Forcepoint Executive and Leadership Team

July, 2026

Leadership Overview

Forcepoint has 6 executives leading key functions including finance, operations, technology, and go-to-market strategy.

Driven by a human-centric approach to cybersecurity, Forcepoint protects organizations by understanding user behavior and context to stop threats. The company's leadership fosters innovation and a commitment to securing digital interactions globally.

Leadership Roles at Forcepoint

  • Chief Financial Officer - Matthew Derdeyn
  • Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer - Michael Newman
  • Chief Operating Officer - Shayne Higdon
  • President - GTM - Erik Hanson
  • Chief Technology Officer & Head of Global Engineering - Bakshi Kohli
  • Chief Operations Officer - John Maina
  • Matthew Derdeyn - Chief Financial Officer

    Matthew Derdeyn, the Chief Financial Officer at Forcepoint, directs the company's financial strategy and operations. Overseeing all fiscal activities, Derdeyn ensures robust financial planning, accurate reporting, and effective resource allocation to support Forcepoint's global cybersecurity initiatives. This leadership role involves managing budgets, forecasting revenue, and optimizing financial performance across all departments. By maintaining strong financial discipline, Matthew Derdeyn drives sustainable growth and enhances shareholder value. The Chief Financial Officer's oversight extends to investment strategies and risk management, aligning financial health with the company's mission to deliver human-centric cybersecurity solutions. Derdeyn's expertise is critical in navigating the complex financial landscape of the cybersecurity industry, ensuring Forcepoint's continued market leadership and operational efficiency.
    Matthew Derdeyn

    Michael Newman - Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer

    Michael Newman, the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer at Forcepoint, provides critical financial leadership and strategic oversight. Newman manages the company's financial planning, analysis, and reporting functions, ensuring fiscal integrity and driving financial performance. This senior role involves collaborating with executive teams to develop and execute financial strategies that support Forcepoint's global expansion and product innovation in cybersecurity. By guiding financial operations, Michael Newman contributes to the company's long-term stability and profitability. The Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer's purview includes capital management, investor relations, and risk mitigation, all vital to maintaining Forcepoint's competitive edge. Newman's financial acumen is essential for aligning fiscal resources with the company's human-centric cybersecurity vision, securing its market position.

    Shayne Higdon - Chief Operating Officer

    Shayne Higdon, the Chief Operating Officer at Forcepoint, oversees the company's day-to-day operational functions and strategic execution. Higdon drives efficiency and effectiveness across global operations, ensuring seamless delivery of Forcepoint's cybersecurity solutions. This executive role involves optimizing business processes, managing cross-functional teams, and implementing operational improvements to support the company's growth objectives. By focusing on operational excellence, Shayne Higdon enhances the company's ability to respond to market demands and deliver exceptional value to customers worldwide. The Chief Operating Officer's responsibilities include streamlining workflows, managing resources, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Higdon's leadership ensures that Forcepoint's operational infrastructure robustly supports its human-centric cybersecurity mission, enabling agile responses to evolving threat landscapes and market opportunities.

    Erik Hanson - President - GTM

    Erik Hanson, the President - GTM at Forcepoint, leads the company's go-to-market strategy and execution. Hanson drives revenue growth and market penetration by aligning sales, marketing, and customer success teams to deliver Forcepoint's cybersecurity solutions effectively. This executive position involves shaping market engagement, developing strategic partnerships, and expanding the company's global reach. By overseeing go-to-market functions, Erik Hanson ensures Forcepoint's offerings resonate with customer needs and address evolving threat landscapes. The President - GTM's focus is on building robust sales pipelines, enhancing customer acquisition, and fostering long-term client relationships. Hanson's leadership is pivotal in translating Forcepoint's technological innovation into tangible market success and sustained business expansion.
    Erik Hanson

    Bakshi Kohli - Chief Technology Officer & Head of Global Engineering

    Bakshi Kohli, the Chief Technology Officer & Head of Global Engineering at Forcepoint, directs the company's technological vision and engineering efforts. Kohli leads the development and innovation of Forcepoint's cybersecurity platforms, ensuring cutting-edge solutions that address complex global threats. This executive position involves guiding research and development, managing engineering teams worldwide, and driving technological advancements to maintain Forcepoint's leadership in human-centric security. By overseeing global engineering, Bakshi Kohli ensures the robust and scalable delivery of the company's product portfolio. The Chief Technology Officer's strategic focus is on architecting future technologies and enhancing existing systems to provide superior protection. Kohli's technical leadership is fundamental to Forcepoint's mission of securing digital interactions and safeguarding customer data.
    Bakshi Kohli

    John Maina - Chief Operations Officer

    John Maina, the Chief Operations Officer at Forcepoint, spearheads the operational strategies that support the company's global business objectives. Maina focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and effectiveness across all business units, ensuring seamless execution of Forcepoint's cybersecurity services. This leadership role involves optimizing internal processes, managing cross-functional collaboration, and implementing best practices to drive productivity and service delivery. By directing operational initiatives, John Maina strengthens Forcepoint's capacity to meet market demands and customer expectations. The Chief Operations Officer's responsibilities include overseeing supply chain management, service delivery, and operational infrastructure. Maina's strategic oversight is crucial for maintaining the integrity and performance of Forcepoint's human-centric cybersecurity solutions, reinforcing its market presence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Forcepoint Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Forcepoint?
    Forcepoint is led by Matthew Derdeyn (Chief Financial Officer), along with executives such as Michael Newman (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer) and Shayne Higdon (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Forcepoint’s executive team?
    The executive team of Forcepoint includes leaders such as Matthew Derdeyn (Chief Financial Officer), Michael Newman (Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer), Shayne Higdon (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Forcepoint have?
    Forcepoint has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Forcepoint’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Forcepoint includes roles such as Chief Financial Officer, Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President - GTM, Chief Technology Officer & Head of Global Engineering.