Mike McKeown
Tech Industry Executive | Local Councillor | Community Energy Founder
Bringing together innovation, sustainability, and public service to shape a better future
Introduction – About me
I’m Mike McKeown, a senior director in cybersecurity, a cabinet member for climate change at Cotswold District Council, and founder of Thames Head Energy, a community energy organisation in the Cotswolds.
My career spans decades in tech leadership roles, including over 20 years at Cisco, and now with Verimatrix. Alongside this, I’m dedicated to accelerating the UK’s transition to net zero through local government leadership and practical, people-powered energy projects.
I believe in blending innovation and collaboration – whether that’s enabling sales teams with AI tools, empowering communities with clean energy, or tackling climate change through local action.
Current Work
Verimatrix & Tech
As Senior Director of Sales Enablement at Verimatrix, I help our global team drive success in cybersecurity – from anti-piracy for video providers to mobile app protection for banks, automotive, healthcare, media & entertainment and IoT. I lead our AI innovation programme and partner enablement strategy.
Council & Politics
Cabinet Member for Climate Change & Sustainability
As an elected member of Cotswold District Council, representing the Kemble Ward, and I am the cabinet lead on climate change and sustainablity, working to embed sustainability in council operations and support the district’s ambitious Net Zero 2030 plan.
I’m a member of Climate Leadershire Gloucestershire, where I was rotating chair in 2024.
I am a member of the national Liberal Democrate Party’s Climate Change Policy advisory group, writing the updated party climate policy, with a particular focus on energy, transportation and industry.
I’m also active in shaping how councils use AI and digital tools to serve the public more effectively.
Community Energy
Founder, Thames Head Community Energy
Thames Head Community Energy is a community benefit society bringing clean, local energy to the Cotswolds. We’ve delivered solar + battery installations for homes, EV chargers and energy efficiency for our village hall, and are now planning a 5–10MW solar farm, having won a £40,000 grant from the Southwest NetZero Hub and raised £18,000 through Crowdfund Cotswolds.