Cat Starkey named as new CTO of cybersecurity firm Expel

Managed detection and response (MDR) provider Expel has appointed Cat Starkey as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Starkey was formerly the company's vice president of engineering and brings significant expertise in SaaS technology, software development, architecture, and infrastructure management to her new role. Her key responsibilities will involve shaping the company's technical vision and driving its overall strategy.

Starkey's promotion from vice president to CTO promises to propel Expel's engineering function to the next phase of growth. With an emphasis on customer outcomes and the importance of human capital in successful engineering, she will drive the company's technical strategy and MDR technology.

Starkey underlined that "our software is at the core of solutions that deliver some of the best outcomes in cybersecurity, but our people are the propelling force behind our engineering success."

In her leadership role, Starkey is set to challenge the status quo and affect positive change in the company's technological sphere. Her diversified professional experiences have shaped her leadership style, imbuing her with a tenacious drive to foster an environment conducive to her team's success.

As Dave Merkel, CEO and Co-Founder of Expel, expressed, "Her understanding of the cybersecurity landscape, coupled with the way she rallies her team and stakeholders to steer top-tier engineering innovations that benefit our customers, is a huge asset."

Prior to joining Expel, Starkey was the director of engineering at ARMATURE Corporation, where she modernised the company's security and scalability. She also developed automation tools and fostered a collaborative, innovative culture.

Starkey's professional journey also includes noteworthy software architect and engineering roles at Blackboard, Autodesk, and Computer Associates. She is an alumnus of Cornell University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in computer science.

Starkey's appointment as CTO is a testament to her profound ability to pioneer innovation that enriches product offerings and optimises efficiencies. Merkel stated, "Cat has the distinct ability to pioneer innovation in ways that differentiate our offerings while improving efficiencies that contribute to our financial success." Her appointment promises to infuse Expel's leadership team with her characteristic momentum, further bolstering the company's engineering prowess and solidifying its position as an MDR industry leader.

Cat Starkey's appointment as Chief Technology Officer at Expel signifies a strategic move aimed at propelling the company's engineering function to new heights. With her extensive expertise in SaaS technology and software development, coupled with a track record of fostering innovation and collaboration, Starkey is poised to drive Expel's technical vision and enhance its position as a leader in managed detection and response solutions. Her leadership promises to usher in a new era of technological advancement, reinforcing Expel's commitment to delivering top-tier cybersecurity outcomes for its customers.