Interviewee Profiles

James Blakely

Head of Govt. Relations, Atmos

James is the Head of Government Relations at Atmos, leading efforts to strengthen ties with government agencies and manage large-scale cyber incidents. Previously, he founded ID Support NSW, an NSW Government department dedicated to aiding victims of identity theft with innovative tools and resources. James also contributed to the National Strategy for Identity Resilience, collaborating with various agencies to enhance identity security. His career is distinguished by his leadership in cybersecurity, data breach response, and public service innovation, earning him recognition and accolades in the field.

Anthony Cooke

Partner, Atmos New Zealand, Atmos

Anthony is a cyber security specialist, leading crisis response, regulatory engagement, and data protection strategies. He has advised on major breaches across APAC, shaping cyber risk management and helping businesses navigate complex security challenges. With experience across New Zealand, Australia and Europe, he specialises in privacy compliance, data security, and the integration of AI-driven solutions. He has handled high-stakes public and corporate matters, protecting sensitive health, financial, and commercial data while ensuring regulatory compliance. Anthony has led major cyber incident responses and helped align New Zealand’s privacy laws with global standards. He holds legal qualifications in Australia and New Zealand, is a Certified Information Privacy Professional in Europe.

Michael Boyd

Director, National Cyber Watch Office

Michael is the Director of the National Cyber Watch Office, where he leads Australia’s technical engagement and response during cyber security incidents impacting Australian critical infrastructure, organisations and government services. In this role, he serves as a central point connecting government, industry, and international partners, ensuring that Australia’s technical response to cyber threats is timely, informed, and collaborative. Michael also represents Australia as Chair of the Asia Pacific Computer Emergency Response Team (APCERT). This is the Asia Pacific’s largest cyber security community where Michael contributes to regional cooperation and strengthening collective cyber resilience across the region.

Michael’s career began in the Royal Australian Corps of Signals as an Electronic Warfare Operator, where he developed the discipline, composure, and operational mindset that continue to define his leadership today. His military experience, shaped by operations as well as deployments and technical missions around the world, instilled a calm, methodical approach to crisis situations that has become one of his defining strengths.