Phil Cleary | Technology Entrepreneur, Security Expert & Author

Phil Cleary stands as one of the UK’s foremost technology entrepreneurs. A former covert operations specialist in the British police, he went on to become CEO and co-founder of The SmartWater Group, the world’s leading forensic technology company whose groundbreaking products are used by more than two million people and businesses in more than 20 countries worldwide. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts for his contribution to British industry, he has garnered widespread critical acclaim for his debut novel, tense political thriller Elixir, which has been described as reframing “mankind’s dream for immortality into a global threat greater than AI.” Holding a Masters in Military History, Phil is also an expert on modern warfare and security.

Enquiries

* Media Comment, Expert Opinion & Interviews

Phil Cleary is a sought-after commentator on crime prevention, forensic technology, and security innovations. His expertise covers law enforcement strategies, counter-terrorism, and the application of forensic science in asset protection. He also provides insight into the evolution of the security industry and the broader implications of risk management in modern society, including the future of policing and public safety. As the co-founder and former CEO of The SmartWater Group, he can also provide the media with expert comment on entrepreneurship and with a Masters in Military History is well suited to discuss global conflict and security, military intelligence, and the evolution of warfare. As the author of acclaimed thriller Elixir, Phil is also a prominent voice in highlighting and detailing the existential threat that life extension poses to humanity.

* Public Speaking Engagements

Phil is available for a variety of virtual and in-person speaking engagements. Contact The Double Agents for talent enquiries and rate cards.

About

A native of Merseyside, Phil Cleary began his career as a computer engineer before transitioning to law enforcement, where he specialised in covert operations.

Following an early medical retirement, he co-invented SmartWater with his brother, Michael Cleary, a breakthrough forensic marking technology that won the Prince of Wales Award for Innovation in 1996. Over nearly three decades, Phil expanded The SmartWater Group into an internationally recognised security firm, providing crime prevention solutions to law enforcement agencies and major corporations worldwide.

In 2021, after private equity investment secured a nine-figure valuation for SmartWater, Phil stepped down as CEO. He has since pursued a Master’s in Military History at Birmingham University while preparing to bring his latest innovation, Helios Radar, to market.

Beyond business, Phil is a respected author. His debut novel Elixir has been praised for its thought-provoking narrative on science, technology, and the limits of human ambition. He is based in Hampshire.

Further Information:

Book Website: www.philcleary.com

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