Poppy Gustafsson OBE

Poppy Gustafsson OBE is the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Darktrace plc, a leading cybersecurity company established in 2013. Under her leadership, Darktrace has expanded significantly, listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2021 and joining the FTSE 250. The company now protects over 9,000 clients in 110 countries and employs more than 2,300 people worldwide.

Gustafsson, who was awarded an OBE for services to cybersecurity in 2019, has been instrumental in Darktrace's rise. She was named Tech CEO of the Year at the UK Tech Awards 2021 and has received several accolades for her leadership, including Vodafone’s Woman of the Year Innovation Award. In 2022, the University of Sheffield honoured her with an honorary Doctor of Science degree for her contributions to cybersecurity.

A qualified chartered accountant with a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Sheffield, Gustafsson previously worked at Deloitte, Amadeus Capital, and HP Autonomy before co-founding Darktrace. The company’s AI-driven solutions, likened to an “enterprise immune system”, autonomously detect and counteract cyber threats, offering robust protection against sophisticated attacks.

Gustafsson, who grew up in Cambridgeshire, is known for her commitment to gender diversity within the tech industry. Darktrace’s workforce includes 40% women, a notable contrast to the industry average. She is also involved in various advisory roles, including with the University of Cambridge Library Advisory Board and the UK Government’s Great Campaign.

In her personal life, Gustafsson resides in Cambridge and favours a canary yellow Vespa for transport. Despite her success, she remains focused on driving innovation at Darktrace, striving to keep the company at the forefront of cybersecurity advancements.

Poppy Gustafsson OBE is a prominent figure in the field of cybersecurity, serving as the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Darktrace plc. Established in 2013, Darktrace is renowned for its innovative AI-driven cybersecurity solutions. Gustafsson's leadership has been pivotal in the company's significant growth and global expansion.

Gustafsson was born and raised in Cambridgeshire, where her father managed an agricultural sales business and her mother was a journalist. After completing her secondary education at Hinchingbrooke School, she pursued a BSc in Mathematics at the University of Sheffield. Following her academic achievements, Gustafsson qualified as a chartered accountant at Deloitte, gaining valuable financial and business experience.

Her professional career began at Deloitte, where she worked as an assistant manager. She then moved to Amadeus Capital Partners as a fund accountant, followed by a role at HP Autonomy as a corporate controller. Her experience at Autonomy, particularly in financial management, laid a strong foundation for her future ventures. In 2009, Gustafsson joined Mike Lynch’s Autonomy, a significant influence on her later work with Darktrace.

In 2013, Gustafsson co-founded Darktrace with a team of mathematicians, AI experts, and former intelligence professionals from the UK and the US. The company was created to revolutionise cybersecurity through the use of advanced artificial intelligence. Darktrace's flagship product, which operates as an “enterprise immune system”, autonomously detects and responds to cyber threats, providing businesses with a cutting-edge defence mechanism against increasingly sophisticated cyber attacks.

Under Gustafsson’s stewardship, Darktrace has experienced substantial growth, listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2021 and becoming a member of the FTSE 250. The company now serves over 9,000 clients across 110 countries and employs more than 2,300 people globally. Darktrace’s solutions are utilised by a diverse range of clients, including major organisations like Rolls-Royce, the NHS, and Coca-Cola.

In recognition of her contributions to cybersecurity, Gustafsson was awarded an OBE in 2019. She has also received several accolades for her leadership, including Tech CEO of the Year at the UK Tech Awards 2021 and Vodafone’s Woman of the Year Innovation Award. Additionally, in 2022, she was honoured with an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of Sheffield for her outstanding achievements in cybersecurity.

Gustafsson is actively involved in various advisory roles. She is a member of the University of Cambridge Library Advisory Board and serves on the advisory committee for the UK Government’s Great Campaign, which aims to promote economic growth and international engagement with the UK.

Beyond her professional achievements, Gustafsson is committed to promoting gender diversity in the tech industry. Darktrace's workforce includes 40% women, a notable figure in a predominantly male industry. Gustafsson’s personal interests include her canary yellow Vespa, which she uses for transportation, and she has mentioned that one of her few regrets is not spending more time learning the piano.

Poppy Gustafsson’s career is marked by her dedication to advancing cybersecurity through innovative AI solutions, her leadership in expanding Darktrace’s global presence, and her commitment to fostering diversity within the tech sector. Her work continues to set new standards in the field of cybersecurity, reflecting her ongoing influence and vision for the future of digital security.

Poppy Gustafsson envisions a future where Darktrace remains at the forefront of cybersecurity, continuously advancing its AI technology to outpace evolving threats. She aims to maintain the company’s innovative edge, ensuring businesses worldwide are protected by cutting-edge, autonomous solutions that preemptively address complex cyber risks.