Major General Jonathan Shaw

Major General Jonathan Shaw CB CBE is a leading figure in artificial intelligence and cyber strategy whose military and policy background has shaped how nations and organisations approach digital transformation. With over three decades of leadership in high-pressure environments, Jonathan offers a rare combination of strategic insight and practical foresight, helping audiences understand how artificial intelligence and cyber systems influence global stability, security and progress. His talks explore how to lead effectively in a world where machine intelligence and human decision-making must coexist.

After studying at Trinity College, Oxford, Jonathan was commissioned into the Parachute Regiment in 1981. His early years in service saw him develop tactical and leadership skills that would define his career. He commanded the 2nd Battalion of the Parachute Regiment, then the 12th (Mechanised) Brigade, and later the Multi-National Brigade (Centre) in Kosovo. Jonathan’s appointment as Director Special Forces placed him at the forefront of complex global operations, where he honed his ability to manage uncertainty, risk and innovation on a global scale. In 2007, he became General Officer Commanding Multi-National Division (South-East) in Iraq, a post that demanded precise judgement, adaptability and strong leadership under pressure.

Jonathan’s later career marked a transition from the physical to the digital battlefield. Appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Global Issues), he oversaw policy on cyber security, arms control and counter-proliferation, and was instrumental in shaping the UK’s early response to digital threats. He then became the first Head of the Defence Cyber Security Programme, leading the development of a national framework for cyber resilience and AI readiness. His leadership at this critical juncture earned him recognition as a Companion of the Order of the Bath and a Commander of the Order of the British Empire, formal acknowledgements of his exceptional service and innovation in national defence.

Since retiring from the British Army, Jonathan has become a respected advisor, consultant and keynote speaker on cyber strategy, artificial intelligence and organisational leadership. He has worked with government departments, global businesses and universities, guiding them on the responsible use of AI, data ethics and digital transformation. His book ‘Britain in a Perilous World’ offers insight into modern strategic security and the need for adaptive thinking in the face of rapid technological change. Known for his clear, direct delivery and strategic depth, Jonathan inspires audiences to act decisively in a world defined by constant innovation and uncertainty.