Professor Howard Watson

Former Chief Security & Networks Officer (Group CTO), BT | NED & Advisor

Howard joined BT in 2011 as Chief Architect. He was appointed Chief Technology and Information Officer in 2016, became Chief Technology Officer in 2021, and in 2022 his remit expanded to place security at the core of the business as Group Chief Security and Networks Officer — helping drive BT’s ambition to become the world’s most trusted connector of people, devices and machines.

Prior to BT, Howard served as CTIO at Virgin Media and was Managing Director of Cartesian, a telecommunications consultancy and software company.

After 25 years in executive leadership, Howard has transitioned to a plural career spanning board and advisory roles.

Howard has recently been appointed Visiting Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences at the University of Surrey.