Rob Magowan joined the Royal Marines in 1989 after reading chemistry at Southampton university. His career to Lt Col included an operational tour of Northern Ireland, US Marine Corps staff college,the first deployment to Afghanistan post 9/11 and the invasion of Iraq in 2003. Subsequently, he worked in the Cabinet Office, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Ministry of Defence, with a focus on intelligence. He commanded the Royal Marines 30 Commando Information Exploitation Group, redeploying to Afghanistan.

As a Brigadier he was head of Royal Navy people policy and commanded the UK’s Joint Forces Intelligence Group. As Commandant General Royal Marines, he assumed command of the European Union Naval Force Somalia. As a Lieutenant General, he was deputy commander of UK Strategic Command and then head of capability for Defence. He was appointed Commander Cyber & Specialist Operations Command in March 2026.

He is the Defence Buddhist champion, chairs the Defence Mindfulness steering group and is president of the Council for Cadet Rifle Shooting. He is president of the Royal Navy Mountaineering Club, Netball Association and Rifle Association, as well as the charity 65 Degrees North.

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