Episode 300 Deep Dive: Tom Gillis | The Future Of Cybersecurity and the Network

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Gillis, SVP and General Manager of the Security, Data Center, Internet and Cloud Infrastructure Group at Cisco, as he explores the future of cybersecurity and networking. Tom discusses the transformative impact of AI on the industry, highlighting the unprecedented level of innovation it brings alongside the potential challenges, such as cybercriminals leveraging AI for attacks. He emphasizes the need for companies to embrace AI fully to remain competitive and not fall into the “loser” category as the industry evolves. Additionally, Tom shares insights into the integration of security and networking, the implications of AI-powered security measures, and how these advancements might create a significant shift in the IT and infrastructure landscape.

Tom Gillis is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Cisco Security Business Group (SBG). A respected security industry leader with strong executive management skills and in-depth knowledge of the challenges surrounding secure enterprise computing, Tom is responsible for the company’s global security business to fundamentally simplify the security experience.

Prior to Cisco, Tom was the SVP/GM of the Network and Advanced Security Business Group at VMware, where he led the endpoint, networking, load balancing and network security businesses. He was also the CEO/co-founder of Bracket Computing which was acquired by VMware.

Before Bracket Computing, Tom was the GM of the Security Technology Group at Cisco where he led the company’s businesses for security management, appliances, applications, and endpoint services. Tom was also part of the founding team at IronPort Systems and served as senior vice president of marketing when the company was acquired by Cisco. Under his guidance, IronPort grew an average of 100 percent year-on-year for seven years. During his tenure, IronPort rose to become the leading provider of antispam, antivirus, and antimalware appliances for organizations ranging from small businesses to the Global 2000.

Tom has also worked at iBEAM Broadcasting, Silicon Graphics, and Boston Consulting Group in various technical and leadership roles. He is also a noted advisor to startups and venture capital companies and is a member of several boards of directors.

Tom holds an M.B.A. degree from Harvard University, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with an M.S.E.E. degree from Northwestern University and a B.S.E.E. from Tufts University.