Bill Conner

Bill Conner

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President & CEO
Dallas, Texas, United States

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Jobs verified_user 0% verified
  • Jitterbit
    President & CEO
    Jitterbit
    Feb 2024 - Current (2 years 6 months)
  • Crytica Security
    Board of Directors
    Crytica Security
    Aug 2023 - Current (3 years)
    Crytica Security is a pioneer in cybersecurity solutions with a focus on revolutionizing threat detection capabilities.
  • SonicWall
    Executive Chairman of the Board
    SonicWall
    Aug 2022 - Jan 2023 (6 months)
    As Executive Chairman of the Board, Bill oversaw the strategic vision of SonicWall’s Board of Directors. This included key initiatives focused on the company’s long-term strategy, mergers and acquisitions, technology innovation, and core value-enhancing objectives.
  • J
    Advisory Board Member
    JBB Advanced Technologies
    Jul 2022 - Aug 2023 (1 year 2 months)
    ADVISORY BOARD MEMBER – July 2022-August 2023 JBB Advanced Technologies is an artificial intelligence / blockchain-focused company with the mission of becoming a dominant, worldwide developer of future technologies using renewable energy, which will drastically reshape our world.
  • Sectigo
    Executive Chairman of The Board
    Sectigo
    Oct 2017 - Sep 2020 (3 years)
    Francisco Partners acquired Comodo Certification Authority (Comodo CA) and named Conner Executive Chairman of the Board. Conner oversaw the transition in ownership from the Comodo organization as Comodo CA, an industry leader in TLS and SSL digital certificates with more than 200,000 customers across 150 countries. Under Bill’s leadership, the company was rebranded as Sectigo, and expanded the business with organic and inorganic growth to reach a “Rule of 70.” In September 2020, Francisco Partners sold Sectigo to GI Partners.
  • SonicWall
    President and CEO
    SonicWall
    Nov 2016 - Aug 2022 (5 years 10 months)
    As CEO, Bill launched SonicWall as an independent company from Dell (a double carve out.) Under Conner’s leadership, the company focused on transforming revenue models across hardware, software, service, virtual, and cloud. SonicWall expanded its product platform to deliver end-to-end cybersecurity, leading the company to surpass their financial and operational goals through July 2022 (with the financial performance of “Rule of 46,”) and three dividend recaps for shareholders, returning ~1.5 investment. Specific accomplishments under Bill’s leadership include: • Accelerated cloud productization with the innovation of the multi-engine Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) sandbox service with patented Real-Time Deep Memory Inspection
  • S
    President & CEO
    Silent Circle
    Jan 2015 - Jun 2016 (1 year 6 months)
    Upon taking Silent Circle’s President and CEO role, Bill quickly re-positioned the consumer privacy company into an Enterprise Privacy Platform (EPP) focused business. This included creating the marketing category, building the products, and re-building the sales, service and marketing functions. A significant financial reset and corporate restructure was also required to dramatically improve the P&L, balance sheet, and cash flows of the company. Specific accomplishments under Bill’s leadership include: • completing a Joint Venture buyout • reducing expenses by 76% in 16 months (with a plan in place to deliver another 8% reduction) • improving sales by 83% on an annual basis • completing “C” round investment that provided cash and cleaned
  • S
    Board of Directors
    Silent Circle
    Jan 2015 - Jun 2016 (1 year 6 months)
  • Inuvo Inc
    Board Of Directors
    Inuvo Inc
    Jun 2014 - Oct 2016 (2 years 5 months)
  • FWC Consulting LLC
    Founder & CEO
    FWC Consulting LLC
    Jan 2014 - Current (12 years 7 months)
    As a staunch supporter of public-private partnerships on cybersecurity, Conner created FWC Consulting to share his expertise, insight, and guidance with global leaders at major financial institutions, enterprises, and governments. Bill is regularly featured in major global publications and television programs including BBC News, Forbes, Financial Times, Security Boulevard, USA Today, The Hill, and the Dallas Business Journal. Conner has also created and hosted “Hacked” for SiriusXM’s business radio. He has been recognized with several awards since starting FWC Consulting, including being awarded SC Media’s 2017 Reboot Leadership Award, named Top 25 Most Influential Executive for 2017, named to the Top Midmarket IT Vendor Executives for
  • Entrust
    President and CEO
    Entrust
    Apr 2001 - Dec 2013 (12 years 9 months)
    Upon assuming Entrust‘s President and CEO role in 2009 as a public company, Conner took Entrust private, resetting corporate priorities to take advantage of new market dynamics in Digital Identities and SaaS to generate organic growth. This shift began in a time when technology sectors, cybersecurity in particular, were undergoing tremendous and tumultuous change. As mobile devices and cloud computing became drivers of organizations’ buying behavior, Conner invested heavily in technological innovations to help organizations realize the potential gains presented by these technologies. Bill expanded Entrust’s digital certificate offerings, drawing on his belief in the strength of digital certificate technology. This culminated in 2013, with
  • Nortel Networks
    President, Enterprise Networks and e-Business Solutions
    Nortel Networks
    Nov 1999 - Apr 2001 (1 year 6 months)
    Reset and returned profitability to global $5 billion in revenues business while building the largest patent portfolio in the category.
  • Nortel Networks
    Chief Marketing Officer
    Nortel Networks
    Sep 1998 - Nov 1999 (1 year 3 months)
    As the inaugural CMO at a global equipment telecommunications company, Conner successfully aligned and integrated corporate strategic communications, branding and marketing globally. Rebranded the company to Nortel Networks and was selected as CMO of the Year in 2000.
  • Nortel Networks
    President, Enterprise Data Networks
    Nortel Networks
    Jan 1998 - Sep 1998 (9 months)
    Launched and led new data-centric line of business ($750 million in revenues). Completed $9 billion acquisition of Bay Networks’ IP stack.
  • Nortel Networks
    Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Enterprise Networks Group
    Nortel Networks
    Aug 1995 - Jan 1998 (2 years 6 months)
    Led the first-ever data and security initiatives serving government and industry. Incubated first-ever enterprise data networks. Incubated, marketed, and carved out the first-ever security product (Entrust).
  • Nortel Networks
    Executive positions
    Nortel Networks
    Oct 1992 - Aug 1995 (2 years 11 months)
  • ATT
    Executive positions
    ATT
    Jan 1981 - Dec 1992 (12 years)
Education verified_user 0% verified
  • The Wharton School
    Master of Business Administration
    The Wharton School
    Jan 1985 - Dec 1987 (3 years)
  • University of Pennsylvania The Wharton School
    Master of Business Administration
    University of Pennsylvania The Wharton School
    Jan 1985 - Dec 1987 (3 years)
  • Princeton University
    Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering
    Princeton University
    Jan 1977 - Dec 1981 (5 years)
Awards verified_user 0% verified
  • S
    2022 SC Awards Finalist: Security Executive of the Year
    SC Media
    May 2022
    Bill Conner was named one of five finalists for the 2022 SC Awards: Security Executive of the Year honor. Bill has developed and managed a strong IT development team by transforming SonicWall, including the IT department, from an SMB-focused hardware vendor into an end-to-end cybersecurity leader that protects SMBs as well as global businesses, large enterprises and government agencies. He rebalanced the company’s revenue streams for a stronger mix between hardware, software, subscription services and cloud products and energized product teams to develop and launch products in new and emerging areas, including public cloud, CASB, and SASE.
  • C
    The Top 25 IT Innovators of 2021
    CRN
    Aug 2021
    Conner spearheaded SonicWall’s evolution beyond the firewall to deliver security for the endpoint, email and cloud. He also helped develop Cloud Edge Secure Access to allow customers to control and protect network access to managed and unmanaged devices based on identity, location and device parameters. More can be read here: https://www.crn.com/slide-shows/components-peripherals/the-top-25-it-innovators-of-2021/17
  • G
    Grand Trophy: 17th Annual 2021 Cybersecurity Global Excellence Awards®
    Mar 2021
    The Globee® Awards has named SonicWall a Grand Trophy winner in the 17th Annual 2021 Cyber Security Global Excellence Awards® based on its demonstration of overall excellence in a range of categories, as well as the quality of its entry submissions and content.
  • C
    SonicWall Named CRN Top 100 Security Company in 2021
    CRN
    Mar 2021
    SonicWall was included as one of the top network security companies on CRN’s list of the 100 top security companies. The CRN Security 100 has evolved as digital transformation and COVID-19 have rapidly shifted users, devices, applications, services and data outside the enterprise data center. The list provides a look at 100 vendors across five market segments to guide solution providers on which security technologies and vendors they can place their bets on in a crowded market.
  • C
    5-Star Rating: 2021 CRN Partner Program Guide
    CRN
    Mar 2021
    The SonicWall SecureFirst partner program received a 5-star rating in the 2021 CRN Partner Program Guide. The honor is awarded to an exclusive group of companies that offer solution providers the best of the best, going above and beyond in their partner programs. This annual guide provides a conclusive list of the most distinguished partner programs from leading technology companies that provide products and services through the IT channel.
  • C
    Top 25 Enterprise IT Innovators of 2019
    CRN
    Aug 2019
    Bill Conner Named a Top 25 Enterprise IT Innovators of 2019 by CRN
  • I
    The 10 Most Admired CEOs to Watch 2018
    Insights Success
    Sep 2018
    Featured on the cover of Insights Success for their 10 Most Admired CEOs to Watch in 2018 honor.
  • C
    The 25 Most Influential Executives Of 2018
    CRN
    Aug 2018
    CRN’s list of the 25 most influential executives of 2018, who through their vision, passion and fire have set the agenda for the channel and for the tech industry as a whole.
  • C
    2018 CRN Top 100 Executives List
    CRN
    Aug 2018
    CRN’s annual Top 100 Executives list singles out the IT channel’s most effective CEOs — leaders who play an integral role in shaping the industry, whether by driving huge cultural shifts or forging innovative new routes to success.
  • C
    2018 CEO of the Year (500-2,499 Employees): Silver Winner
    CEO World Awards
    Jul 2018
    Honored for driving SonicWall to surpass financial objectives for six consecutive quarters since becoming independent from Dell.
  • I
    2018 CEO of the Year (500-2,499 Employees): Gold Winner
    Info Security Product Guide
    Apr 2018
    These global awards recognize cyber vendors with advanced, ground-breaking products, solutions and services that continue to raise the industry’s security standards.
  • C
    CRN 2017 Top Midmarket Vendor Executive
    CRN
    Dec 2017
    The annual Top Midmarket IT Vendor Executives list highlights the IT industry's most influential vendor executives who serve midmarket and midsize customers.
  • S
    SC Media 2017 Reboot Leadership Award
    SC Media Reboot
    Sep 2017
    The SC Media Reboot Leadership Awards 2017 are an extension of SC Media’s Reboot edition. They are the first in what will be an ongoing awards program that enables SC Media to honor executives and professional leaders for their unique, inventive and inspiring contributions that improve security, shape the industry, provide thought leadership and otherwise have a positive impact on cybersecurity.
  • T
    The 25 Most Influential Executives Of 2017
    Aug 2017
    Here we present our list of the 25 most influential executives of 2017, the executives who through their vision, passion and fire have set the agenda for the channel and for the tech industry as a whole.
  • Frost Sullivan
    2015 Global New Product Innovation Award
    Frost Sullivan
    Jan 2015
    Global award given by Frost & Sullivan based on customer impact and new product attributes.
  • P
    Best of Mobile World Congress 2015
    PCMagcom
    Jan 2015
  • Fast Company
    Top 10 Most Innovative Companies Of 2015
    Fast Company
    Jan 2015
  • N
    National Youth Science Camp Alumnus of the Year
    National Youth Science Camp NYSC
    Jul 2013
    The NYSC Alumnus of the Year award is given to alumni who support NYSC with their efforts, achieve recognition in their chosen fields and helps further science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education.
  • F
    U.S. Federal 100 Award
    Federal Computer Week
    Mar 2004
    National award from Federal Computer Week recognizing the top 100 individuals and organizations for positive impact on U.S. Government technology and services; for his leadership role in delivering identity and access management solutions.
  • M
    Tech Titans Corporate CEO of the Year
    Metroplex Technology Business Council
    Sep 2003
    Given by Metroplex Technology Business Council, recognizing cutting-edge technologies and talented leadership while raising scholarship funds for deserving students.
  • M
    MC Marketer of the Year
    MC Marketing Computers magazine
    Jan 2000
    National award given by MC Marketing Computers magazine; for driving change and transforming the branding and marketing of Nortel Networks.
  • T
    Telly Award
    Temerlin McClain Advertising
    Jan 1999
    National Award given by Temerlin McClain Advertising for excellence in marketing.
Publications verified_user 0% verified
  • J
    2025 AI & Automation Predictions
    Jitterbit Blog
    Jan 2025
  • C
    UK vs. US: The Artificial Intelligence Landscapes Compared
    Cybersecurity Intelligence
    Jan 2024
  • A
    Jitterbit CEO: Confronting the Challenges of Business AI
    AI Magazine
    Jan 2024
  • A
    Cyber Defense: Bill Conner of SonicWall On The 5 Things Every American Business Leader Should Do To Shield Themselves Fr
    Authority Magazine
    Jan 2022
  • F
    Webinar (Italy): 2021 Cyber Threat Landscape Roundtable
    Fondazione CRUI
    Jan 2021
  • K
    SonicWall CEO Bill Conner Talks Ransomware on KRLD NewsRadio
    KRLD NewsRadio Dallas
    Jan 2021
  • Harvard Business School
    Harvard Business School Podcast: Cybersecurity for the post-COVID new normal of work
    Harvard Business School
    Jan 2020
  • C
    Bill Conner: You Cannot Have Privacy Without Security
    Cyber Security Interviews
    Jan 2019
  • T
    The CyberWire Daily Podcast: Episode 926
    The CyberWire Daily Podcast
    Jan 2019
  • S
    The 11 Coolest Endpoint Security CEOs of 2019
    Solutions Review
    Jan 2019
  • V
    Government Cybersecurity: An Inside View
    Verdict Encrypt
    Jan 2019
  • T
    Keynote Speaker - The Independent Show - Chicago
    The Independent Show
    Jan 2019
  • N
    Report: Weaponized PDFs on the Rise
    Nextgov
    Jan 2019
  • T
    Old-school cruel: Dodgy PDF email attachments enjoying a renaissance
    The Register
    Jan 2019
  • C
    Dramatic rise in fraudulent PDF files in 2019: SonicWall study
    CISO Mag
    Jan 2019
  • S
    Side-Channel Attacks: Cyber Warfare’s New Battleground
    Security Boulevard
    Jan 2019
  • Forbes
    Veiled Threats: The Growing Cyberattack Vectors Few People Talk About
    Forbes
    Jan 2019
  • S
    In focus: SonicWall CEO Bill Conner
    SC Magazine
    Jan 2019
  • Forbes
    Back-To-School Lists Should Now Include Ransomware
    Forbes
    Jan 2019
  • K
    KRLD 1080: CEO Spotlight - SonicWall CEO Bill Conner
    Jan 2019
  • C
    SonicWall CEO talks of life after Dell spinout
    CIO from IDG online
    Jan 2017
    As part of the IDG CEO Interview Series, Bil Conner is interviewed spoke about what the Dell spin out means for customers and where SonicWall is focusing its development efforts.
  • I
    Richard Stiennon & Bill Conner Discuss State of the Cybersecurity Industry
    IT Harvest
    Feb 2012
    Richard Stiennon, security analyst with IT Harvest, sits down with Entrust CEO Bill Conner at RSA Conference 2012 to discuss the state of the cybersecurity industry. Topics included the SSL/CA market, plus the changes cloud and mobility are bringing to the IT landscape.
  • Z
    Zero-Touch Online Authentication to Meet FFIEC standards
    Sep 2006
  • R
    Recommendations for Battling International Organized Cybercrime
    May 2005
    Seminar hosted by the Business Software Alliance and the Center for Strategic and International Studies
  • I
    Information Security Governance: A Call to Action
    Apr 2004
    Committee report, Corporate Governance Task Force, National Cybersecurity Partnership, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
  • New York Times
    Cybersecurity: Business Has to Enlist in This War
    New York Times
    Nov 2003
    Guest opinion column co-authored with Ed Mroz of the EastWest Institute
  • A
    Address to EastWest Institute Worldwide Security Forum in Brussels
    Nov 2003
  • B
    Information Security Governance: Toward a Framework for Action
    Business Software Alliance
    Oct 2003
    Co-authored: White paper, Information Security Governance Task Force, Business Software Alliance
  • W
    Vulnerability on the Cyber Front
    Washington Times
    Aug 2002
    Viewpoint column co-authored with Ret. Gen. Wesley Clark
  • B
    Blueprint for U.S. Internet-Based eGovernment and Homeland Security Operations
    Nov 2001
  • C
    Capitol Hill Briefing on Preventing Cyber Attacks
    Sep 2001
    With U.S. Sen. Bob Bennett (R-Utah) and U.S. Office of Management and Budget
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