Commvault appoints Russell as CTO for APAC to boost cyber resilience

Commvault has bolstered its expertise in cyber resilience with the appointment of Gareth Russell as Field Chief Technology Officer of Security for Asia Pacific (APAC). This newly created position highlights Commvault's commitment to extending its technical acumen in data security and cyber resilience to more clients and partners within the region, a critical move amid the growing threat of ransomware.

Gareth Russell, a seasoned professional in cybersecurity, brings a wealth of experience to his new role at Commvault. He is well-versed in cyber strategy, risk management, cyber resilience, and digital transformation. Russell has a proven track record of assisting organisations and governments throughout the Asia Pacific in defining and managing their cyber risk postures. His extensive background includes implementing, transforming, and operating cybersecurity capabilities and integrating cybersecurity into organisational cultures.

Russell expressed enthusiasm about joining Commvault during a period when cyber risks are escalating in the region. "I am excited to bring my experience to Commvault, especially at a time when cyber risks are intensifying in our region. My focus will be on enhancing cyber resilience strategies, including helping organisations across APAC strengthen their recovery capabilities," he stated. Emphasising the inevitability of cyberattacks, Russell added, "These days, when it comes to cyberattacks, it's not a matter of if but when, and I look forward to working with enterprises to advance their cyber readiness and preparedness."

The recent State of Data Readiness market analysis by Commvault and Tech Research Asia highlighted significant gaps in cyberattack recovery efforts among APAC organisations. According to the report, while cyber resiliency awareness is increasing across Australia and New Zealand (ANZ), the maturity levels remain low. The data indicates that 50% of organisations have very immature cyber resiliency capabilities, while only 4% believe they have a proactive, mature capability. The report also reveals that cyberattacks continue unabated, with many organisations still vulnerable to significant breaches, particularly targeting backup and production data.

The report details that 62% of Australian and 68% of New Zealand organisations experienced at least one cyberattack in the last 12 months. Respondents in Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam reported the highest rates of attacks on data environments, including production, secondary, and backups. Of those organisations that suffered cyberattacks, only 35% successfully recovered 100% of their data.

Among Russell's primary objectives in his new role is to collaborate with organisations to fortify their cyber resilience strategies and enhance their defences against the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber threats. "We have made significant strides in recent months to assemble a senior team with unparalleled skills and experience. Gareth's appointment furthers the expertise we can provide to our customers and partners as they work to keep their data safe and secure," said Martin Creighan, Vice President, Asia Pacific, Commvault.