After 21 years of dedicated and valued service, John Moor will be leaving the IoT Security Foundation, and its parent organisation TechWorks, at the end of this month.
John joined TechWorks in 2004 when the organisation had just 36 members and very little brand recognition within the UK semiconductor design sector. He was appointed following his experience as a founder of a UK fabless semiconductor company and his service on the board of the Global Semiconductor Alliance.
UK Electronics Skills Foundation
As Vice President for Design Innovation, John created the strategy and led the delivery of the semiconductor design innovation programme for a decade. This became a highly successful UK initiative, achieving significant growth and maintaining a member retention rate of over 95%. During this time, John also instigated and helped found what became the UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF), helping to strengthen the talent pipeline for the UK electronics industry.
Formation of the IoT Security Foundation
In 2014, during a short sabbatical as VP Marketing, John developed the ‘connected community’ strategy in response to the evolving nature of the UK semiconductor sector. This work ultimately led to the formation of the IoT Security Foundation in 2015.
John led the creation of the IoTSF with the mission to ‘make it safe to connect’, and has served as its Managing Director ever since, building it into a globally recognised initiative.
Alongside this, he has served as Chief Operating Officer of TechWorks since 2019. Most recently, in 2024, John also led the preparatory work to establish TechWorks-AI.
Women in TechWorks
John has always been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusion within the tech sector, and together with Jillian Hughes, he co-founded the Women in TechWorks initiative, helping to create a platform that supports and promotes women across the deep tech community.
A valued mentor
Throughout his time with the organisation, John has played a pivotal role in building the TechWorks brand and establishing strong networks across the deep tech community. His passion, leadership and commitment have helped shape TechWorks into the organisation it is today, and he has been a valued mentor to many colleagues who have come through TechWorks over the years.
Thanks to his work over the last 11 years, the IoTSF has grown in strength and impact, and today is in a strong position to play a significant, ongoing role in the future of cybersecurity.
From Wednesday 1st April 2026, Christopher Bennison will take on responsibility for the IoT Security Foundation, while Jillian Hughes will step into the role of Chief Operating Officer at TechWorks.
“A real pioneer”
Stephen Pattison said, “As Chair of the Executive Steering Board – IoT Security Foundation, I’m sorry to see John leave. He was a real pioneer.
“10 years ago, he had a vision of the key role cybersecurity would play in the digital world, and pushed hard to establish the IoTSF and create its Assurance Framework – a blueprint for putting digital security into practice. He’s kept the IoTSF focussed on its core mission ever since. We send him our very best wishes.
“Looking ahead, we are keen to work with Chris to move into the next chapter. There is more work to do, and TechWorks remains a great place to do it.”
“John should be immensely proud”
Richard Marshall said, “It’s easy to underestimate how much drive and commitment John has put into the founding and growth of the IoTSF, from its inception at the inaugural meeting at Bletchley Park over 10 years ago to today.
“I’ll always be grateful for John’s unwavering support, particularly in my Plenary Chair role, during the early pioneering days of drafting the IoTSF’s Assurance Framework amongst other publications.
“In particular, I look forward to the Assurance Framework becoming ever more relevant in the currently evolving regulatory environment and as one of its key sponsors, something John should be immensely proud of. I hope others will join me in wishing John good luck.”
“Leadership, energy and passion”
Christopher Bennison said, “John has played an extraordinary role in the evolution of TechWorks and the creation of the IoT Security Foundation. His leadership, energy and passion for strengthening the deep tech community will leave a lasting impact.
“On a personal note, I’m indebted and deeply grateful for his mentorship, wisdom and fervid support. From the bottom of my heart, I wish him every happiness in the years ahead.”
“A passionate supporter”
Charles Sturman, CEO of TechWorks said, “John is a passionate supporter of the UK tech ecosystem and I’ve been proud to work with him over the last three years.
“We’ve strengthened the membership and impact of TechWorks as a whole, and expanded the scope and capabilities within IoTSF.
“I thank him immensely for his council and support, and I look forward to seeing what he does next.”
“The mission continues”
John Moor said, “It has been my honour to serve in a ‘servant-leader’ capacity, and I’m immensely proud of what we have achieved together. I want to express my heartfelt thanks for your support, insight, expertise, and good faith — the essential ingredients in our shared mission to “make it safe to connect” in the era of IoT and now, increasingly, AI.
“I would also like to extend special thanks to the past and present members of the Executive Steering Board (ESB), whose dedication and guidance have been vital in helping IoTSF stay relevant to industry and ahead of our adversaries.
“Although ‘I’ will be leaving, the mission continues. I’m proud to hand the IoTSF reins over to Chris, our colleagues at TechWorks HQ, and of course, the ESB – confident that IoTSF will continue to thrive under their workcraft and leadership.
“I wish you all continued success in your business pursuits, and who knows – perhaps our paths will cross again.
“Until such time – go team IoTSF!”
Success for the future
Everyone at TechWorks would like to thank John for his exceptional contribution, we wish him every success for the future.