Cohesity appoints its very first CISO

Brian Spanswick has today been revealed as Cohesity's very first chief information security officer (CISO).

In the newly created role, Spanswick will focus on advancing and optimising IT and security for Cohesity and its customers, the company says — a position that is 'critical' as data management company continues to experience rapid growth while helping customers combat the ongoing threat of ransomware attacks.

"I'm very excited to join the team at Cohesity. The company's multicloud data management platform can help organisations dramatically simplify their data management processes while helping to improve their security posture," says Spanswick. "

As CISO, I will focus on delivering IT strategies that directly support the priorities of the business, while helping our customers meet their data management needs.

The new CISO joins Cohesity after a stint as senior director of risk and information for Splunk's Global Security team.

Prior to Splunk, Spanswick spent more than eight years in various IT leadership roles at the health IT and medical supplies company McKesson. He has also previously held positions at ESI Consulting, Verano, and Grainger.

"As the company continues to rapidly grow and expand globally, this is the perfect time to bring on someone with Brian's deep experience in IT and security," says Cohesity founder and CEO Mohit Aron.

"Brian will ensure we have the right IT business operations in place to fuel the next wave of growth at Cohesity.

"He will also lead the charge in overseeing security operations -- a role that's vitally important as data security and compliance remain top priorities for the company and for our customers.

The news comes only a week after Cohesity announced its most recent company valuation: $3.7 billion, a $1.2 billion jump from its valuation less than 12 months ago.

The valuation was established in line with a $145 million tender offer made by investors to Cohesity employees who want the option to sell a small portion of their equity for liquidity, the company states.

This non-dilutive transaction was led by Steadfast Capital Ventures and supported by a syndicate of new and existing investors, including Premji Invest.

The valuation comes as Cohesity reports significant results from its fiscal second quarter ending Jan. 31, 2021.

The company saw year-over-year (YoY) growth in annual recurring revenues (ARR), a continued surge in customer wins globally, and a rapidly increasing number of customers spending $5 million or more in total lifetime spend on Cohesity software.