Neil has decades of senior leadership experience in United Kingdom national security operational roles covering counter terrorism, counter espionage, security policy and technical (including cyber) capability and analysis. He was seconded to the UK Cabinet Office to be the first Head of the Office of Cyber Security and establish the National Cyber Security Programme.

Since leaving government service, Neil is a Visiting Professor at the Department of Security and Crime Science at University College London (UCL). He is also advising a number of technology companies and is enjoying being a Trustee of a charity supporting Mental Health.