Baroness Gustafsson of Chesterton CBE is a name synonymous with innovation and leadership in the world of cybersecurity. As the former CEO of Darktrace, a pioneering AI-powered cybersecurity company, Gustafsson has been instrumental in shaping the future of digital defense. Her remarkable journey, marked by determination and expertise, has taken her from the corporate world to the esteemed position of Minister of State for Investment in the UK government.
Early Life and Education
Born in August 1982, in the United Kingdom, Gustafsson grew up in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, where she developed a keen interest in mathematics. She pursued her passion for numbers at the University of Sheffield, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics in 2003. Gustafsson further honed her skills at Deloitte, qualifying as a chartered accountant in 2006.
Corporate Ascendancy
Gustafsson’s corporate career began at Amadeus Capital Partners, a venture capital firm, where she worked as a fund accountant. In 2009, she joined Autonomy, a cutting-edge technology company, as a corporate controller. It was during her time at Autonomy that Gustafsson met her future colleagues, including Mike Lynch, who would later co-found Darktrace.
Darktrace and Cybersecurity
In 2013, Gustafsson co-founded Darktrace, initially serving as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. She played a pivotal role in shaping the financial direction of the fast-growing company and later took on the role of Chief Operating Officer. In 2016, Gustafsson became the co-CEO of Darktrace, and by 2020, she had assumed the position of sole CEO. Under her leadership, Darktrace experienced rapid growth and global expansion, culminating in its listing on the London Stock Exchange in 2021.
A New Chapter in Public Service:
In October 2024, Gustafsson bid farewell to Darktrace after the company’s acquisition by US private equity firm Thoma Bravo. Shortly after, she was appointed Minister of State for Investment by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, tasked with driving strategic investment into the UK. Gustafsson’s appointment has been widely recognized as a prudent move, leveraging her extensive business acumen to support the UK government’s mission to drive growth and make the country a global destination for investment.
Awards and Recognition:
Throughout her illustrious career, Gustafsson has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the tech industry. Some notable awards include:
- Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE): Gustafsson was appointed OBE in the 2019 Birthday Honours for her services to the cyber security industry.
- Tech Businesswoman of the Year: She was named Tech Businesswoman of the Year at the 2019 UK Tech Awards.
- CEO of the Year: Gustafsson received the CEO of the Year award at the 2021 Digital Masters Awards.
- Honorary Doctor of Science: In 2022, she was awarded an honorary Doctor of Science degree by the University of Sheffield, her alma mater.
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE): Gustafsson was promoted to CBE in the 2025 New Year Honours.
Poppy Gustafsson’s remarkable journey is a testament to her dedication, expertise, and passion for innovation. From her early days as a chartered accountant to her current role as Minister of State for Investment, Gustafsson has consistently demonstrated her ability to adapt and thrive in new challenges. As she embarks on this new chapter in her career, her contributions to the world of cybersecurity and public service will undoubtedly continue to inspire and shape the future of the tech industry.
