Sophos appoints new chief executive officer

Munford replaces Sophos' co-founders and former joint chief executive officers, Dr Jan Hruska and Dr Peter Lammer, who will remain with the company as board members.

The new appointee, who held the post of chief operating officer for the past nine months, joined Sophos in 2003 following its acquisition of anti-spam specialist ActiveState. He shifted from president of ActiveState to president of Sophos North America once the transaction was completed, a position he held until being appointed chief operating officer.

"Sophos is a global authority in IT security and we aim to exploit that strategic opportunity," said Munford in a statement. "Security threats are changing rapidly and Sophos is well placed to give leadership and grow strongly as the market evolves.

"I look forward to helping drive that development."