WatchGuard strengthens leadership team with three new executives

WatchGuard Technologies has announced the addition of three new executives to its senior leadership team in sales and global marketing. Derek Maggiacomo, Rich Workman, and Karen Ray have been appointed to strengthen the company's focus on serving managed service providers (MSPs). The new hires are expected to bring their extensive experience in the cybersecurity and channel sectors to further WatchGuard's partner-first mission.

Derek Maggiacomo has been named the vice president of Americas sales. He arrives from SonicWall, where he most recently led the North America sales team. Before SonicWall, Maggiacomo contributed to building Juniper Networks' U.S. channel presence. He brings over 20 years of experience in managing and scaling sales teams, partner enablement, and recruiting new partners.

Commenting on his new role, Maggiacomo said, "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. 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."

Rich Workman has joined as the new global vice president of renewals sales. He comes to WatchGuard from Sophos, where he spent 15 years in various sales leadership roles. With over two decades of professional sales and leadership experience, Workman specialises in developing strategies that enable MSPs and MSSPs to drive rapid sales growth, particularly in two-tier distribution models. Workman noted the company's commitment to the channel, stating, "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. Many companies aspire to simplify security, but WatchGuard has dedicated the resources and commitment to do it."

Karen Ray has taken on the role of global vice president of field and partner marketing. Previously, she held senior marketing roles at Juniper Networks and Ingram Micro. With more than 20 years of experience in field and partner marketing, Ray is skilled in identifying growth opportunities and executing integrated sales and marketing campaigns to drive revenue.

"At other companies, the channel can often become an afterthought, but not at WatchGuard. 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," said Ray.

WatchGuard Technologies CEO Prakash Panjwani expressed his enthusiasm for the new hires, stating, "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. 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."

Derek Maggiacomo will commence his role in August. HoJin Kim, WatchGuard senior vice president and chief revenue officer, highlighted the significance of his addition to the leadership team. "Derek will officially join WatchGuard in August, bolstering an already powerful Americas leadership team. Chris Wachel, regional vice president of North America, and Richard Fortes, regional vice president of Latin America, have spent 6 and 10 years, respectively, building strong relationships with partners across the region, and together with Derek are primed to take WatchGuard's Americas business to the next level," said Kim.