WatchGuard Names Former SafeNet Exec as CEO

Prakash Panjwani Named CEO at WatchGuard Technologies

Seattled-based network security firm WatchGuard Technologies announced on Wednesday that Prakash Panjwani has been named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.

Panjwani comes to WatchGuard from SafeNet, a data protection company that was recently acquired by European security firm Gemalto for $890 million in cash. Before becoming CEO of SafeNet in June 2014, he was the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the company’s Data Protection group.

“2014 was a record year for WatchGuard in terms of growth, product innovation, and industry awards. To keep that momentum going, we’re excited to announce Prakash Panjwani has joined the WatchGuard team as its new CEO,” said Mike Kohlsdorf, an operating partner with Francisco Partners who has served as interim CEO. “Prakash helped SafeNet grow from a small start-up to one of the industry’s leading data security companies. His keen understanding of the security space, combined with his leadership expertise will help ensure WatchGuard continues to deliver powerful security solutions to organizations around the world.”

During his 12 year run at SafeNet, Panjwani was responsible for refocusing the company’s data protection product portfolio on crypto management, data encryption, and authentication. Prior to SafeNet, Prakash spent several years at Certicom Corporation in various management positions, including Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Business Development. Prior to Certicom, he served in various roles at Motorola Inc. and Telcordia (formerly Bellcore).

Panjwanand and Kohlsdorf, will be joining SafeNet’s Board of Directors.