Unified cybersecurity services provider WatchGuard Technologies announced three new hires as part of its senior leadership team, for sales and global marketing. Appointments include Derek Maggiacomo (VP of Americas sales), Rich Workman (VP of global renewals sales) and Karen Ray (global VP of field and partner marketing). This team of industry veterans brings cybersecurity and channel experience to fortify and accelerate WatchGuard’s mission of becoming the cybersecurity platform of choice for MSPs.
“WatchGuard’s focus on MSPs across every part of our business – from how we architect our products and services, to the people and programs in place for ensuring partner enablement and success – is a major draw for both retaining existing partners and employees and bringing in new ones,” said Prakash Panjwani, CEO, WatchGuard. ““This group of new hires, a dynamic group of channel veterans, brings a wealth of expertise in cybersecurity, partner management, and sales discipline. Most importantly, they share WatchGuard’s partner-first mentality. I’m thrilled to welcome these channel leaders to WatchGuard, who will help both our company and our partners continue to achieve sustainable growth now and in the future.”
Maggiacomo brings over 20 years of experience working with partners in the networking and security industry. Most recently, he led the North America sales team at SonicWall, although he also helped build and run Juniper Networks’ U.S. channel presence.
“WatchGuard is well-known for its commitment to partners, and I look forward to bringing my experience and passion for the channel to the WatchGuard team,” said Maggiacomo. “I couldn’t be more impressed with this smart and innovative team, and with the power and maturity of WatchGuard’s unified security platform. It is exactly what MSPs need to expand their cybersecurity services business and gain more market share.”
Workman, meanwhile, has over 20 years of professional sales and leadership experience, predominantly in channel-focused cybersecurity. He specializes in developing and implementing strategies that empower the channel (MSPs and MSSPs) to drive rapid sales growth in two-tier distribution models by delivering best-in-class security outcomes for customers. He joins WatchGuard from Sophos, where he spent 15 years in a variety of sales leadership roles.
“I’m thoroughly impressed by WatchGuard’s unwavering and long-term commitment to the channel, particularly in how the company has truly brought simplified enterprise-grade cybersecurity to MSPs,” said Workman. “Many companies aspire to simplify security, but WatchGuard has dedicated the resources and commitment to do it.”
Finally, Karen Ray joins WatchGuard with more than 20 years of field and partner marketing and demand generation expertise. She held a variety of senior roles in channel marketing at Juniper Networks, and most recently was VP of global field and partner marketing. Prior to Juniper, she held senior-level roles in marketing and product management at Ingram Micro.
“At other companies, the channel can often become an afterthought, but not at WatchGuard,” said Ray. “It’s refreshing to join a company where everyone has such a deep understanding of the channel. The WatchGuard team knows what drives MSPs and how to enable their businesses to grow and thrive.”
To learn more about the WatchGuardONE channel program, or to join, click here.
