Check Point Software Technologies has announced Les Williamson has joined the business as Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand (ANZ).
With over three decades of IT and leadership experience, Les will be responsible for driving new business and revenue expansion for Check Point in the Australia and New Zealand market. As a key member of the Asia Pacific leadership, Les will continue to manage a high performing and diverse sales team, and implement local strategies to drive further growth in an increasingly virtual world with expanded cyber security threats.
Prior to joining Check Point, Les has held country and regional leadership roles at global organisations including Ericsson, Cisco, Citrix and most recently AWS, where he led the Telecom Business Development function for Asia Pacific and Japan.
Les will report directly to Sharat Sinha, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific and Japan. Commenting on Les’ appointment, Sinha said, “We’re incredibly excited to have Les, an industry veteran, leading the Australian and New Zealand business. Our strategic direction is built around delivering the best security solutions to partners and customers and Les’s industry experience and expert leadership will enable the development of ANZ companies’ security strategy required for their own digital transformation. By leveraging Check Point’s extensive security portfolio to provide this consolidated approach to prevention-first security, I’m confident that Les will bring a significant contribution to the development of our clients’ security and digital strategies, and protect their business for continued growth.”
Les Williamson, Check Point Managing Director, Australia and New Zealand said, “I’m honoured to be joining Check Point at a time of great momentum to spearhead growth in the region. As digital transformation picks up speed, the need for comprehensive and trusted cyber security also increases in focus, and importance. Check Point’ Intelligence reports show a complex reality, with Australian and New Zealand organisations experiencing an average 890 cyberattacks per week in the last six months.”
He continued, “At the same time, we see both markets and borders reopening and a push to regain economic momentum. So, it’s imperative for organisations to strengthen their cyber defences and protect their bottom lines. Working with my team, we will look to offer ‘prevention-first’ solutions that go beyond traditional security, protecting areas that our customers have not even thought about. It’s always a prized opportunity to be part of something that brings true customer business relevance, and contributes positively to the broader ANZ economy.”
The announcement follows the recent promotion of Rod Thorne as Australia Country Manager and executive appointments with Mark Baker as New Zealand Country Manager, Leo Lynch as Head of Channels ANZ, and John Marshall as Head of Distribution ANZ, bolstering Check Point’s leadership team.
