WatchGuard strengthens leadership team with key appointments to drive growth

Karen Ray

WatchGuard Technologies has announced the appointment of three senior executives to its leadership team, aiming to bolster its channel sales and global marketing efforts. 

The new hires include Derek Maggiacomo as Vice President of Americas Sales, Rich Workman as Vice President of Global Renewals Sales, and Karen Ray as Global Vice President of Field and Partner Marketing.

WatchGuard, a company known for its unified cybersecurity solutions, has strategically positioned these industry veterans to strengthen its partner-first mission, particularly focusing on managed service providers (MSPs). The new leadership is expected to drive the company’s growth and enhance its service offerings. 

In the education sector, WatchGuard provides advanced security solutions to protect educational institutions from cyber threats, ensuring secure network access and data protection for students and staff.

Karen Ray, who comes from Juniper Networks, has over two decades of experience in field and partner marketing. She is recognised for her ability to develop and strengthen strategic alliances and partnerships. Ray’s role at WatchGuard will involve leading field and partner marketing initiatives globally. 

“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. 

Derek Maggiacomo joins WatchGuard from SonicWall, where he led the North America sales team. With over 20 years of experience in the networking and security industry, Maggiacomo is known for his expertise in managing complex partner relationships and scaling sales teams. 

“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.”  

“Derek will officially join WatchGuard in August, bolstering an already powerful Americas leadership team,” said HoJin Kim, WatchGuard senior vice president and chief revenue officer.

“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.”  

Rich Workman

Rich Workman, previously with Sophos, brings extensive experience in channel-focused cybersecurity. His track record includes developing strategies that empower MSPs and driving rapid sales growth. At WatchGuard, Workman will focus on global renewals sales, aiming to enhance the company’s sales performance. 

“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,” said Workman.   

These appointments are part of WatchGuard’s strategy to expand its market presence and enhance its service delivery to partners. 

Prakash Panjwani, CEO of WatchGuard Technologies, expressed confidence in 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.”