ANGOKA, a leading smart systems cybersecurity specialist, has announced the appointment of Mark Gillan as its new Chief Executive Officer. This marks a major milestone in the company’s journey as it accelerates innovation across manufacturing, defence, and autonomous mobility.
A New Chapter for ANGOKA
The appointment comes at a pivotal time for ANGOKA, following the recent £1.8 million investment in its COSMIC project (Cybersecurity Operational Systems in Manufacturing and Industrial Control). COSMIC is set to deliver a world-leading cybersecurity solution tailored for the advanced manufacturing sector.
ANGOKA is also at the forefront of autonomous air and land transport cybersecurity, with multiple international trials underway in partnership with global brands.
From Formula One to Future Mobility
Mark Gillan brings a wealth of experience from across motorsport, aerospace, and smart technology sectors. A former Chief Race Engineer in Formula One with Jaguar/Red Bull and Williams, Mark has since held senior leadership roles including:
- Associate Vice President of Technologies and Special Projects at KAUST (Saudi Arabia)
- CEO of Wave Power Ltd
- Director at MTS Systems, leading their Advanced Technology and Motorsports Group
- COO of Artemis Technologies (ex-America’s Cup Team)
- Belfast Digital Innovation Commissioner
- CTO at Innovate UK, managing a £350 million funding portfolio
- Head of R&D at UK’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS), where he led the UK’s largest AI airspace project “BlueBird” in collaboration with The Alan Turing Institute
Mark will assume his new role later this summer, upon completing advisory projects at KAUST.
Welcoming Visionary Leadership
ANGOKA founder and chairman Steve Berry welcomed Mark’s appointment as a strategic step forward:
“As we prepare to deliver some of the most advanced cybersecurity solutions for commercial air and land mobility, manufacturing, and defence, I’m delighted to welcome Mark. His distinguished reputation and deep expertise in advanced technologies bring unparalleled insight to our future direction.”
A Vision for Secure Innovation
For Mark, the opportunity to lead ANGOKA is both a challenge and an inspiration:
“I am excited to be joining the ANGOKA team at such a dynamic time. The company is well positioned for its next phase of growth, with strong industry relationships and a clear commitment to transforming cybersecurity across transport, manufacturing, and defence. I look forward to contributing to this important work.”
Confidence in Manufacturing’s Future
Stephen Kelly, Chief Executive of Manufacturing NI, which represents over 500 manufacturers, sees this appointment as a powerful signal for the sector:
“Mark’s return to Northern Ireland is a major vote of confidence in the future of advanced manufacturing. As AI and smart mobility evolve, effective cybersecurity will be essential. ANGOKA’s leadership in this space is not just timely — it’s vital.”
About Mark Gillan
Mark holds a First-Class Honours Degree and a PhD in Aeronautical Engineering from Queen’s University Belfast, where he was sponsored by Short Brothers (now Spirit Aerosystems). He is a Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society, a Chartered Engineer, and a Visiting Professor at both the University of Surrey and Ulster University.
He has authored 37 peer-reviewed journal and conference papers and has secured over £100 million in UK and EU funding for advanced technology projects.