KnowBe4 Appoints Bryan Palma as President and CEO

Global cybersecurity firm KnowBe4 recently announced significant executive changes, effective May 5. Security industry veteran Bryan Palma will take over as President and CEO, while founder Stu Sjouwerman transitions to the role of Executive Chairman. This shift signals KnowBe4's strategic focus on expanding its market presence and accelerating technological innovation. Background and Experience of Bryan Palma Bryan Palma brings over 25 years of leadership experience in technology, particularly excelling in driving profitability, enhancing customer experiences, and optimizing operational speed. Most recently, he served as CEO of Trellix, a major player in the cybersecurity industry formed by the merger of FireEye and McAfee Enterprise. During his tenure at Trellix, Palma successfully integrated the two companies and led several key acquisitions, including Mandiant. His professional journey includes high-level roles at Cisco, Boeing, EDS, PepsiCo, and the U.S. Secret Service, where he guided significant technological and business transformations. Palma holds an MBA from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business, a Master’s in Education from the University of Maryland, and a Bachelor’s in Humanities from the University of Richmond. He is also a member of the President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC) and the board of CloudBees. Stu Sjouwerman's Legacy Stu Sjouwerman founded KnowBe4 15 years ago and has shepherded the company through multiple milestones, including rounds of venture capital funding, strategic acquisitions, and a successful IPO. Under his leadership, KnowBe4 has grown to serve over 70,000 customers across various sectors, from small businesses to large multinational corporations. The company's hallmark is its HRM+ platform, which integrates security awareness training, compliance education, cloud email protection, real-time guidance, collaborative phishing defense, and AI-driven agents. These tools aim to transform employees from potential attack vectors into robust security assets, helping organizations build adaptive defense mechanisms against evolving cyber threats. Transition and Future Plans Palma expressed his enthusiasm for joining KnowBe4 during this critical phase. "It is a great honor to join at this pivotal moment. I look forward to accelerating the company's growth and solidifying its leadership in the cybersecurity space, particularly in managing human risk and applying AI," he said. He emphasized his commitment to serving global clients and embracing KnowBe4's unique culture. As Executive Chairman, Sjouwerman will continue to shape the company's long-term strategy, with a special focus on AI innovation. "I am very proud to have built a company that leads in the emerging market of human risk management. Bryan's exceptional record in the cybersecurity field gives me great confidence in the future of KnowBe4," he stated. Sjouwerman will work closely with Palma to ensure a smooth transition and maintain continuity in strategic direction. KnowBe4's Impact and Market Position KnowBe4 stands out as the only global provider offering a comprehensive risk management platform tailored to address human risk. The HRM+ platform leverages personalized, relevant content and cutting-edge technology to foster smarter security behaviors. By integrating various modules such as awareness training, compliance, cloud email security, real-time coaching, and AI defense agents, KnowBe4 transforms employees into the first line of defense against cyber attacks. The company's services are crucial for organizations navigating the complex landscape of modern threats. Industry Reactions The appointment of Bryan Palma has been met with widespread approval and optimism within the cybersecurity community. An industry expert commented, "Palma's addition to KnowBe4 is a strategic move that positions the company to advance further in both technology and market reach. His background perfectly aligns with KnowBe4's mission to reduce human-caused security threats through education." This change is seen as a testament to KnowBe4's current achievements and its promising future under Palma's leadership. Looking Forward With Palma at the helm, KnowBe4 is poised to enhance its international influence and spearhead advancements in enterprise security culture and risk mitigation. Sjouwerman's ongoing involvement in AI initiatives ensures that the company remains at the forefront of technological trends, paving the way for sustained success and innovative solutions. In summary, the appointment of Bryan Palma as the new President and CEO marks a significant chapter in KnowBe4's evolution. His extensive expertise and proven track record in cybersecurity are expected to drive the company toward greater heights, continuing its mission to protect organizations by educating and empowering their employees. KnowBe4's unique approach to human risk management and its emphasis on AI innovation position it well for future challenges and opportunities in the rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape. For more information about KnowBe4's offerings and initiatives, visit www.knowbe4.com. Company Profile KnowBe4, founded in 2010, is a leading technology firm dedicated to empowering employees to make smart security decisions daily. The company focuses on building strong security cultures within organizations and manages human risk effectively through its comprehensive, AI-driven HRM+ platform. This platform offers a suite of tools and personalized content designed to adapt to the ever-evolving threat environment. With a client base spanning over 70,000 organizations globally, KnowBe4 is recognized as a critical partner in the fight against sophisticated cyber attacks.