Forcepoint, a global provider of data-first cybersecurity solutions, announced that Rees Johnson has joined the company as the chief product officer (CPO).
In the role, Johnson will play a critical part as the company continues to deliver its data-first secure access service edge (SASE) solutions that enable enterprises and government agencies to protect the lifeblood of their organisation – data – anywhere it is accessed. In addition, Johnson will oversee the company’s entire product portfolio, including leadership and management of all product development, innovation and strategic integration efforts.
“Today’s reality is that people are working from everywhere. Securing hybrid and rapidly evolving computing environments is proving to be beyond the reach of most companies. Providing secure network access is only half the battle. Progressive organisations must also address the protection of precious information assets in perimeter-less networking environments. Forcepoint is revolutionising data security by enabling users to safely access and use data anywhere they work,” said Manny Rivelo, CEO, Forcepoint. “And this is resonating with customers. We’ve added more than a thousand new customers in the past six months and our data protection business is growing exponentially.”
Rivelo said: “The timing is perfect to welcome Rees Johnson as our chief product officer. Forcepoint’s data security heritage has proven to be a game changer for SASE, and Rees’ background made him the perfect executive to assume the helm of leading our SASE product development teams. Rees has been a cybersecurity innovator and disruptor for more than two decades and I look forward to partnering with him as we accelerate investment and development in the industry’s only Data-first SASE offering.”
A security technology veteran, Johnson brings more than 20 years of product management experience in network security, cloud security and SaaS migration strategy to Forcepoint.
“The future of network security is absolutely SASE and to lead with data is paramount. Forcepoint’s data-first SASE strategy is the way forward for organisations today. Forcepoint has a rich and proven history of data security leadership including nine times placement in the leader quadrant by the industry’s most recognised analyst firm,” said Johnson.
He added that: “Forcepoint has a strategic advantage in being a leader in the increasingly crowded global SASE market with its data-first differentiation. Key to success is providing customers a pathway to the cloud at their pace and in a way that meets their unique requirements. Forcepoint has done a phenomenal job through its customer-first focus, which is critical to exceed customer expectations in embracing the move to cloud. There is a tremendous opportunity in front of us and I look forward to continuing to develop and innovate new pathways for customers as they realise the true business enabling power security can deliver.”
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