Darktrace, the leader in intelligence-led Behavioural Cyber Defence, has announced that Andrew France OBE has joined the company as Chief Executive Officer.

Andrew France joins Darktrace from his position as Deputy Director for Cyber Defence Operations at GCHQ, where he was instrumental in formulating the UK's national cyber defence strategy and responsible for both policy and operational delivery.

With extensive experience in delivering technical innovation in high-stake and secure environments, Andrew brings a wealth of unique expertise to Darktrace's executive management team and its customers.

Andrew France said: "Organisations have woken up to the idea that their information is a valuable commodity, and that it must be protected in an intelligent and proportionate way.    Defending against yesterday's attack methods just isn't good enough. You need to be able to spot previously unknown threats as they emerge and evolve, from within the network.    Quite simply, the tools to do this did not exist before. They do now, with Darktrace."

Stephen Huxter, Chief Operating Officer, said: "We are delighted to welcome Andrew to the team. Andrew's experience of national cyber operations and his understanding of this new era of threat are second-to-none,    strengthening Darktrace's position as the leader in intelligence-led, Behavioural Cyber Defence."

Andrew is a registered Incorporated Engineer, an elected member of the Engineering Institution of Great Britain, and a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology.    He was awarded an OBE for Services to the MOD in 2005.