Palo Alto Networks Adds Former Intel Security Exec As Head Of Global Partner Experience

Palo Alto Networks has expanded its channel executive leadership lineup, adding former Intel Security executive Lang Tibbils to a newly created position in charge of global partner experiences.

Tibbils officially started at the company in July, according to his LinkedIn profile.

That new role will entail working with Palo Alto Networks to drive an internal and external partner communication strategy around the globe, Tibbils said, when confirming the move to CRN in an email.

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"I will be a partner advocate internally and a Palo Alto Networks evangelist externally," Tibbils said.

Tibbils said those communications will emphasize "strengthening loyalty," "accelerating growth" and "maximizing awareness and adoption" of partner programs and resources. The end goal of those efforts, Tibbils said, is to drive "the next phase of Palo Alto Networks' partner story."

Palo Alto Networks confirmed that Tibbils had joined the company, but declined to comment further.

The addition of Tibbils comes on the heels of a series of top-level executive additions by the Santa Clara, Calif.-based company in recent months, including Lyle Speirs, global director of partner programs; Sean Duca, CSO for Asia Pacific; William Saito, CSO and vice chairman for Japan; and Michael Herman, VP EMEA channels.

Tibbils came to the vendor most recently from Intel Security, where he led worldwide channel marketing until April. There, he was known as the driving force behind the company's transformation of its Partner Portal content, partner demand generation efforts and social media.

Prior to joining Intel in 2011, Tibbils served as the global leader for strategic communications for Cisco's worldwide partner program. It's that background that partners hope Tibbils can leverage at Palo Alto Networks.

While he doesn't know him directly, John Riconda, CEO at Bohemia, N.Y.-based CCSI, a Palo Alto Networks partner, said that Tibbils' strong channel background should serve the vendor well as it continues its rapid growth trajectory.

"I'm glad that he's coming and bringing strength to the channel," Riconda said. "These guys are growing fast and furiously."

Riconda said he hopes Tibbils will expand the company's marketing tools for partners, as well as encourage the company to continue building and expanding its partner program.

"Hopefully, he'll be able to do something great with Palo [Alto Networks]," Riconda said.

PUBLISHED JULY 17, 2015