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Check Point Software Technologies Ltd, a leading provider of cyber security solutions globally, announced today that Les Williamson has joined the business as managing director for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).
With over three decades of IT and leadership experience, Williamson will be responsible for driving new business and revenue expansion for Check Point in the Australia and New Zealand market. As a key member of the Asia-Pacific leadership, Williamson will continue to manage a high performing and diverse sales team, and implement local strategies to drive further growth in an increasingly virtual world with expanded cyber security threats.
Prior to joining Check Point, Williamson has held country and regional leadership roles at global organisations including Ericsson, Cisco, Citrix and most recently AWS, where he led the telecom business development function for Asia-Pacific and Japan.
Williamson will report directly to Sharat Sinha, vice president and general manager for Asia-Pacific and Japan.
“We’re incredibly excited to have Les, an industry veteran, leading the Australian and New Zealand business.
“Our strategic direction is built around delivering the best security solutions to partners and customers and Les’ industry experience and expert leadership will enable the development of ANZ companies' security strategy required for their own digital transformation.
“By leveraging Check Point’s extensive security portfolio to provide this consolidated approach to prevention-first security, I’m confident that Les will bring a significant contribution to the development of our clients’ security and digital strategies, and protect their business for continued growth,” Sinha said.
“Joining Check Point at a time of great momentum to spearhead growth in the region is an honour,” according to newly appointed Williamson.
“As digital transformation picks up speed, the need for comprehensive and trusted cyber security also increases in focus, and importance.
“Check Point Intelligence reports show a complex reality, with Australian and New Zealand organisations experiencing an average 890 cyber attacks per week in the last six months.
“At the same time, we see both markets and borders reopening and a push to regain economic momentum. So, it’s imperative for organisations to strengthen their cyber defences and protect their bottom lines,” Williamson said.
By appointing Williamson, Check Point is set to continue delivering accelerated growth opportunities for clients and partners as part of the company’s new “You Deserve the Best Security” strategy, revealed earlier this year at the annual CPX 360 partner event series along with the announcement of Quantum Lightspeed.
In February, the company bolstered Harmony Connect Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) to provide seamless network connectivity and prevent threats as many companies continue to work remotely or shift to hybrid or remote work models.
The announcement follows the recent promotion of Rod Thorne as Australia country manager and executive appointments with Mark Baker as New Zealand country manager, Leo Lynch as head of channels ANZ, and John Marshall as head of distribution ANZ, bolstering Check Point’s leadership team.
Last year, Check Point was also recognised globally as the “Best Cyber Security Employer” by Forbes World’s Best Employers, in line with Check Point’s efforts to expand their organisation across APAC, with a recent Young Professionals program to train, mentor and hire 100 professionals for a career in cyber security.
“Working with my team, we will look to offer ‘prevention-first’ solutions that go beyond traditional security,” Marshall further explained, in order to protect areas that customers have not even thought about.
“It’s always a prized opportunity to be part of something that brings true customer business relevance, and contributes positively to the broader ANZ economy,” Marshall concluded.
[Related: Mailchimp breach led to cyber security ‘negligence’ lawsuit]
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