NCC Group has appointed Guy Ellis as chief executive officer, succeeding Mike Maddison with immediate effect. The company also named Andy Beaver as interim chief financial officer following Ellis’ move from the CFO position.

Ellis joined NCC Group in 2021 and brings operational, commercial and financial leadership experience, along with an understanding of the company’s clients, employees and markets. During his tenure as CFO, he played a central role in strengthening the company’s financial performance, improving commercial discipline and operational visibility and delivering the successful divestment of Escode.

As CEO, Ellis will lead NCC Group’s next phase, building on the company’s strengths and bringing together expertise across the organization to help clients address their cybersecurity challenges.

Chris Stone, chair of NCC Group, said the appointment follows a period of transformation under Maddison and the executive team, including the successful disposal of Escode, a strengthened balance sheet and a substantial return of capital to shareholders.

“Over the past four and a half years, Mike and the Executive team have transformed NCC into a focused and strategically positioned cyber security business,” Stone said. “The successful disposal of Escode, the strengthening of our balance sheet and the substantial return of capital to shareholders have created a strong platform for future growth. After delivering our planned transformation, Mike is stepping down as CEO.”

Stone said the board selected Ellis following an internal and external process, citing his involvement in shaping and executing the company’s strategy and his leadership experience.

“Having helped shape and deliver our strategy, Guy brings a unique combination of operational, commercial and financial leadership experience, together with a deep understanding of our clients, people and markets,” Stone said.

He also credited Maddison with leaving NCC Group in a stronger position and thanked him for his leadership.

Ellis said the company’s transformation into a pure-play cybersecurity business is complete and outlined priorities that include deepening client relationships, expanding managed services capabilities and scaling its cybersecurity expertise.

“As AI continues to reshape the risk landscape, the need for trusted independent cyber expertise has never been greater,” Ellis said.

Ellis also identified organic growth, recurring revenue and continued margin expansion as priorities, with the company targeting mid-teens EBITDA margins. He thanked NCC Group employees for their commitment and work throughout FY26.

Following Ellis’ appointment, Beaver will assume the interim CFO role. Beaver previously served as Group Finance Director and joined NCC Group in 2019. He brings more than 25 years of finance leadership experience across listed and international businesses.