Cyber security firm Darktrace has appointed David Smith chief people officer.
Smith will join the executive management team and report to chief executive officer Poppy Gustafsson. He will be responsible for leading the design and delivery of Darktrace’s global people strategy, with a focus on strengthening HR operations, and ensuring programmes are in place to build high-performing teams to help deliver on future growth ambitions.
With more than 15 years of experience working across the technology sector in a range of people roles, Smith joins from software-as-a-service banking platform 10x Banking, where he held the role of chief people officer and was responsible for helping to shape the organisational design of the business and creating a high-performance culture.
He has also held roles within the people functions of Cleo AI, Lloyds Banking Group, Wonga.com and SagePay. More recently, he spent five years at Trainline as HR and talent director when it listed on the London Stock Exchange.
Smith said: “What strikes me about Darktrace is that there is an institutional passion for innovation and market disruption. I am looking forward to joining the Darktrace team and to helping to shape its culture of collaboration and impact by creating the structures that will enable our people to deliver on the business’s ambitious growth plans.”
Gustafsson added: “I am delighted to welcome David to our leadership team at such an exciting time for our business and as we continue to invest in our employee experience. David brings significant experience in shaping cultures and people strategies in high-growth businesses that are scaling up to become market-leaders. We are lucky to have incredible talent in our teams and I am looking forward to being able to draw on David’s expertise as we implement the people programmes that will enable our innovation pipeline and go-to-market success.”
