James Kay | Assistant Director-General, Standards, Technical Advice, and Research
Australian Signals Directorate

James Kay is the Assistant Director-General for Standards, Technical Advice, and Research, at the Australian Signals Directorate’s (ASD) Australian Cyber Security Centre. This role is responsible for ASD’s support to international standards forums, proactive cyber-security advice, and flagship products: the Information Security Manual, and the Essential Eight. Prior to his current appointment, James was the Chief of Staff to the Director-General of ASD, and has led ASD’s National Cyber Watch Office (responsible for 1300 CYBER 1). James has a broad national security background, having started his public service career in the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). James posted to the Philippines and Afghanistan where he worked closely with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and NATO on countering violent extremism efforts, and civil and military aid to both nations and allies. James is currently studying a Masters of Business, and holds a Bachelor of International Studies, and a Bachelor of Arts.