John Watters Rejoins FireEye Executive Team as President and Chief Operating Officer

Rhea-AI Summary

FireEye, Inc. (NASDAQ: FEYE) has appointed John Watters as president and chief operating officer. With extensive experience, including founding iSIGHT Partners and holding various senior roles at FireEye, Watters aims to accelerate the company's transition to Security as a Service. CEO Kevin Mandia praised his operational knowledge and passion for security. Watters emphasized the opportunity to innovate in the security sector, aligning with the company's mission to enhance Mandiant solutions. FireEye serves over 9,900 customers worldwide, including more than 50% of the Forbes Global 2000.

Positive

• John Watters appointed as president and COO, enhancing leadership.
• Watters possesses extensive experience in security and business operations.
• Focus on accelerating transition to Security as a Service and Mandiant solutions.

Negative

• None.

FireEye, Inc. (NASDAQ: FEYE), the intelligence-led security company, announced John Watters has been appointed president and chief operating officer after holding multiple senior leadership and advisory positions at the company, most recently as chairman of the FireEye advisory board. In this role, Watters will bring his operational experience and knowledge of the company to further accelerate our transition to Security as a Service and a Solutions company.

Watters founded iSIGHT Partners and served as its chairman and CEO from November 2006 to February 2016, leading the company to a successful acquisition by FireEye. Following the acquisition, Watters held various senior leadership roles within FireEye, initially as president of the FireEye iSIGHT intelligence business and then as executive vice president of Global Services and Intelligence. He held that position until February 2018, when he was appointed executive vice president and chief strategy officer. Watters stepped down from that role in April 2020 but remained engaged with the company as a senior consultant and then chairman of the company’s Advisory Board.

“He combines the speed and agility of a founder with great operational experience and deep security knowledge,” said FireEye CEO Kevin Mandia. “He’s already familiar with the company and has the knowledge and the passion to accelerate our evolution of our Mandiant solutions business.”

Prior to iSIGHT Partners, Watters was chairman and chief executive officer of iDEFENSE, a security intelligence firm acquired by VeriSign in 2005. In addition, Watters is the founder, a director and president of the STAIRS Program, a non-profit organization supporting inner-city education. He holds a B.S.C degree in Finance from Santa Clara University.

“We have the opportunity to change the game in security, and I’m here to make sure we execute against the challenges ahead,” said Watters. “Kevin and I are aligned on our mission and vision, and I'm excited to join the team to help execute on the strategy.”

About FireEye, Inc.

FireEye is the intelligence-led security company. Working as a seamless, scalable extension of customer security operations, FireEye offers a single platform that blends innovative security technologies, nation-state grade threat intelligence, and world-renowned Mandiant® consulting. With this approach, FireEye eliminates the complexity and burden of cyber security for organizations struggling to prepare for, prevent, and respond to cyber attacks. FireEye has over 9,900 customers across 103 countries, including more than 50 percent of the Forbes Global 2000.

© 2021 FireEye, Inc. All rights reserved. FireEye and Mandiant are registered trademarks or trademarks of FireEye, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other brands, products, or service names are or may be trademarks or service marks of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210407005926/en/

FAQ

Who is the new president and COO of FireEye (FEYE)?

John Watters has been appointed as the new president and COO of FireEye.

What is the focus of John Watters' role at FireEye?

Watters aims to accelerate FireEye's transition to Security as a Service and enhance Mandiant solutions.

What experience does John Watters bring to FireEye?

Watters has previously founded iSIGHT Partners and held multiple senior roles at FireEye.

How many customers does FireEye serve?

FireEye serves over 9,900 customers across 103 countries.

What significant company transitions is FireEye undergoing?

FireEye is transitioning towards a focus on Security as a Service and improving Mandiant solutions.