SVP, International Events - Cyber / Black Hat in City of Westminster

SVP, International Events - Cyber / Black Hat in City of Westminster

City of Westminster Full-Time 100000 - 150000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
informa PLC

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and scale international events in the Cyber vertical, driving growth and innovation.
  • Company: Join a dynamic company focused on transforming the Cyber events landscape.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and opportunities for personal development.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive community with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while building your career.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in business growth and partnership development in international markets.

The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.

We are seeking a dynamic commercial and strategic leader to build and scale our Rest of World business for the Cyber vertical. This role carries full P&L accountability for a portfolio of shows with an ambitious mandate to double the business within three years through organic growth, strategic launches, and partnership development. The portfolio includes Black Hat Europe, Black Hat Asia, and strategic partnerships in India and Australia for Black Hat expansion. This is a true growth and transformation role requiring entrepreneurial drive, market‑building expertise, and commercial excellence.

As SVP for International, you will lead Event Directors with P&L accountability and the Sales Director and regional sales teams to drive revenue performance. You will be responsible for identifying white space opportunities, launching new products, establishing strategic partnerships, and building organizational capability across diverse markets. This role demands a commercially astute, culturally agile leader who thrives in building businesses from the ground up, someone who combines strategic vision with operational rigor and can navigate complex, multi‑market environments.

  • Commercial Leadership & P&L Management
    • Full P&L ownership for International portfolio with accountability for revenue, margin, and profit delivery
    • Drive aggressive growth trajectory to double portfolio revenue within 3 years
    • Develop and execute market‑specific business plans balancing investment, growth, and profitability
    • Identify and prioritize highest‑value growth opportunities across EMEA and APAC regions
    • Lead commercial strategy, pricing, and revenue optimisation across all brands and markets
  • Growth Strategy & Market Expansion
    • Define and execute growth strategy to double the business, including organic growth, new launches, and partnerships
    • Lead the launch of events, from market assessment through commercialization
    • Establish and manage strategic partnerships in India, Australia, and other high‑potential markets
    • Evaluate new market entry opportunities and build business cases for investment
    • Drive innovation in event formats, digital products, and customer engagement models
  • Strategic Partnerships & Business Development
    • Develop and negotiate strategic partnerships with local organisers, industry bodies, and commercial partners
    • Structure partnership models that balance growth, risk, and brand integrity
    • Build strong relationships with government agencies, trade associations, and ecosystem players
    • Cultivate joint ventures and co‑production arrangements in key markets
  • Team Leadership & Organisational Development
    • Lead, mentor, and develop Event Directors with P&L accountability for their respective brands
    • Partner with Sales Director and regional sales teams to drive commercial performance
    • Build organisational capability and infrastructure to support rapid growth
    • Attract and develop diverse talent across multiple geographies and cultures
    • Foster a high‑performance, entrepreneurial culture focused on growth and execution
  • Sales & Customer Excellence
    • Work closely with sales leadership to set ambitious targets and drive pipeline development
    • Build relationships with senior executives across cyber security industry in EMEA and APAC
    • Champion customer‑centric approaches that drive acquisition, retention, and expansion
    • Oversee sponsorship and partnership sales strategies for maximum value creation
    • Lead strategic negotiations with top‑tier customers and partners
  • Operational Excellence & Market Execution
    • Work with the Head of Operations to ensure exceptional event delivery across diverse markets, maintaining brand standards and quality
    • Navigate complex regulatory, cultural, and operational requirements across multiple countries
    • Drive operational efficiency while scaling the business and entering new markets
    • Manage risk, compliance, and governance across the portfolio
    • Collaborate with global teams on shared platforms, technology, and best practices
  • Qualifications
    • Proven track record building and scaling businesses in EMEA and/or APAC markets
    • Deep experience in events, media, or B2B information services with P&L responsibility for $20M+ businesses
    • Demonstrated success launching new products, entering new markets, and establishing partnerships
    • Experience operating in emerging and high‑growth markets with cultural and operational complexity
    • Exceptional commercial acumen with strong financial management and business‑building skills
    • Strategic and entrepreneurial mindset with ability to identify and capitalize on white space opportunities
    • Proven ability to structure and negotiate complex partnerships and commercial arrangements
    • Strong business development skills with track record of value creation through partnerships and M&A
    • Data‑driven approach balanced with market intuition and risk management
    • Inspirational leader who can build teams and drive performance across diverse cultures and geographies
    • Excellent communication and influencing skills with ability to operate across languages and cultures
    • Highly collaborative with ability to work effectively in complex, matrix organisations
    • Cultural agility and sensitivity with experience managing diverse, distributed teams
    • Entrepreneurial drive with comfort in ambiguity and ability to build from the ground up
    • Deep understanding of B2B events business models, particularly in international markets
    • Strong network within cyber security across EMEA and APAC preferred or proven ability to learn and adapt to new, complex markets
    • Knowledge of market dynamics, customer segments, and competitive landscape in key regions
    • Understanding of partnership models, joint ventures, and market entry strategies
    • Awareness of regulatory, cultural, and operational considerations in international markets
    • Comfort with extensive international travel and ability to build relationships across cultures
  • Benefits
    • Great community: a welcoming culture with in‑person and online social events, our fantastic Walk the World charity day and active diversity and inclusion networks
    • Broader impact: take up to four days per year to volunteer, with charity match funding available
    • Career opportunity: opportunity to develop your career with bespoke training and learning, mentoring platforms and on‑demand access to thousands of courses on LinkedIn Learning; internal job moves encouraged and supported
    • Time out: 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after two years, plus a birthday leave day and the chance to work from anywhere for up to four weeks a year
    • A flexible range of personal benefits to choose from, plus company‑funded private medical cover
    • A ShareMatch scheme that allows you to become an Informa shareholder with free matching shares
    • Strong wellbeing support through EAP assistance, mental health first aiders, a healthy living subsidy, access to health apps and more
    • Recognition for great work, with global awards and kudos programmes

SVP, International Events - Cyber / Black Hat in City of Westminster employer: informa PLC

Join a forward-thinking company that champions growth and innovation in the Cyber events sector, with a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and diversity. As an employer, we offer exceptional career development opportunities, including bespoke training and mentoring, alongside generous benefits such as flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on employee wellbeing. Our commitment to community engagement and recognition of outstanding performance makes us an attractive choice for those seeking a meaningful and rewarding career.

informa PLC

Contact Details:

informa PLC Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land SVP, International Events - Cyber / Black Hat in City of Westminster

Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community

Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!

Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions

Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including informa PLC, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.

Tailor Your Online Presence

Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!

Apply Directly Through informa PLC

Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at informa PLC. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.

We think you need these skills to ace SVP, International Events - Cyber / Black Hat in City of Westminster

P&L Management
Commercial Strategy Development
Market Expansion Expertise
Partnership Development
Event Launch and Commercialisation
Business Development
Financial Acumen

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!

Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!

Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at informa PLC insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.

Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to informa PLC that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.

How to prepare for a job interview at informa PLC

Sharpen Your Technical Skills

For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.

Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Expect the interviewers at informa PLC to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.

Highlight Your Certifications

Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at informa PLC.

Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity

Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.