Cybersecurity AI firm Darktrace announced that Poppy Gustafsson will step down as CEO, effective immediately, and will be replaced in the role by current COO, Jill Popelka. Popelka will also join Darktrace’s board.
The new CEO has over two decades of experience in driving operational best practices and maturing teams, systems and processes for fast-growing businesses. She previously held senior leadership roles with Accenture, Snap and SAP SuccessFactors, among other companies. She joined Darktrace in January 2024 as a non-executive director before assuming the COO role in June.
“Darktrace has been a huge part of my life and my identity for over a decade and I am immensely proud of everything we have achieved in that time,” said Gustafsson. “Together we have revolutionized the marketplace for cybersecurity and brought our AI-powered technology to almost 10,000 customers around the world, keeping them safe from cyber disruption. This challenge has required tremendous personal and professional commitment from me. With the acquisition of Darktrace by Thoma Bravo nearing its completion and with us having identified an excellent successor in Jill, now is the right time to hand over the reins so Jill can lead Darktrace through its transition into private ownership and beyond. I am profoundly grateful to have had the privilege of leading such an exceptional team and I look forward to remaining engaged in this exciting next chapter of the business as a non-executive director after the transaction completes. I remain Darktrace’s number one fan.”
“Poppy is a remarkable leader who has grown and nurtured one of the UK’s proudest technology success stories,” said Darktrace chairman, Gordon Hurst. “Under Poppy’s stewardship, the business has transformed from a promising collaboration of AI and intelligence experts to a high-growth global leader in cyber security. This has been reflected in the significant value Darktrace has created for its shareholders under Poppy’s leadership since its IPO in 2021 and through the acquisition by Thoma Bravo, one of the world’s leading investors in software businesses. Jill is a proven and highly regarded leader in global technology businesses who has contributed immensely to the Board and more recently in her role as COO. With Poppy stepping down, the Board has implemented its CEO succession plan and is delighted that Jill has accepted the role of CEO. She has the deep sector experience, people leadership skills and energy and passion to lead Darktrace into the next stage of its journey.”
“Poppy and the team have built something very special. The potential of Darktrace is enormous – our technology has never been more critical to organizations around the world and our AI-native capabilities position us at the forefront of the ever-changing cyber security market,” said Popelka. “We have an outstanding platform offering, a broad base of customers across the globe, and some of the most talented people working in technology, not least our remarkable R&D teams based in Cambridge and The Hague. I am excited to partner with the whole Darktrace team to take advantage of the many opportunities we have ahead of us as we embark on this next phase of our journey.”
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