Tom Ilube (born July 1963) is a British entrepreneur, cybersecurity expert, and educational philanthropist of Nigerian descent. He has made significant contributions to both the tech industry and the African educational sector, alongside his groundbreaking work in the UK.
Ilube’s academic journey began at Teddington School in Richmond-upon-Thames and Edo College in Benin City, Nigeria. He later pursued a Bachelor's degree in Physics from the University of Benin, followed by a Master's in Business Administration from Cass Business School in London. His strong educational foundation in science and business has been pivotal to his success across various sectors.
Ilube is a recognized leader in the tech industry. He has held prominent roles, including Chief Information Officer (CIO) at Egg, an internet bank. He is the founder of several early-stage technology companies, including Garlik, a pioneering online identity company, and Noddle, a credit reference service. He is also the founder of Crossword Cybersecurity, a company focused on cybersecurity solutions. Additionally, Ilube co-founded Iternal, a MedTech startup.
He has served as a non-executive director for the BBC and WPP, the world’s largest advertising company by revenue. In 2021, Ilube became the first Black chair of the Rugby Football Union (RFU), a historic achievement in British sports.He resigned from the RFU in December 2024.
In addition to his entrepreneurial successes, Ilube is a committed philanthropist. He is the founder and chair of the African Gifted Foundation, which launched the African Science Academy (ASA), Africa's first all-girls science and maths academy. Through ASA, Ilube is addressing the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) by providing top-tier education to talented African women.
He also chairs Ada, the National College for Digital Skills in the UK, and supports the Nommo Awards for African science fiction and speculative fiction.
Tom Ilube’s work has earned him numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the most influential figures in the tech and education sectors. His achievements highlight the vital role of the Nigerian diaspora in shaping global industries and driving positive change in Africa. Whether through his leadership in cybersecurity or his educational philanthropy, Ilube continues to inspire future generations of African innovators.
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