Riverbed Technology Exec Joins Palo Alto Networks

**Editor’s Note: Click here to see which channel people were on the move in July.**

Palo Alto Networks has tasked a new employee with leading the company’s sales and channel efforts.

Dave Peranich is now serving as the executive vice president of worldwide sales for the security provider. Palo Alto said his experience brings a “focus on sales and the channel [that] will provide even more capacity for our growth.”

“We went through an extensive search process to find the right leader for our sales organization who can provide maximum focus as we scale, and Dave is the ideal addition to the team,” said Mark Anderson, Palo Alto president.

Peranich spent the last decade at Riverbed Technology, where he most recently worked as president of the company. He has also served as CEO of Centrata and in various roles at Siebel Systems.

“With our natively integrated and highly automated next-generation security platform, the company has delivered unprecedented growth to date, and I look forward to leading the sales and channel organization as we expand our global reach and redefine security in the digital age,” Peranich said.{ad}

He will be reporting to Anderson, who in the same announcement accepted the promotion from vice president of worldwide field operations to president.

Palo Alto CEO Mark McLaughlin said the changes in executives fit into the company’s larger strategy.

“Since inception, we have consistently designed the organization for focus and capacity as we rapidly scale, significantly outpace industry growth rates, and quickly acquire market share,” he said. “I am delighted with these appointments that will enable us to continue our march to be the leading global security company and seamlessly scale our organization. I look forward to working with both Mark and Dave for years to come.”