Our Team of Cyber Security and Digital Forensics Specialists
Find out about the team of experts that make up Arcanum Cyber.
Our Team

Jane Chappell MBA MSc FBCS
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
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After several years in the commercial sector, Jane co-founded Arcanum in 2008. She has an MBA in International Management and an MSc in Information Assurance from Royal Holloway and is a Fellow of the British Computer Society. She is a highly experienced cyber security subject matter expert and is one of less than a dozen people with two Lead NCSC Certified Cyber Professional qualifications.
As an Officer in the Army Reserve, Jane was the first woman to command the Land Information Assurance Group, the Army’s largest Cyber Security Unit.

Lawrie Abercrombie
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR
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Lawrie co-founded Arcanum in 2008 after retiring from full time service in the British Army. He is qualified as a Lead Security & Information Risk Advisor and Senior Auditor under the NCSC Certified Professional scheme.
He has specialised in ISTAR and Defence related communications and information projects and has extensive knowledge of Government and MOD security policies and is fully cognisant of the latest technical cyber security and cryptographic mitigation measures.

Russ Wardle OBE DL
MANAGING DIRECTOR
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Russ joined Arcanum in 2014 to oversee the day to day running of the Company and has increased the size and turnover of the company year on year. Prior to Arcanum, Russ was a career Army Officer serving on operations across the world.
He has a Masters’ Degree in Strategic Studies from the US Army War College and a Certificate in Strategic Direction and Leadership from Manchester University Business School.

Jasmine Cleathero
FINANCE & HR MANAGER
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Jasmine is one of Arcanum’s first employees, joining as Business Manager in 2010. Due to the rapid growth of the company, Jasmine now specialises in supporting all Finance and HR business activities in the company.
Jasmine served for 22 years in the British Army as a Senior Manager in Human Resources, Administration and Accountancy, and held Personal Assistant positions to Senior Level Staff. She loves the outdoors, enjoying hillwalking and devotes her spare time to gardening, building Projects and looking after her dogs and horses.

Marie Caruso
HEAD OF SALES & MARKETING
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Marie joined Arcanum in 2018. Marie focusses on forming strategic partnerships and has expanded our work into new sectors such as Critical National Infrastructure. Marie manages our partner relationships and enterprise clients.
She has had an extensive career in IT services business development and client management for over 25 years. She has acted as a consultant to UK Government and has successfully managed contracts for global banks, high street retailers and the MoD.

Martin Hughes
CHIEF OF STAFF
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Martin joined the company in January 2021. His role is to co-ordinate resources and projects within Arcanum and manage a portfolio of Defence relationships. He works with the rest of the Arcanum management team to provide the day to day organisation of the company to allow our consultants to focus on clients’ needs.
Outside of work he is a serving Reservist in the Royal Welsh. He enjoys exploring mountains and is a player and member of the committee for Whitchurch RFC in Cardiff.

Laurie Parry
IT SYSTEMS MANAGER
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Laurie Joined Arcanum early 2021, heading up the IT Department as the IT Systems Manager.
Laurie has over 15 years Technical Project Management experience gained as an IT & Communications Specialist.
Laurie has served 11 years in the British Army.

Olwen Davies
MARKETING EXECUTIVE
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Olwen joined Arcanum in 2021 as our Marketing Executive. Olwen is responsible for ensuring all marketing activities, particularly social media and website, reflect and support our Sales and Marketing plan and the Arcanum brand.
Olwen graduated with a BA Hons in marketing & Advertising Management degree in 2018, and has since had experience in business development and marketing within the third sector before joining Arcanum.

Carrissa Gardiner
KEY ACCOUNT MANAGER
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Carrissa joined Arcanum in 2022 bringing a wide variety of specialist knowledge and expertise within IT Services, Managed Services and Cloud Services. Carrissa has worked with clients within the Public and Private Sectors, assisting them on their digital transformations and guiding them into a secure and modern workplace.
Outside of work, Carrissa has been a dedicated Equestrian for over 20 years. She has a competition horse which she enjoys show jumping. In 2021 she qualified as an Equine Sports Massage and Rehabilitation Therapist and has recently found a love for Horseback Combat – including Archery and Stunt Riding.

Fiona Hughes
ACCOUNT MANAGER
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Fiona joined the company in February 2022 from a Business Development background within the Financial Sector, and has gained IT and Cyber Security experience through her engagements with clients looking for Security Awareness Programmes.
Outside of work Fiona spends her free time looking after two Springer Spaniels and planning holidays to soak up the sun.

Joanne Jones
SECURITY & BUSINESS SUPPORT OFFICER
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Joanne joined Arcanum as Security and Business Support Officer after an extensive career in Office Management & Administration. In these roles she provided Business support to Directors and Managers across both private and public sectors. She is experienced in Project Management, HR and Payroll with an HNC in Social Housing Studies and CIPD Level 3 in HR.
In her spare time, Joanne enjoys watching rugby with family and friends, swimming and popping to the Gym. She also played Netball in the Premier Division for many years for the Newport & District League.

Matthew Pemble
PRINCIPAL SECURITY ARCHITECT
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Matthew Pemble joined Arcanum in 2022 as a Principal Security Architect. He was qualified under the previous NCSC CCP scheme as a Lead Security & Information Risk Advisor and as a Senior Security Architect, IT Security Officer and Security Auditor. He has been a CHECK Team Leader and still acts in this capacity as an Army Reserve Officer.
A former Royal Navy submariner, he has extensive experience in cyber security, including penetration testing, security architecture and incident management across a wide range of commercial (including retail and financial) and government sectors.

Chris Gausden
PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT
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As a Principal Consultant, Chris supports Arcanum’s consultants with their projects and Quality Assurance processes. He is an NCSC Head Consultant and ISO-IEC 27001 Lead Auditor in addition to many other industry leading qualifications.
Outside of work Chris is a volunteer to the Duke of Edinburgh scheme, helping youth organisations. He has a keen interest in RAF history and aviation archaeology; he has written and published a number of articles on the subject.

Nicola Carlile
SENIOR CONSULTANT
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Nicola is Arcanum’s lead on Governance, Risk & Compliance and Data Protection. She has worked for a diverse group of clients from the MOD to Trusts and Charities, helping them to navigate the recent changes to data protection legislation.
Nicola comes from a military background. She is passionate about technology education and volunteers to deliver tech sessions to young people, parents and those older individuals who are technology late starters. Her other passion is promoting cyber security career opportunities for women.

Wayne Gill
SENIOR CONSULTANT
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Wayne joined Arcanum in 2012 and is an experienced cyber security subject matter expert with extensive experience of providing physical and protective security advice; conducting security audits, inspections and investigations.
He has led physical security surveys and provided expert protective security advice to software development businesses and city financial firms. As a Senior Consultant, he also plays a valuable role in the mentoring of other consultants. He served 22 years as a British Army Intelligence Specialist.

Mark Anderson
SENIOR CONSULTANT
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Mark joined Arcanum in 2019 after a career as a Royal Marine senior communications specialist. He significantly adds to Arcanum’s wide knowledge base, especially in radio spectrum and encryption management.
Mark is a highly motivated individual who puts the needs of others before himself and has a passion for making a positive difference in every task he’s given. Outside of work, Mark is a keen Kendoka – a student of Japanese sword fighting and an avid fan of DC and Marvel.

Dean Bailey
SENIOR CONSULTANT
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Dean Bailey has been with Arcanum since 2019 as a Cyber Consultant. He has vast experience in delivering IT security assurance to the MOD, high level Government departments and international organisations.
Dean is a former Royal Air Force Information Communications Technician with over 30 years’ experience.

Matt Cree
SENIOR CONSULTANT
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Matt joined Arcanum in 2022 and has over 25 years’ experience in cyber security and systems engineering. He is a Chartered Manager with the Chartered Management Institute, has a BSc (Hons) in Telecommunications Systems Engineering and a PGDip in Information Capability Management.
Matt is an ISO 27001 Lead Auditor and has completed training and certification in several disciplines including cyber and information security, cloud computing, information risk management, change and project management.
In his spare time, Matt has a passion for motorcycles and rugby. He is also a STEM Ambassador.

Chris Flynn
SENIOR CONSULTANT
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Chris joined Arcanum in 2019. He is CompTIA and CISSP trained and provides sound risk management and treatment to a wide variety of information systems. He is a specialist within the maritime and aviation domains of UK Defence. He is currently studying towards an MSc in Cyber Security.
A former aircrew officer of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, he has served as a helicopter observer and as an operations officer on the UK’s largest ever warship. Away from the office, Chris enjoys a range of outdoor pursuits and playing golf.

Robert Hopes
SENIOR CONSULTANT
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Robert joined Arcanum in 2020. Known as Bobby, he brings the company vast experience with information assurance and security surveying in the Critical National Infrastructure and Defence domains.
Bobby is an ISO 27001 Lead Implementer and Lead Auditor, is a Certified Cyber Professional (CCP), Cyber Security/Information Assurance Auditor and Security Information Risk Advisor (SIRA). In addition, we benefit from his operational experience of 12 years as a British Army counter-intelligence specialist.

Gary Miles
SENIOR CYBER CONSULTANT
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Gary joined Arcanum in 2021 as a Cyber Consultant following a 16-year career working in the Defence sector. Gary is an ardent security professional who possesses a broad range of operational security and risk management experience and qualifications. He is passionate about everything to do with cyber-security.
In his spare time Gary can be found exploring the countryside and keeping his very active children entertained.

Sam Stait
SENIOR CONSULTANT
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Sam joined Arcanum as a Cyber Consultant in 2021. Before joining Arcanum, Sam had worked in Information Security for 10 years, delivering consultancy work to a range of clients from government departments to commercial companies.
Sam is an ISO 27001 Lead Implementer and Lead Auditor and a Senior Certified Cyber Professional (SCCP) Security Information Risk Advisor (SIRA). This recognition demonstrates his expertise and competency in security risk advice and comprehensive security risk assessments.

Salma Aslam
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Salma has carried out a vast range of forensic examinations of computers, servers, mobile devices and other digital devices in support of both the criminal justice system and private organisations. She has gained valuable experience in the last year predominantly in Computer investigations. She has BSc (hons) in Computer Forensics where she developed an interest in Mac Forensics.
In her free time she enjoys baking.

Nick Brown
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Nick joined Arcanum in February 2020. Nick works with clients from Industry and in Defence. He has significant experience in providing security advice and policy frameworks with a particular focus on Security Architecture and Accreditation of classified and high-risk systems.
Nick is a former counter-intelligence specialist having served 12 years in the British Army. Outside of work, he has a passion for the outdoors, specifically climbing and mountaineering in places such as Snowdonia, the Lake District and in the French Alps.

Rob Douglass
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Rob joined Arcanum in 2022 after achieving his Electronic Commerce Council Certified Ethical Hacker. Rob is a highly motivated individual who is always broadening his cyber security knowledge; he aspires to becoming a certified Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus Assessor whilst completing his Cyber Security BSc (Hons).
Rob is a motor enthusiast and a qualified mechanic who runs his own small motor-events company in his spare time. He is also a keen equestrian and loves spending time outdoors with his family.

Tommy Durbridge
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Tommy joined Arcanum in 2022 after a 22 year career in the Royal Signals. He has a wealth of experience in Defence capability and risk management, and information security policy and procedures. He has a first-class Bachelor of Engineering degree in Telecommunications Engineering, is certified as a NIST Cyber Security Framework Practitioner, ISO 27001 Lead Auditor and CompTIA Cyber Security Analyst, along with other management and cyber qualifications. Tommy is looking forward to continuing his professional development with Arcanum.
In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family, travelling and playing several sports.

Amberley Fairley
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Amberley joined Arcanum in 2023 serving 6 years in the British Army, working as an Arabic linguist before moving into a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst role. Amberley has studied and achieved several cyber security qualifications including the NIST Cyber Security Professional Practitioner and is currently studying for the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) qualification.

Jack Fairley
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Before joining Arcanum, Jack joined Arcanum in 2023 after serving in the British Army for 6 years. In this time, he trained as an Arabic linguist, before transitioning to a new role as a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst.
Jack has achieved NIST Cyber Security Professional Practitioner and is currently studying the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) qualification to further increase his depth of knowledge within the Cyber Security field.

Kaylind Grant
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Kaylind joined Arcanum in 2022 as a Cyber Consultant. Before joining Arcanum he served 6 years as a linguist in the RAF and more recently made the transition into cyber security. Kaylind has studied and achieved several cyber security qualifications including the NIST Cyber Security Professional Practitioner and is looking forward to learning more.
In his spare time, outside of helping raise two children, Kaylind enjoys developing and learning new language skills. Kaylind is also a big American Football fan, having played in the UK league, and now coaches at his local university.

Wendy Goucher
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Wendy is a business focused cyber security professional specialising in risk, compliance, assurance and communication. The latter covers a wide range from training design and facilitation to authorship of articles for professional publications, academic papers and books covering incident management, information assurance and security awareness in the post COVID work situation.
In the last few years, she has also developed a series of books called ‘Nettie in Cyberland’ that use stories to open a conversation with young children about developing good security awareness and practice. The awareness of language in doing this helped Wendy design policies, including acceptable use policies, for parts of UK government.

Oliver Hall
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Oliver joined Arcanum in 2022. Known as Oli, he possess vast experience in the Defence sector covering risk management and policy. Formerly a helicopter pilot in the Royal Air Force, Oli transitioned into cyber security where he is dedicated to continual learning and growing his expertise.
In his spare time Oli can be found on family walks, keeping fit or trying to improve at golf.

Giles Haywood Smith
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Giles joined Arcanum in 2023 after serving nine years as a royal marine commando. He was employed as a communicator using and accounting for secure ICT systems and cryptography all over the world on land and at sea, from the arctic to the desert.
He loves to spend time with his family and has a passion for learning and improving new skills, sports and hobbies.

Wayne Holliday
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Wayne “Doc” Holliday joined Arcanum in September 2022 after a 30 year career in the Royal Navy in which he specialised in Electronic Warfare, Maritime Intelligence and in 2018 specialised in Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities (CEMA), Technical Surveillance Counter Measures and OSINT. He is currently developing his Cyber skills by undertaking CompTIA, NIST and CISM training to support his new position.
Away from the office, Doc enjoys a range of sports including triathlons and football as well as being at home with his family.

Chris Kirkham
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Chris joined Arcanum in 2022 as a Cyber Consultant. Before joining Arcanum, he served 13 years in the British Army specialising in counter-intelligence, security assurance and risk management, both in the UK and overseas. Chris has studied and achieved cyber security qualifications including the NIST Cyber Security Professional Practitioner.
In his spare time Chris enjoys spending time with his family, hill walking and sailing. He also has a keen interest in history and is in the process of helping restore a medieval house and various antiques.

Mikey Longman
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Mikey Joined Arcanum as a Cyber Consultant in 2022 following a 13-year career within defence. He has several years of experience working in cyber security and spent the last 3 years of his career heavily involved in protecting the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability of deployed UK MoD networks.
Mikey is a proud Yorkshireman with a passion for family, learning, and the great outdoors.

Dan Lovegrove
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Dan joined Arcanum in 2022 as a Cyber Consultant after nearly a decade in the British Army. He has an array of Cyber and Information Security knowledge that he applies to assess and manage risk.
He is an ISO 27001 Lead Implementer and will soon complete his CISSP training. In his spare time Dan plays rugby and dedicates time to his family.

Shaun Marshall
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Shaun is a Cyber Security specialist working on projects for Government and Critical National Infrastructure clients. He has a long history of working in IT and telecommunications, gained from a career spanning 17 years at the MOD.
Shaun has extensive knowledge of deployable wireless and Internet Protocol based communication systems and has a passion for network security and Penetration Testing.

Steve Rees
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Steve joined Arcanum as a Cyber Consultant in 2021. Steve has a Bachelor of Science 1st Class Honours, in Applied Cyber Security from the University of South Wales, National Cyber Security Academy. Steve uses his skill set and knowledge as a Cyber Security Consultant at Arcanum.
Before joining Arcanum Steve served 18 years in the Maritime Reserve Forces and full time Service in many different roles, from Systems Security Administrator to Physical Training Instructor and Adventure Training Guide.

Samuel Taylor
CYBER CONSULTANT
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Sam became a full-time employee at on the Arcanum Digital Forensics team in 2022 after finishing a year-long placement whilst completing his Computer Forensics BSc (Hons) at Birmingham City University. With an interest in the subject of Computing learning additional skills, such as programming, in his spare time.

Kat Abercrombie
SENIOR PEN TESTER
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Kat is a Senior Pen Tester in Arcanum’s Penetration Testing Team.
Kat is a CREST Registered Pen Tester with extensive experience in performing web application and infrastructure pen tests and build configuration reviews. She has experience of working with a wide variety of business sectors including Critical National Infrastructure, central government, banking, telecommunications and retail.
Kat also has an MSc in Information Security from Royal Holloway and a BSc (Hons) in Medical Science from the University of St Andrews.

Tamar Everson
SENIOR PEN TESTER
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Tamar Everson has joined the Arcanum Penetration Testing team as a Senior Pen Tester and is CREST Registered. During his career, he has tested the security of a multitude of systems ranging from web and mobile applications to infrastructure and bespoke systems across a range of industries and sectors.
Tamar holds a BEng (Hons) in Digital Security, Forensics & Ethical Hacking from Glasgow Caledonian University, where he established the Ethical Hacking Society. Tamar enjoys supporting outreach activities, encouraging University students, military veterans and school children seeking a career in the cyber security industry.

Jyoti Kaur
PEN TESTER
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Jyoti joined the team as a Digital Forensics Technician in 2021. Jyoti graduated from Birmingham City University in 2020 with a degree in Computer Science. She is further developing her expertise by working towards the end of her master’s degree in Cyber Security. With previous experience in IT and recognised qualifications in cyber, Jyoti transfers her skills and knowledge to her role here at Arcanum.
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