Palo Alto Networks names former Google, SoftBank exec Nikesh Arora as its new CEO

Palo Alto Networks has named Nikesh Arora as its new chief executive officer and chairman of the Board of Directors, effective June 6.

Arora succeeds Mark McLaughlin, who is taking up the role of vice chairman of the Board.

Arora formerly served as president and chief operating officer at SoftBank and as chief business officer at Google. At Google, he was instrumental in growing that company’s search business from US$2 billion to over US$60 billion in revenues, managed some 20,000 employees, and developed a substantial track record of driving innovation and delivering business success.

Palo Alto said Arora has extensive experience in scaling technology businesses, running very large organizations, and operating globally.

“The company is executing extremely well and is the clear leader in next-generation security. Over the course of several quarters, I have been discussing succession planning with the Board and I couldn’t be more pleased that we have found a leader in Nikesh who is ideally suited to take the company on the next leg of its journey. I look forward to working with Nikesh as we transition and serving as vice chairman of the Board,” said McLaughlin.

 

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