Nine23, a UK Sovereign, High-Assurance Managed Service Provider (MSP), announces a number of key leadership changes as it positions itself for long-term growth.
James Illingworth is stepping down as Chair of the Nine23 Board effective 01 July 2025 with Stuart McKean, Founder of Nine23 had transitioned from Chief Executive Officer (CEO) after 13 years into the role of Chairman of the Board.
Founded in 2012, Nine23 was built with a simple mission: to “enable the end user to use technology, securely.” Over the past decade, the company has grown from a startup into a trusted UK Sovereign, high-assurance managed service provider of cyber secure, high-assurance digital services across Defence, Government and National Security.
“As we look to the next chapter of our journey, I believe the time is right to make this transition” said McKean. “This move allows me to focus more deeply on the long-term vision of the company – championing secure innovation, supporting our leadership team, and continuing to build systems that truly enable and empower end users at scale.”
McKean went on say “Nine23 are delighted to say that James has agreed to continue his support to the Board in a Non-Executive Advisory role. It goes without saying that James’s support has been hugely appreciated and impactful, and I strongly believe we have all benefited from his tenure as Board Chair following his many years of senior leadership in the military.
I should add that it has also been really enjoyable to work together again and share a few stories from our previous lives in the Army Air Corps. I look forward to staying in touch and using his experience in the future.”
In the new role as Chairman, McKean will provide strategic guidance to the executive team, nurture partnerships, and help drive forward initiatives that align with the company’s founding purpose.
The company also announced that Steve Jewell will assume the role of CEO.
He brings a proven track record in Nine23’s markets, and has served in senior leadership as Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) for the past 2 years in Nine23. Mckean expressed full confidence in the transition: “I am thrilled to hand the reins to Steve, whose leadership, integrity, and user-first mindset will continue the legacy we’ve built.”
Andy Cash, a long-time advisor to Nine23 and senior enterprise sales director will take over as CRO. McKean commented “Andy has been a supporter of Nine23 from day 1 and his senior enterprise sales experience has been instrumental in building the sales & marketing function in Nine23.”
This leadership evolution marks a new chapter for Nine23, reinforcing its commitment to delivering UK Sovereign, High-Assurance Managed Services that prioritise the needs and experiences of its users.
Nine23 is a veteran-owned UK Sovereign, High-Assurance Managed Service Provider (MSP) delivering cyber secure, resilient digital services for mission-critical operations in Defence, HM Government, National Security, and their supply-chains.
Trusted to support and deliver; Nine23 passionately believes that cyber security and resilience must be business-enabling, not a constraint.
Offering a comprehensive suite of high-assurance services built on over 13 years of experience, Nine23 provides true UK sovereignty across the entire technology stack – from physical hosting and network connectivity to managed service delivery.
Nine23’s core offerings include:
- Information Security Advisory & Assurance
- UK Sovereign & Hybrid Cloud
- Connected Data
- Collaborative Working
- Secure Service Management & Continuous Assurance
Our solutions are built to meet the most stringent regulatory compliance requirements and are fully aligned with NCSC/DSIT guidance and Secure by Design principles – providing assurance that the systems we design, build, and manage can protect data at, and above OFFICIAL. Enabling individuals and organisations to operate confidently and in compliance.
Media Contact:
Hayley McKean
Marketing Manager
Hayley.mckean@nine23.co.uk
https://nine23.co.uk
