Poppy Gustafsson, co-founder and former CEO of Darktrace, has been appointed as the UK’s new investment minister, a key role aimed at deepening business ties.
- Gustafsson brings valuable private sector experience, having led Darktrace to international success since its founding in 2013.
- Her role will focus on promoting the UK to global investors and boosting foreign investment into the nation.
- The government is expanding the Office for Investment to streamline business and investment processes by combining key departments.
- This appointment follows Gustafsson’s recent departure from Darktrace after its acquisition by US firm Thoma Bravo for £4.2bn.
Poppy Gustafsson, co-founder and former CEO of Darktrace, has been named the UK’s new investment minister. This strategic appointment is intended to enhance the UK government’s efforts in strengthening business relationships domestically and internationally. Having played a pivotal role in establishing Darktrace in 2013 and later becoming its CEO in 2016, Gustafsson has a wealth of experience in scaling a business on a global stage.
In her new role, Gustafsson will lead the Office for Investment, an organisation recently revamped to become a more robust entity. This move is part of a government initiative to consolidate efforts across Her Majesty’s Treasury, the Department for Business and Trade, and No10, aiming to provide a seamless approach to business and investment engagement.
The expanded Office for Investment will introduce a bespoke service designed to offer comprehensive government support, assisting investors in navigating the complexities of planning and skill development in the UK. Gustafsson expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “I have first-hand experience of building and scaling a business here in the UK and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to share with the international investment community what I already know to be true; the UK is a great place to do business.”
Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds highlighted the importance of Gustafsson’s private sector expertise, noting it as critical to attracting substantial investment into the UK. He remarked, “Poppy has shown she knows firsthand what it takes to start and grow a successful international business.” This endorsement underscores the government’s focus on growth that aligns with business needs to enhance the UK’s economic landscape.
Gustafsson’s new role comes shortly after her decision to step down from Darktrace, following its acquisition by US private equity firm Thoma Bravo in a deal valued at £4.2 billion. This transition marks a significant shift in her career trajectory, allowing her to utilise her extensive industry experience to further national economic ambitions.
Gustafsson’s appointment as investment minister signifies a forward-thinking approach to enhancing the UK’s business and investment landscape.
