NSSIF appoints Paloma McGuiness as permanent CEO
NSSIF is pleased to announce the appointment of Paloma McGuiness as its permanent Chief Executive Officer, following her tenure as Acting CEO since early 2026. Paloma brings extensive experience across strategic innovation and technology in national security and defence. and will lead NSSIF through its next phase of growth.
It's exciting to be part of getting cutting edge technology into the hands of our security and defence colleagues while helping to grow a vibrant tech sector in the UK.
Paloma has played a central role in shaping NSSIF’s strategy over the past year, strengthening partnerships across government, industry and the investment community, and supporting the development of sovereign technologies critical to the UK’s long‑term security and prosperity.
Before joining NSSIF, Paloma held senior roles across government, working to bring a more open and coherent demand signal to industry from Government.
As she steps into the permanent role, we sat down with Paloma for a short conversation about her priorities, her perspective on the UK’s national security innovation landscape, and her vision for NSSIF’s future.
In conversation with Paloma
What does it mean to you to take on the role of permanent CEO at NSSIF?
NSSIF is such an important part of how government can partner more effectively with start-ups innovating on the latest technologies. It's exciting to be part of getting cutting edge technology into the hands of our security and defence colleagues while helping to grow a vibrant tech sector in the UK.
What are your priorities for NSSIF over the next 12–18 months?
My priorities for NSSIF are to make sure that we are using our unique position to build a coherent pipeline enabling our colleagues in government to connect with our flourishing tech start-ups. That means working with other parts of government to make it easier to reach in from the outside and also broadcasting more about the needs of our security and defence colleagues.
Looking ahead
Under Paloma’s leadership, NSSIF will continue to deepen its partnerships across government, industry and academia; support the growth of high‑potential UK companies; and invest in technologies that strengthen the UK’s resilience, competitiveness and national security.
NSSIF remains committed to its mission: investing in the future security and prosperity of the UK.
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