MDR provider Expel revealed that cybersecurity industry veteran Kevin Mandia joined its board of directors. Mandia, who is also the founder of Mandiant, has over three decades of security leadership and venture capital experience. He is expected to help shepherd Expel into a new phase of growth.
“I believe you need an experienced founder that truly knows security to run a great security company,” said Mandia. “I met Dave [Merkel, co-founder and CEO, Expel] nearly 30 years ago when we were computer crime investigators in the United States Air Force, and we have been committed to cybersecurity ever since. Dave was our first pick at Mandiant to lead our software business, our managed defense business and much of our go-to-market teams. I witnessed Dave build and scale our business from the ground up with relentless focus on the outcomes for our customers. I believe in Expel’s leadership, products and services, along with its commitment to solving critical security challenges for its customers, and that is what excites me as I join this remarkable team.”
Mandia’s appointment comes as Expel continues an upward trajectory, strengthened by strategic partnerships in and around the security space.
“I’ve been lucky to call Kevin [Mandia] a mentor and a friend for much of my professional life, and I’m honored to have his guidance again—in this official capacity—as we tackle this next chapter,” said Merkel. “The opportunity in MDR is massive, and Expel is uniquely qualified to lead the market. That Kevin is willing to come along for the ride as a board member tells me we’re on the right path.”
