Slipstream Cyber, a specialist provider of 24/7 cyber defence and advisory services, has appointed Chris Pallister as its new Head of Cyber Engineering and Operations, strengthening the company’s capabilities in managed security services and security operations centre (SOC) delivery.

Chris joins Slipstream Cyber from CyberCX, where he most recently held a senior cyber leadership role. He brings nearly 15 years of experience across the IT and cyber security sectors in both the UK and Australia.

His background spans technical engineering, consulting and executive cyber leadership positions, including leading large-scale infrastructure programs, establishing cyber security practices and designing and operating complex, multi-region SOC environments.

In his new role, Chris will oversee Slipstream Cyber’s managed cyber security services and 24/7 SOC operations.

He will focus on expanding operational capabilities, advancing AI-enabled security operations and strengthening proactive, intelligence-led threat detection for customers.

“Security operations centres must evolve beyond responding to threats at human speed,” Pallister said.

“My focus is on accelerating SOC capability so we can respond at machine speed – operationalising threat intelligence and using AI to augment analysts, not replace them. That’s how security teams stay ahead in today’s threat environment,” he said.

Prior to joining Slipstream Cyber, Chris held senior leadership roles across both managed services and specialist cyber security organisations.

In these roles, he built and matured penetration testing teams, governance, risk and compliance functions, and large-scale SOC operations supporting customers across multiple continents, time zones and regulatory environments.

“Australia has exceptional cyber security talent,” Pallister said.

“As the industry undergoes rapid consolidation, it’s increasingly important to continue investing in strong sovereign cyber security capability – ensuring Australian organisations are protected by teams focused on securing local businesses, critical infrastructure and communities.” he said.

David Kaplan, General Manager Cyber Security for Slipstream Cyber says Chris brings deep operational cyber experience and a strong customer-first mindset.

“His leadership in scaling sovereign SOC operations and advancing AI‑enabled security will play an important role as we continue to evolve our 24/7 cyber defence capability,” said Kaplan

Slipstream Cyber continues to invest in modernising its SOC capability, with a strong focus on AI‑enabled operations, threat intelligence operationalisation and customer‑centric security outcomes, supporting organisations facing an increasingly sophisticated and fast‑moving threat landscape.