Image source: GOV.UK, Open Government Licence v3.0
Air Vice Marshal Tim Neal-Hopes has been appointed as the second commander of the National Cyber Force (NCF).
He replaces the NCF’s first commander, James Babbage, who has taken up post of director general threats (economic and organised crime) at the National Crime Agency.
NCF, which was set up in 2020, is a partnership between defence and intelligence which carries out cyber operations to protect against threats to the UK, further the nation’s foreign policy, support military operations and prevent serious crime.
Neal-Hopes will be responsible for delivering cyber operations, overseeing the growth of NCF and scaling its integration with other parts of government, partners and international allies.
He will be the first member of the armed forces in the position and was most recently director of cyber, intelligence and information integration within UK Strategic Command.
Feeling the impact
He commented: “Nearly four years on from its creation, NCF’s impact has been felt across all facets of the UK’s national security, from supporting and protecting military operations, to countering state threats and disrupting criminal activity.
“It is a privilege to be working with such diverse and talented people. NCF’s blend of skills and expertise in its workforce is an absolute strength and unlike anywhere else because of its unique defence and intelligence partnership. I am committed to realising the vision for the NCF and building a force that truly represents the nation we serve.”
General Sir Jim Hockenhull, commander strategic command, said: “This is an important time for the NCF. The array of threats that we collectively face through cyberspace is becoming ever more complex and persistent, and the cyber and electromagnetic domain increasingly decisive.
“Tim will also oversee the move of the NCF headquarters to Samlesbury – an exciting time for the young organisation and its people. Establishing NCF in the North West will open up a great number of fulfilling and interesting roles and careers to a whole range of talent in the region.”
