Joanna Cavan has been appointed as the new Managing Director of UKTL, bringing two decades of experience to the role. She has a proven track record of strategic leadership and cross-sector collaboration in some of the most complex and high-profile technical and operational delivery environments in the UK and internationally, across national security, regulation, and the technology sector.
Most recently Joanna was Director of Strategy and Delivery at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Her previous roles include Director of Strategy, Policy and Engagement at the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), Head of the National Technical Assistance Centre (NTAC), and as an independent expert witness in forensic telecoms and RF engineering.
Joanna is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion in national security and technology, and was awarded an OBE for services to security and technology in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2016.
UKTL is funded by DSIT and operated by the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and supports the UK government’s security and diversification policy by helping to expand and secure the UK’s telecoms supply chain.
Of the appointment, Joanna said: “I’m looking forward to leading the team at UKTL. Secure, resilient, and future-ready telecoms are vital to the UK’s growth and security. By working in close collaboration with key partners, we will continue to deliver cutting-edge testing, assurance and research, and build a pipeline of skilled telecoms cyber security professionals.”
Peter Thompson CBE, CEO of the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) said: “I am very pleased to welcome Joanna to the team and would like to thank Peter Marshall, the departing Managing Director, for the passion that he has brought to UKTL. Joanna brings extensive experience from many roles across government and the technology sector, and I look forward to working with her, and colleagues in DSIT, as we continue to deliver the crucial testing and research capabilities to provide reassurance for industry, government, academia and the consumer, and shape the future of the UK’s digital infrastructure.”
Emran Mian, Permanent Secretary of DSIT said: “UKTL plays a crucial role in improving the security of UK telecoms networks and catalysing the growth of advanced connectivity technologies - one of the frontier industries in the Industrial Strategy. Joanna brings valuable experience to the lab from working on the government's national security and growth priorities.”
21 Jul 2025