at any level.

He brings all of this real-world insight, authority, and wisdom to the stage. In an industry where speakers often recycle the same tired advice, he doesn’t tell audiences what to do; he teaches them how to think. He challenges orthodoxy with fresh ideas and leaves audiences leaning forward, ready to transform their organisations from the inside out.

Ready to invite Ben Hanson to your event?

Tell us about your event, one of our consultants will reach out within 24 hours.

What clients say about Ben Hanson

"Ben's talk on "Designing Systems not Silos", and his keynote on Human-Centric AI, were two of the highest rated, if not the highest, of any sessions we've done. Highly recommended." Emma, UK Cyber Security Council
“Ben is one of the best communicators I have ever worked with in my IT Security career. He is informed, articulate, and eloquent—a real role model.” Holly Steele, Senior VP EMEA & UKI, Blue Voyant
“Ben makes a difference in every conversation he's in. His expertise is valued across our industry and his communication skills allow him to land some really difficult messages.” Siân John MBE, CTO, NCC Group
“Ben’s keynote received exceptionally high ratings, with many considering it the best session of the day.” Head of Marketing, Aspire Conferences
"Insight of the highest quality and depth, and the ability to ask the right questions at the right time is of the highest calibre. Ben oozes credibility and establishes trust quickly and widely." Lead Cybersecurity Consultant, Maersk
“We needed someone who could build trust quickly, and communicate on some difficult themes. All the people I trust to suggest someone all suggested the same person—Ben." Programme Director, National Grid
"Ben's guidance with is one of the best examples of cybersecurity strategy thought leadership that I've seen anywhere, worldwide." Chief Technology Architect Cybersecurity, Microsoft
“Ben's session at our UK Financial Services Operational Resilience workshop was key. The success of this event has led to the proposal for future events this year throughout Europe and in New York City.” Chris Knox, Global Financial Services Regulatory team, Microsoft
“Ben's talk on The Intersection of Business Enablement and Zero Trust is by far the best I've ever seen on the subject. Really helpful messages.” CISO, Leading UK-based Manufacturing Company
"Superb – very impressed – positioned perfectly & credibly." Frank, UK Lead for Higher Education

How to book Ben Hanson as a keynote speaker

How do I book Ben Hanson for a keynote speech?

You can book Ben Hanson through London Speaker Bureau by submitting the enquiry form on this page or calling our team. One of our consultants will respond promptly with Ben's current availability, speaking fees and any specific requirements for your event.

What are Ben Hanson's speaking fees?

Ben Hanson's speaking fees depend on the event format (in-person or virtual), the location, the length of the engagement and the level of customisation required. Please contact London Speaker Bureau for an up-to-date fee quote for Ben tailored to your event.

What topics does Ben Hanson speak about?

Ben Hanson speaks on Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Cyber Security, Future & Technology, Innovation & Creativity. Talks can be shaped around your audience, industry and strategic objectives - share your event brief with London Speaker Bureau and we will work with Ben to align the content with your delegates and goals.

Is Ben Hanson available for international events?

London Speaker Bureau can book Ben Hanson for events worldwide, subject to Ben's schedule. Please send us your event date, location and format and we will confirm availability and handle travel and logistics on your behalf.

Does Ben Hanson deliver virtual or online keynotes?

Virtual and hybrid keynotes are now a standard part of the speaking industry. Please contact London Speaker Bureau to confirm whether Ben Hanson is available to deliver a virtual session for your event and on which platform (Zoom, Microsoft Teams, a bespoke studio or your own).

How long is a typical keynote by Ben Hanson?

Most keynote speeches run between 45 and 60 minutes, often followed by a 15-30 minute Q&A. Other formats - shorter conference slots, panel appearances or longer workshop sessions - may also be possible. Share your agenda with London Speaker Bureau and we will confirm what Ben can accommodate.

Can Ben Hanson tailor the keynote to our industry and audience?

London Speaker Bureau will brief Ben Hanson on your audience profile, sector and objectives so the keynote can be shaped around your event. The level of customisation possible depends on the speaker and the lead time - contact us with your brief and we will confirm what Ben can offer.

What languages does Ben Hanson present in?

Ben Hanson delivers keynotes in English. This profile may not list every language available; ask London Speaker Bureau to confirm. If you require simultaneous interpretation or a multilingual format, please mention this in your enquiry and London Speaker Bureau will arrange it for you.

What makes Ben Hanson a strong fit as a keynote speaker?

Ben Hanson's areas of expertise include Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Cyber Security, Future & Technology, Innovation & Creativity. To get a clear sense of Ben's style, credentials and how they engage an audience, please review the biography, popular talks and any videos or testimonials shown on this page, or request a detailed speaker brief from London Speaker Bureau.

What kind of events can Ben Hanson speak at?

Ben Hanson can be booked through London Speaker Bureau for corporate conferences, leadership events, internal team meetings, association gatherings and private client engagements where expertise in Artificial Intelligence, Business & Management, Cyber Security, Future & Technology, Innovation & Creativity is relevant. Details of Ben's background and previous engagements are included in the biography above; contact us if you would like a more detailed list of past clients or case studies.

Does Ben Hanson offer workshops, panels or fireside chats in addition to keynotes?

Beyond keynote speeches, many of the speakers on our roster also take part in workshops, executive masterclasses, panel discussions and fireside chats. Contact London Speaker Bureau with your preferred format and we will confirm what Ben Hanson is able to offer alongside or instead of a keynote.

How far in advance should we book Ben Hanson?

We generally recommend enquiring at least three to twelve months in advance to secure your preferred date with Ben Hanson, particularly during peak conference seasons. Where possible we also accommodate shorter lead times - please contact London Speaker Bureau to check Ben's current availability for your dates.