Cyber security solutions provider Fortinet has appointed Peter Saunders as New Zealand Country Manager, replacing Jon McGettigan, who was promoted to Fortinet’s Regional Director for A/NZ and South Pacific in April.
Joining the company from his role as Client Executive as Veda, Saunders was previously Client Manager for IBM New Zealand, responsible for the tech giant’s growth accounts in the Wellington and South Island areas.
As Country Manager, Saunders will provide direction for Fortinet's New Zealand operations, lead high-level engagement with key enterprise clients, and ensure that Fortinet's partners get all the resource they need to continue to break sales records.
“My role is to help Fortinet New Zealand maintain the rapid growth that Jon and his team have generated over the last two years,” Saunders says.
“I will work closely with our channel partners to help them articulate Fortinet’s value proposition to clients and prospects.
“We want to solidify Fortinet’s reputation as the most strategic security solution provider for New Zealand enterprises, especially organisations in the finance, telecommunications, government and education sectors.”
Saunders has has many years of channel and customer facing experience, having worked in senior roles within IBM and data analytics company Veda, servicing some of the companies' largest clients.
“We are fortunate to get a Country Manager of Peter’s calibre,” McGettigan says.
“Finding someone at the executive level who combines solid business acumen with an appreciation of the sales process is a big ask, and we are very pleased to be able to take advantage of Peter's ability to zero in on the key market drivers, and his talent for ensuring that all parties reap maximum rewards from their engagements.”
For Saunders, his first task in the job will be to sit down with Kiwi organisations to discuss the growing concern for cyber security across the country.
“Cyber security is a top concern for New Zealand enterprises and I am excited to be joining an industry leader like Fortinet,” Saunders adds.
“I look forward to leveraging my extensive experience in channel management and client service delivery to the benefit of both partners and customers.”