Bird swoops into Check Point's UK hotseat

Partners hail arrival of new boss Keith Bird

Keith Bird was unveiled as Check Point's new UK boss last night as the security vendor opened its swanky new UK headquarters in Moorgate.

The Check Point UK hotseat has remained vacant since July, when Terry Greer-King departed for pastures new after three years in the role.

Bird (pictured), a veteran of the security channel having helmed SonicWall's EMEA operations until a few years back, starts on Monday, partners have been informed.

It is understood that Check Point considered several high-profile industry figures for the role before settling on Bird. This includes former F5 executive Andy Travers, who we understand this week accepted a job at Check Point arch rival Fortinet. Arrow ECS' former security boss, James Pattinson, is also known to have been in the frame at one point.

Jon Busfield, managing director of Check Point Gold partner Cygnia, said Bird would be a good fit for the role.

"Our Check Point sales have doubled this year and I am looking forward to that trend continuing now that the uncertainty over who will lead the UK team has gone," he said.

Ian Kilpatrick, chairman of Check Point distributor Wick Hill, said: "Keith is an excellent choice by Check Point. He's highly respected with a great reputation for delivering growth for the channel"

Greer-King has since resurfaced at Cisco.