Brett T. Williams, Major General USAF (Ret.)

Major General Brett T. Williams, USAF (Ret.), is a co-founder and the Chief Operating Officer at IronNet Cybersecurity. IronNet is renowned for its collective cybersecurity approach, defending companies, sectors, and nations with advanced detection solutions that utilize behavioral analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning. As COO, Williams enhances strategic planning, business performance management, leader development, and thought leadership to support marketing and sales initiatives.

During his distinguished 33-year career in the U.S. Air Force, Williams held several senior executive roles, including Director of Operations (J3) at U.S. Cyber Command. There, he oversaw a staff of 400, managing global operations and defense of all Department of Defense networks, along with planning and executing authorized offensive operations. His leadership extended to being the Director of Operations (A3O) at the U.S. Air Force, where he spearheaded the largest directorate and managed a significant portion of the Air Force's $120B annual budget. His operational expertise was further demonstrated as the 18th Wing Commander in Okinawa, Japan, where he led the Air Force's largest combat wing, overseeing a broad range of mission areas and maintaining vital international relations.

Williams is not only a combat-proven F-15C fighter pilot with over 100 combat missions but also a visionary in cybersecurity. He played a pivotal role in taking IronNet Cybersecurity public in 2021, demonstrating his acumen in both military and corporate sectors. Williams is a recognized thought leader who translates complex cyber threats into strategic business decisions, enhancing organizational cyber resilience. He is adept at integrating cybersecurity solutions, emphasizing the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning to combat cyber threats effectively.

A highly respected keynote speaker and leadership coach, Williams frequently addresses audiences on critical issues like cybersecurity, strategic planning, and leadership development. His insights enable organizations to elevate their cyber IQ, particularly in sales and technical teams, ensuring they are well-prepared to articulate and manage cyber-related challenges. His academic contributions include serving as a faculty member with the National Association of Corporate Directors Board Advisory Services and guest lecturing at Duke University, from which he holds a BS in Computer Science and three graduate degrees in management and national security studies.