CxO of the Week: Carolyn Crandall, CMO and Chief Deception Officer of Attivo Networks

Carolyn Crandall is an IT executive with more than 25 years of background in helping to build state-of-the-art technology markets in networking, security, and storing industries. Over the years, Crandall has proven her skills when it comes to transforming companies. She has demonstrable background in taking them from the pre-IP stage through to multibillion dollar sales.  With a history working alongside leading companies like Riverbed, Cisco, Seagate, and Juniper Networks, Carolyn has excelled throughout her career. She is a reboot leadership honouree, Hall of Femme honouree, and Businesswomen of the Year, named by CRN. Today, Crandall holds the unique position of CMO and Chief Deception Officer with the Attivo Networks brand. 

Transforming the Cybersecurity Industry 

When Crandall joined Attivo Networks in 2015, she had a vision. She wanted to modernise and improve the approach that most businesses take towards cybersecurity and defence by looking at security from a different perspective. Carolyn brought a deception-based focus to Attivo Networks, which has since helped the company grow and evolve as an award-winning leader at developing responses to cyber attackers and criminal efforts.  Since starting with Attivo Networks, Crandall has developed the framework of the brand's channel program. As well as this, she has worked on joint lead generation programs and partner profitability models. She's also been the face behind the company's integration partner program too. Before her time with Attivo, Carolyn founded her own marketing consulting business named Marticulate, which she still runs today. Crandall has also held the position of VP of Marketing at Maxta Incorporated, VP of field marketing at Nimble storage, and VP of WW marketing at Riverbed technology.  During the earlier years of her career, Carolyn was VP of marketing and channels for Seagate. Other roles include Senior VP of Product Marketing for i365, and VP of Global System Integrations for Juniper Networks. She also spent eight years as a Director of channels for Cisco Systems.  Today, Crandall is a globally recognised thought leader in the technology landscape. She is well-known for her ability to build reliable strategies for security that connect customers with the IT solutions they need. 

Inspiring the IT Industry 

Carolyn spends her free time as a speaker at security innovation events and forums. She has appeared on Fox News and has also hosted numerous technology education webinars over the years. In 2018, CRN added Carolyn to its list of the Power 100. This annual list highlights the women of the channel most deserving recognition.  As a speaker, educator, and marketing expert, Carolyn continues to inspire budding professionals from across the IT landscape. Her numerous awards and accolades are a testament to the incredible progress that she has helped countless businesses make in the industry.