Kersti Eesmaa

Kersti is the Chief Operating Officer at Vertical Scope Group (VSG). Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to creating more opportunities for women to enter and thrive in ICT and cybersecurity. 

She is a passionate mentor and advocate, championing inclusive pathways that recognise capability and potential. In her role at Vertical Scope Group, she actively promotes workforce programs such as WorkPath Australia and supports initiatives like the NSW Government’s 20% Alternative Pathways Pledge.

Kersti brings 30 years of experience as a diplomat representing Estonia and completed her five-year term as Ambassador of the Republic of Estonia in Canberra in August 2024. 

During her tenure, her work focused extensively on digital innovation and cyber security. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master’s degree with honours in Business Consultations. Her diplomatic career began as a trade diplomat representing Estonia’s interests in Geneva and Brussels. 

She later advanced to serve as the Director General of Human Resources and led the Estonian consular service for five years, also acting as the Ministry’s spokesperson on consular matters.