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United Kingdom Major General Jonathan Shaw CB, CBE, is a retired British Army officer and cybersecurity expert recognized for his leadership in combat operations and strategic defense policy, and his contributions as the first head of Cyber Security in the British Army.
Jonathan Shaw chairs Optima Group, an explosive clearance company, demonstrating his continued engagement in security-related industries post-retirement.
Major-General Jonathan Shaw is a keynote speaker for Security Conference 2025, highlighting his expertise in cybersecurity as the first-ever head of cyber security in the British Army.
Major General Jonathan Shaw is a member of The Kitson Advisory Board, leveraging his experience in military and strategic planning to provide guidance and expertise.
Jonathan Shaw is a regular commentator on defence issues, contributing articles and insights to the national press, including the Financial Times.
Jonathan Shaw is a regular commentator on defence issues, contributing articles and insights to the national press, including The Guardian.
Born on November 22, 1957, Jonathan Shaw was educated at Sedbergh School and Trinity College, Oxford, where he studied Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. After his university studies, he joined the British Army in 1981, marking the beginning of a distinguished military career. His early service included deployment as a platoon commander with the 3rd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, during the Falklands War. Throughout his career, Major General Shaw served in various locations including Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan, gaining extensive experience in diverse operational environments. Following his attendance at the Staff College, Camberley, between 1989 and 1990, he rose through the ranks, taking command of the 2nd Battalion, Parachute Regiment, in 1997.
Shaw’s leadership roles expanded significantly in the 2000s; he commanded the 12th (Mechanized) Brigade in 2002, and subsequently led the Multi-National Brigade (Centre) in Kosovo. A critical turning point in his career was his appointment as Director Special Forces in 2003, showcasing his expertise in elite military operations. After attending the Royal College of Defence Studies in 2006, he served as General Officer Commanding Multi-National Division (South-East) in Iraq in January 2007. Later that year, he became Chief of Staff at HQ Land Forces in September 2007. His strategic influence continued to grow as he was appointed Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (International Security Policy) in March 2009 and Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Global Issues) in January 2011. In these roles, he was responsible for critical areas such as Chemical Biological Radiological & Nuclear Policy, Arms Control and Counter Proliferation, and cybersecurity, notably becoming the first head of Cyber Security for the British Army. He was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath in the 2012 Birthday Honours before retiring from the army in 2012.
Post-retirement, Major General Shaw has continued to contribute his expertise by chairing Optima Group, an explosive clearance company, and engaging in public speaking engagements. He is also the author of “Britain in a Perilous World: the Strategic Defence and Security Review we need,” published in 2014, reflecting his ongoing commitment to national security discourse. He regularly comments on defense issues in national media outlets such as the Financial Times and The Guardian.
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