Professor Deb Leary OBE D.Uni, FRSA
Honorary Consul for Mexico, CEO & Founder, Forensic Pathways
Deborah is the CEO of Forensic Pathways (FP), an international threat intelligence and cyber risk consultancy and technology company. Under her leadership, FP has become a leading provider of innovative technology and services to monitor and manage cyber threats. The company's offerings include:
- Clarifyi Platform, which monitors the dark web marketplaces an forums and tracks ransomware groups and alerting clients to potential data leaks.
- Social media monitoring and Open-Source Intelligence/consultancy to review and monitor emerging threats.
- Due diligence and background investigations to ensure businesses are secure.
- Simulated phishing campaigns and cyber awareness training to improve clients’ cybersecurity preparedness.
- Cyber strategy consultancy providing support at board level to ensure appropriate company cyber strategy is in place.
FP has for the past 24 years also been at the forefront of forensic investigation technology, offering unique solutions such as the Forensic Image Analyser for image identification, ballistics analysis / toolmark technology for correlating bullets and cartridges, and Anti-Contamination Stepping Plates for use at crime scenes. Additionally, FP is the official UK distributor for MMC Drug Testing Kits.
As CEO Deborah has driven the Company’s international strategy, with the Company trading in regions such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Australia, USA, Latin America as examples.
The company has garnered a range of accolades for its innovation, including the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce Innovation Award 2024, Innovationfifty 20217 and 2019 as well as a Department of Business and Trade Award 2018 . Both FP and Deborah are recognise as Export Champions by the UK Department for International Trade and support the Department in encouraging businesses an supporting businesses on their international journey.
Deborah is a global speaker and mentor on topics such as business growth, start-ups, entrepreneurship global trade, innovation, CSR, and R&D. She holds several prestigious roles, including:
- Past President of the Greater Birmingham Chamber of Commerce and Board Member of the Greater Birmingham Global Chamber of Commerce
- Board Member of the West Midlands Innovation Board.
- Export Champion for the Department for International Trade.
- Member of the Advisory Board at the Aston University Institute for Forensic Linguistics, Aston University and the Business Board at Birmingham City University.
- Visiting Professor of Aston University
Throughout her career, Deborah has received numerous awards for her leadership and contributions to business and innovation, including:
- Export Champion on behalf of the UK Government Department for International Trade.
- International Businesswoman of the Year 2017 (Phoenix Newspaper).
- Inspiring Leader of the Year 2015 (sponsored by HSBC & Microsoft).
- Women in STEM – Business of the Year 2015.
- Honorary Doctorate from Birmingham City University.
- OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) in the Queen's Honours List 2008.
- Real Business Magazine -recognised as one of the UK's Top 100 Women Entrepreneurs by Real Business Magazine.
- Joyce Award for Services to the British Association of Women Entrepreneurs.
- FCEM International Woman Entrepreneur of the Year 2007/8
- European Woman of Achievement 2007
- British Female Inventor of the Year 2005
In 2024, Deborah was appointed as a National Scale-Up Director for Innovate UK Business Growth, a key role within the UK innovation agency aimed at supporting businesses driving economic growth through innovation.
Additionally, she was appointed as Honorary Consul to Mexica in 2024, where she is responsible for fostering and building trade links between Mexico, The Midlands, and the UK.
