Mimecast, a cloud security company specializing in Microsoft Exchange security, has undergone a significant leadership change as co-founder Peter Bauer steps down from his role as CEO. After 21 years of leadership, Bauer expressed satisfaction in “passing the leadership torch” and will remain on the board of the company. The newly appointed CEO is Marc van Zadelhoff, a co-founder of IBM’s $2.5 billion security practice and former CEO of Devo, a cloud-native security analytics company. Van Zadelhoff, who begins his role on Monday, highlighted Mimecast’s effectiveness in protecting against contemporary cybersecurity threats, especially amid the increasing risks associated with employee collaboration.
The leadership transition at Mimecast comes less than two years after the company went private following a $5.8 billion acquisition by private equity firm Permira. This strategic move aims to position Mimecast effectively in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape. Van Zadelhoff, in a LinkedIn post, expressed his confidence in joining Mimecast, emphasizing the unique opportunity to work with a dedicated board, founders, and investors. The change in leadership reflects the dynamic nature of the industry, with competitors like Proofpoint recently appointing a new CEO, signaling the ongoing importance of effective leadership in navigating the complexities of cybersecurity.
Chair of the board of directors overseeing Mimecast, Michail Zekkos, praised Peter Bauer for his “exceptional leadership and impact” during his tenure. The board looks forward to welcoming Marc van Zadelhoff as the new CEO, expressing confidence in his ability to lead Mimecast forward. The transition reflects Mimecast’s commitment to adapting and strengthening its position in the face of evolving cybersecurity challenges, ensuring the company’s continued success in the protection of cloud-based communication and collaboration platforms.
