Network security firm Sourcefire, Inc. today said that its Chief Executive Officer, John Burris, who has been on medical leave since early summer, has now retired, effective immediately.
Sourcefire announced in early July that Burris had taken a medical leave of absence to undergo a series of treatments for colon cancer.
Company founder Martin Roesch has been serving as interim Chief Executive Officer while Burris was on leave, and will continue to serve as the interim chief executive officer while a search is conducted for Burris’ successor.
Mr. Burris remains a member of the Board of Directors and will participate as his health permits, the company said.
“John is a great leader and friend, and we are sad to see him retire from his day-to-day responsibilities at Sourcefire. We wish him the best as he continues to focus on his health,” said Lt. Gen. Steven R. Polk, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Sourcefire.
“Upon becoming CEO in 2008, John laid out a clear vision for Sourcefire’s next phase of development and during his tenure Sourcefire has achieved sustained profitability, expanded its relationship with the indirect sales channel to increase reach and drive revenue growth and become a multi-product company,” Lt. Gen. Polk added. “These initiatives have positioned Sourcefire for sustained long-term growth and we are confident in the foundation and team John helped to build.”
“While I am sad to announce my retirement, I am excited and confident about the Company’s Agile Security vision and the strong team we have assembled to execute on the growing opportunity in front of Sourcefire,” Burris said. “I feel that a dynamic company like Sourcefire deserves a CEO that can solely dedicate his or her efforts to the future of the company and therefore, I believe my retirement at this time is in the best interest of our shareholders, customers and employees.”
A former Citrix Systems executive, Burris, 57, has been Chief Executive Officer and a member of the board of directors of Sourcefire since 2008.
Sourcefire has hired executive search firm Chartwell Partners to assist in the search for Burris’ successor.
