Sophos hires former Exclusive Networks SVP Gerard Allison to head up EMEA sales

Allison’s resume also includes private security group Gigamon and Juniper Networks

Cybersecurity vendor Sophos has recruited Gerard Allison as its new senior vice president of sales for EMEA.

He joins from European distribution giant Exclusive Networks where he spent three years as its SVP of the region.

Prior to this Allison served as VP for EMEA at Gigamon from January 2017 to January 2020, and spent almost 13 years at Juniper Networks in several roles including SVP EMEA sales, VP EMEA partners and alliances, and VP EMEA enterprise sales.

"We are very excited Gerard joined Sophos to lead and help accelerate our growth efforts in EMEA, one of the largest regions for the company," said Sophos chief revenue officer, Michael Valentine.

"Gerard has a deep understanding of the distribution and reseller channel, as well as extensive knowledge of successfully establishing new routes to market.

"With this impressive track record, Gerard will be a valuable and important Sophos sales leader overseeing EMEA, particularly as we head into 2023 with our new Sophos Managed Detection and Response service."

A focus on building Sophos' MDR service

The group unveiled its MDR service in October to allow it to respond to a wider range of threats across the security landscape.

Allison added: "Sophos is an industry leader, pioneering the way with a new type of MDR service that every organisation can benefit from, so I am thrilled to be joining Sophos at this time and leading the company's impressive sales team in EMEA.

"I am also looking forward to working closely with our extensive partner network in the region to develop new revenue streams and ensure customers have the proper security needed to defend against today's persistent attackers."