Dell has recruited FireEye Channel Chief Steve Pataky as its new VP of worldwide security sales, Dell Security Solutions. The move further strengthens an already seasoned channel team, while emphasizing Dell's continued push into the security market. Among the wildcard that's yet to be addressed: How Pataky will potentially coordinate efforts with RSA Security, which Dell is set to acquire as part of the EMC Corp. buyout.
Also of note: Pataky and Dell VP of North American Channels Frank Vitagliano both are Juniper veterans -- perhaps an indication that Vitagliano helped to recruit Pataky to the hardware giant. Or perhaps merely ChannelE2E's effort to spark a conversation with Vitagliano and Pataky during a partner conference down the road (wink, wink).
Dell confirmed Pataky's hiring in a blog post, penned by Curtis Hutcheson, VP & GM of Dell Security Solutions. In it, Hutcheson stated:
"Steve brings with him more than 25 years of experience and an industry reputation for architecting and executing global sales, channel and go-to-market strategies. He’s also well recognized for building world-class teams, innovative enterprise/commercial sales motions, and comprehensive Field/Partner programs that drive partner-fueled revenue growth."
Indeed, Pataky played a key role in FireEyes' recent growth. But in some ways, the security company couldn't keep up with Wall Street's lofty growth expectations. The company's Q3 2015 revenues -- announced Nov. 4, 2015 -- skyrocketed 45 percent to $166 million. Investors, however, punished the stock at the time because grown and profits fell short of expectations. The company's stock currently trades around $16.85 -- near a 52-week low and far below the 52-high of $55.33.
Dell's Security Partner Program
Meanhwhile, Pataky's career move formalize's Dell's shift to a partner-led selling model across Dell SonicWALL and Dell One Identity, with the goal of every customer being able to leverage a high-value security solutions provider, Hutcheson asserted.
By mentioning Dell SonicWALL, Hutcheson may silence recent rumors that the company was looking to sell off its SonicWALL business. The potential move, along with a potential Perot Systems sale, could help Dell to strengthen its balance sheet ahead of the $67 billion buyout of EMC and VMware. That pending deal, expected to close between May and October 2016, also includes RSA Security.
Dell Preparing for RSA 2016? Yes Indeed
Without mentioning all the M&A activity by name, Hutcheson made it clear that Pataky and Dell will have an active role at the RSA 2016 conference -- which kicks off Feb. 29 in San Francisco. "We’ll be sharing more updates to our solutions as we move towards RSA 2016," Hutcheson wrote.
