Michael Keegan: Military Historian and Renowned Executive in Technology and Defence
Michael Keegan is a distinguished figure in both the fields of military history and executive leadership. With a career spanning over four decades, Keegan has built a strong reputation in sectors such as defence, technology, payments, and banking. His journey, transitioning from a seasoned executive to a PhD student at King’s College London, highlights his diverse interests and profound impact on the industries he’s been involved in.
Age and Experience
At 63 years old, Michael Keegan’s vast experience spans across multiple high-level industries, reflecting both his longevity and adaptability in leadership roles. His journey through diverse sectors, from technology to military history, showcases the depth of his expertise and the continuous pursuit of knowledge throughout his life.
Early Career and Leadership in Technology and Defence
Michael Keegan’s professional journey began in the early 1980s, where he entered the finance and banking sectors, working for prominent institutions such as NatWest. His early roles focused on corporate and personal lending, refinancing, and assessing acquisitions’ impact on balance sheets. These experiences paved the way for his leadership roles in the rapidly evolving technology and defence sectors.
Throughout the 1990s, Keegan served in significant positions at MasterCard International and its subsidiary, Mondex International. As Chief Executive, he was responsible for developing and supporting various chip applications, including e-purse, EMV (Europay MasterCard and Visa) standards, and loyalty programs. His tenure at Mondex saw him lead innovations in smart cards, which became a cornerstone of modern payment technologies.
Shift to Technology and IT Services
Keegan’s career trajectory took a notable turn when he joined Fujitsu, a multinational IT services and products company. Over a span of 12 years, he held various roles, including Head of the Technology Product Business for Fujitsu’s EMEIA (Europe, Middle East, India, Israel, and Africa) Region. His leadership was instrumental in driving the company’s profitability and securing market growth in new segments. Under his guidance, Fujitsu successfully transitioned from loss to profit, establishing a strong foothold in the cybersecurity and technology products market.
Keegan’s executive role at Fujitsu expanded further as he became the Chief Executive Officer for the UK & Ireland region, overseeing a £1.8 billion ICT business. His expertise in managing complex business structures and navigating international markets allowed him to streamline operations and increase the company’s market share in the highly competitive technology sector.
A Transition to Non-Executive Roles and Advisory Work
In 2018, Michael Keegan transitioned from executive management to a portfolio-based career, focusing on advisory and non-executive board roles. This marked a significant shift in his career, blending his extensive experience in leadership with his passion for academic research. Keegan now serves as a Non-Executive Director at Centerprise International, an IT reseller and business continuity services provider based in Basingstoke, UK.
In addition to his work at Centerprise, Keegan holds the position of Vice President at techUK, a leading trade association that represents over 850 companies in the tech industry. At techUK, he works with organizations that are shaping the future of technology, from large FTSE 100 companies to innovative start-ups. His role allows him to influence and guide policy decisions that impact the UK’s tech sector, further solidifying his position as a thought leader in the technology landscape.
Military History and PhD at King’s College London
While Keegan’s career in business and technology is noteworthy, his passion for military history has been a central focus in his later years. In 2021, Keegan embarked on a new intellectual pursuit by enrolling as a PhD student at King’s College London’s prestigious War Studies Department. His research focuses on the naval and political career of Admiral of the Fleet Sir Roger (later Baron) Keyes, a prominent British naval officer during World War I and II. This academic venture combines Keegan’s historical interests with his deep understanding of strategic leadership.
Keegan’s commitment to education is evident through his MA in War Studies, which he completed at King’s College London in 2021. His dedication to studying military history provides a unique lens through which he examines leadership, conflict, and global strategy. His academic journey allows him to contribute fresh perspectives to the understanding of military leadership while fostering a more nuanced view of history’s influence on modern governance and business practices.
Contributions to Defence and Technology Policy
Beyond his academic and business achievements, Michael Keegan has had a significant impact on defence policy in the UK. From 2019 to 2024, he served as a Crown Representative for the UK Cabinet Office, playing a pivotal role in managing the government’s relationship with a strategic supplier in the defence sector. As a Crown Representative, Keegan’s duties were focused on strengthening the collaboration between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and other government departments, ensuring that the UK’s defence systems remained state-of-the-art and secure.
Keegan’s extensive career in both defence and technology makes him a highly sought-after advisor, particularly in the areas of government relations and public sector technology solutions. His expertise in managing cross-government relationships has allowed him to influence important policy decisions, ensuring that the UK remains at the forefront of technological advancements in both civilian and military sectors.
Michael Keegan’s Role in Shaping the Future
With his diverse background in business, defence, technology, and military history, Michael Keegan is poised to continue making significant contributions in both academic and advisory roles. As a leader in the defence and tech sectors, he has had a direct hand in shaping the future of these industries in the UK and beyond. His role at Centerprise International and techUK, along with his academic pursuits, make him a prominent figure in the UK’s corporate and academic landscapes.
As he completes his PhD at King’s College London, Keegan’s insights into military leadership and history will undoubtedly enrich his work in technology and defence policy. His transition from executive roles to academia reflects a broader trend of industry leaders seeking to expand their expertise and contribute to society in meaningful ways. Michael Keegan’s career serves as an example of how one can successfully navigate multiple sectors while continuously striving for personal and professional growth.
Conclusion
Michael Keegan’s career journey is a testament to his versatile skill set and commitment to excellence across various fields. His leadership in the defence, technology, and payments industries has left a lasting impact, while his current academic pursuits at King’s College London demonstrate his dedication to lifelong learning. As he continues to serve in non-executive roles and contribute to techUK and Centerprise International, Keegan’s work will continue to shape the future of the UK’s technological and defence landscape.
His ability to merge practical experience with academic knowledge positions him as a valuable advisor and thought leader, not only in the UK but also on the global stage. Michael Keegan’s work exemplifies the intersection of industry expertise, historical understanding, and strategic foresight, offering invaluable lessons for future leaders in both the corporate and academic worlds.
