The leadership team at Fortinet is the driving force behind the company's strategic direction, ensuring that every decision aligns with their mission to deliver top-notch cybersecurity solutions. This team is not just about making decisions; they are about making the right decisions that foster a culture of innovation and growth.
Bringing together expertise from various fields, Fortinet's leaders excel in driving operational excellence and collaboration. Their diverse backgrounds and unified vision create a dynamic environment where innovation thrives, and the company continues to set new standards in the cybersecurity industry.
1) John Whittle
John Whittle, the Chief Operating Officer at Fortinet, plays a crucial role in overseeing the company's day-to-day operations and ensuring that strategic goals are met. His responsibilities include driving operational efficiency and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Since joining Fortinet, Whittle has made significant contributions, particularly in the areas of corporate development and strategic alliances. His leadership has been instrumental in enhancing Fortinet's market position and expanding its global footprint.
With a rich background that includes roles at Corio Inc and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Whittle brings a wealth of experience in legal and corporate governance. He holds a J.D. from Cornell Law School and a B.A. in History from the University of Virginia. For more details on his career, visit Fortinet COO.
2) Michael Xie
Michael Xie, as the Founder, President, Chief Technology Officer, and Director at Fortinet, is responsible for driving the company's technological vision and innovation. His main areas of expertise include cybersecurity architecture and advanced threat protection.
Before founding Fortinet in 2000, Xie worked as a Software Architect at NetScreen Technologies and a Software Designer at Milkyway Networks Corp. His professional journey is marked by a strong background in software design and network security.
With advanced degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering from the University of Manitoba and engineering from Tsinghua University, Xie leads key projects that enhance Fortinet's product offerings. His impact on Fortinet is evident in the company's robust cybersecurity solutions and market leadership.
3) Keith Jensen
Keith Jensen, the Chief Financial Officer at Fortinet since May 2018, is responsible for overseeing the company's financial strategy and ensuring fiscal health. His contributions include optimizing financial operations and driving growth through strategic financial planning.
Jensen's career spans several high-profile roles, including Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller at Fortinet since 2014, and similar positions at DataDirect Networks and Sybase. His extensive experience in financial management and corporate governance has been instrumental in shaping Fortinet's financial policies.
At Fortinet, Jensen manages a team of financial professionals and leads initiatives aimed at enhancing financial reporting and compliance. His background as a Senior Audit Manager at PWC and CFO at Dorado underscores his expertise in audit and financial oversight, making him a key player in Fortinet's leadership team.
4) Patrice Perche
Patrice Perche, the Chief Revenue Officer & EVP, Support at Fortinet, is responsible for driving the company's revenue growth and overseeing global support operations. His areas of expertise include international sales and customer support, ensuring that Fortinet's clients receive top-tier service and solutions.
With a professional background that includes roles such as Senior Executive Vice President, Worldwide Sales & Support, and Vice President International Sales & Support, Perche has been instrumental in expanding Fortinet's global market presence. He co-founded Risc IT Solutions Ltd, where he served as President & CEO, showcasing his leadership and strategic vision in the tech industry.
5) John Maddison
John Maddison, the Chief Marketing Officer at Fortinet, is responsible for driving the company's global marketing strategies and product initiatives. Since joining Fortinet in 2012, Maddison has played a pivotal role in enhancing the company's market presence and product portfolio.
With a career spanning over three decades, Maddison has held various leadership roles at Trend Micro, VINA Technologies, and Nokia. His extensive experience in product management and marketing has been instrumental in leading significant projects that bolster Fortinet's position in the cybersecurity industry.
6) Ana Pease
Ana Pease, the Vice President of Talent Management and Operations at Fortinet, is responsible for overseeing talent acquisition, employee development, and operational efficiency within the company. Her expertise lies in human resources management, with a focus on fostering a productive and engaged workforce.
Pease's career spans over two decades, with significant roles at companies like Gigamon, Sigma Designs, and Cypress Semiconductor. Her notable skills include strategic HR planning and global human resources management, making her a key player in Fortinet's leadership team.
7) Chris Perna
Chris Perna, serving as the Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Fortinet, specializes in staffing and recruitment strategies. His role involves overseeing the company's talent acquisition efforts, ensuring that Fortinet attracts and retains top-tier talent.
Perna's career journey includes significant roles such as Sr Director of Staffing at Fortinet and Owner of CJP Associates, Inc. His contributions have been pivotal in enhancing Fortinet's recruitment processes, and he manages key projects aimed at optimizing staffing efficiency.
8) Peter Salkowski
Peter Salkowski, the Senior Vice President of Finance and Investor Relations at Fortinet, specializes in managing investor relations and financial strategies. His role involves overseeing communication with investors and ensuring the company's financial health.
With a career that includes significant roles at GoPro, DreamWorks Animation, and Goldman Sachs, Salkowski brings a wealth of experience in finance and investor relations. He holds advanced degrees in Finance and Mathematics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, underscoring his expertise in these fields.
9) Christiane Ohlgart
Christiane Ohlgart, the Chief Accounting Officer at Fortinet, is responsible for overseeing the company's accounting operations and ensuring compliance with financial regulations. Her key skills include financial reporting, corporate governance, and strategic financial planning.
Ohlgart's extensive background includes roles at IGEL Technology, Syapse, and SuccessFactors, where she honed her expertise in finance and accounting. At Fortinet, she leads initiatives aimed at enhancing financial transparency and manages a team dedicated to maintaining the company's fiscal health.
10) Carl Windsor
Carl Windsor, the Chief Information Security Officer at Fortinet, is responsible for overseeing the company's information security strategy and ensuring the protection of its digital assets. With a career at Fortinet spanning over a decade, Windsor has held various leadership roles, including Senior Vice President of Product Technology & Solutions and Vice President and Field Chief Technology Officer.
Windsor's expertise in product management and cybersecurity is backed by a Ph.D. in Computational and Theoretical Chemistry from The University of Manchester. His significant contributions to Fortinet include enhancing product offerings and driving technological innovation, making him a pivotal figure in the company's leadership team.
Fortinet Org Chart
At the top of Fortinet's organizational chart is the Founder, President, Chief Technology Officer, and Director, Michael Xie, who drives the company's technological vision and innovation. Reporting directly to him are key executives including John Whittle, the Chief Operating Officer, and Keith Jensen, the Chief Financial Officer, who oversee day-to-day operations and financial strategy, respectively.
Supporting this leadership are executives like Patrice Perche, the Chief Revenue Officer & EVP, Support, and John Maddison, the Chief Marketing Officer, who focus on revenue growth and global marketing strategies. Additionally, Ana Pease, the Vice President of Talent Management and Operations, and Chris Perna, the Vice President of Talent Acquisition, ensure that Fortinet attracts and retains top talent, aligning with the company's mission and values.