WatchGuard Technologies, a global leader in unified cybersecurity and a portfolio company of Vector Capital (“Vector”), has appointed Joe Smolarski as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The transition marks the beginning of a new phase of platform-driven innovation for the company. Vats Srivatsan, who served as interim CEO since May 2025, will remain on WatchGuard’s Board of Directors, continuing to advise on growth and strategic direction.
During Srivatsan’s tenure, WatchGuard experienced renewed innovation and strengthened its operational framework. The company enhanced AI integration, modernized its hardware and software delivery model for partners, refreshed its entire network security portfolio, and achieved record-breaking performance in the third quarter. These efforts have fueled WatchGuard’s growth across revenue, market share, and profitability, while amplifying momentum behind its Unified Security Platform® and MSP-first business model.
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With more than 25 years of experience in technology leadership, operations, and corporate strategy, Smolarski is widely recognized as a results-oriented, partner-focused executive. His track record includes driving large-scale organizational transformation and integration. Most recently, he was a key driver behind Kaseya’s tenfold revenue expansion and multi-billion-dollar valuation increase, achieved by unifying global teams, technologies, and partners under a single customer-focused platform vision.
In his new role, Smolarski will collaborate closely with WatchGuard’s executive leadership team and Board of Directors to advance the company’s strategic priorities, operational excellence, and global partner ecosystem.
“I want to thank Vats for stepping in as interim CEO and guiding WatchGuard through a period of rapid acceleration,” said Alex Slusky, Founding Partner of Vector Capital and Chairman of WatchGuard. “We’re thrilled to have Vats continue contributing as a Board Member. In Joe, we’ve found the ideal leader to carry forward this momentum and lead WatchGuard into its next growth chapter. His proven record in MSP-focused organizations and ability to integrate teams and technologies at scale make him uniquely suited to expand WatchGuard’s innovation and operational success.”
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At Kaseya, Smolarski played a pivotal role in steering the company’s hyper-growth trajectory, helping establish a unified MSP platform for IT management while integrating more than a dozen acquisitions. This strategy created a scalable ecosystem that benefited partners, employees, and investors alike. His experience aligns directly with WatchGuard’s mission — empowering MSPs through an integrated cybersecurity platform that combines advanced protection, automation, and streamlined management.
Smolarski’s leadership philosophy centers on transforming complexity into clarity and building platform ecosystems that drive sustained growth. His expertise will be key in advancing WatchGuard’s evolution as a global cybersecurity innovator and trusted partner for MSPs.
“WatchGuard is built on a strong foundation — a robust technology platform, an MSP-centric business model, and a reputation for trust and reliability that truly differentiates it in the market,” said Joe Smolarski, CEO of WatchGuard Technologies. “Cybersecurity has become an essential pillar of every MSP’s growth strategy, and WatchGuard is uniquely positioned to lead that transformation. I’m excited to build on this momentum and strengthen WatchGuard’s position as the go-to cybersecurity partner for the MSP community.”
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