James Griffiths Appointed Fractional CISO and CTO at Alchemist Group
James Griffiths, Founder and Principal Consultant at UtopianKnight Consultancy, has been appointed fractional Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Alchemist Group. The appointment was covered by Punchline Gloucester in a report by David Wood published on 12 October 2026.
Supporting technology, security, and business priorities
Alchemist Group brings together businesses specialising in leadership development, sales training, and professional learning. James will provide senior guidance across technology, cyber security, and digital strategy as the group continues to invest in its own technology and improve the experience of its learners and clients.
The combined CISO and CTO remit connects technology development with the protection of systems and data. It gives the group access to strategic expertise on a fractional basis while its product and technology capabilities continue to grow.
A new phase for learning technology
Punchline's report places the appointment alongside the recent introduction of Alchemist Group's Global Product and Technology function. That function brings research, specialist knowledge, product design, and technology together to develop learning systems for organisations adapting to changes in AI and workforce capability.
It supports three brands: Alchemist, which focuses on leadership development; RAIN Group, a sales training specialist; and PCA Law, which delivers leadership and business development training for legal professionals.
Experience across military, government, and business
James brings more than 25 years of experience in cyber security, technology, and digital transformation, including 17 years in the British Army's Royal Corps of Signals. His subsequent work included cyber capabilities for UK government organisations and co-founding Cyber Security Associates.
Through Gloucestershire-based UtopianKnight Consultancy, that experience now supports organisations seeking senior technology and security leadership aligned with their business goals.
Innovation with resilience
For organisations investing in new products and learning platforms, technology decisions and security decisions cannot be treated separately. Bringing both responsibilities into the leadership conversation helps ensure that innovation, client experience, and resilience develop together.
This appointment is an opportunity to support Alchemist Group's next stage of growth by aligning its technology ambitions, security approach, and business priorities.