Axcient has hired former Webroot Chief Revenue Officer David Bennett as CEO. His start date is March 4. Ironically, the announcement comes less than one week after potential Axcient rival Carbonite acquired Webroot.
Axcient's CEO slot has been vacant since Matt Nachtrab stepped down from the data protection and business continuity software provider in mid-2018. The company has been in evolution mode since eFolder and Axcient merged in mid-2017. Key rivals in the MSP-centric SMB market include Datto, Acronis, Barracuda Networks, StorageCraft and Veeam, among many others. Carbonite is now pressing into that market as well.
Bennett brings a strong MSP-centric reputation to Axcient. Webroot achieved 19 consecutive quarters of double-digit growth during his time at the company, and much of that growth involved MSP engagements.
Axcient is respected by its MSP base, mostly because the company's eFolder roots were channel-loyal throughout its history. But the company must differentiate in a crowded market. And at times, it must also move faster.
Axcient: One Name, One Company, Sharpened Focus
It took more than a year after the M&A deal to standardize the business on one name (Axcient), but that step in November 2018 provided clarity about the company's vision and partner strategy. Among those who have strongly influenced the business in recent months: President Eric White; Chief Revenue Officer Jeff Cummings; Chief Marketing Officer Angus Robertson; and CTO Kevin Hoffman.
Axcient, like many of its MSP-centric software rivals, is private equity owned.
