Global cybersecurity services provider Nettitude today announced that Karen Bolton, EVP Americas and Chief Marketing Officer, will replace Founder Rowland Johnson as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
Prior to Joining Nettitude in 2017, Karen held leadership positions at Marsh Clearsight, a cloud-based software platform, serving the needs of risk management professionals. She will continue to be based at Nettitude’s North American offices, demonstrating the company’s commitment to growing its international business footprint. Karen will have responsibility for doubling Nettitude’s cyber revenues over the next 4 years, whilst retaining its high-quality research-led service lines. Karen, who has overseen the development of Nettitude’s continuous testing capability, will be joining a small group of female CEOs that run technology companies.
Karen Bolton commented: “It is a source of pride and excitement to be given the opportunity to lead Nettitude’s continued growth. Cybersecurity risk impacts organisations globally and Nettitude is a world-leading provider of threat-led cybersecurity services. My appointment also shows how cybersecurity can be a career choice for women in technology and I’m keen to support the continued advancement of women in cybersecurity roles.”
Rowland, who led Nettitude through its successful acquisition by Lloyd’s Register in 2018 and has gone on to oversee the delivery of all key elements of its two-year post-acquisition financial plan, is stepping down from his position in July 2020 to pursue other opportunities. Over the past two years, Nettitude has opened up overseas offices in Asia and Europe under Rowlands leadership and introduced new service offerings focused on Industrial Control Systems and Operational technology, whilst also maintaining year on year growth of 25%.
Rowland Johnson commented: “It has been a privilege to be the CEO of Nettitude. Over the past 17 years, I have had the honour of working with some of the greatest talent in the cybersecurity industry but now it’s time for someone else to take on the mantle. I’ll still be supporting the business, providing strategic guidance to Nettitude’s leadership team as it continues to develop new research-led, cybersecurity services for an ever-growing customer base.”
Paul Butcher, Managing Director - Lloyd’s Register Business Assurance & Inspection Services, commented: “Rowland has been a driving force in Nettitude, successfully creating a market-leading business which has protected the cybersecurity interests of organisations around the world and we’re fortunate he has chosen to stay on in the role of strategic advisor. I’m delighted Karen has accepted the position of CEO – she has already demonstrated significant expertise and leadership in her roles as EVP and CMO and I’m sure she will build on the company’s past success to ensure an even brighter future for the business in the coming months and years.”
