Bryan Palma Takes the Helm at KnowBe4: A New Era in Human-Centered Cybersecurity Leadership

In a pivotal leadership shift, KnowBe4—one of the world’s most prominent platforms tackling human risk in cybersecurity—has appointed seasoned industry expert Bryan Palma as its new CEO. The company’s founder, Stu Sjouwerman, now assumes the role of executive chairman, marking a new chapter in KnowBe4’s mission to revolutionize cybersecurity awareness and human risk management.

Cybersecurity Giant KnowBe4 Welcomes Bryan Palma as CEO

KnowBe4, globally recognized for its human-centric approach to cybersecurity, has announced a significant change in its leadership structure. As of May 5, Bryan Palma steps in as the new president and chief executive officer. Stu Sjouwerman, the company’s visionary founder, who guided KnowBe4 from its early startup days to an international cybersecurity force, now transitions into the role of executive chairman.

Palma brings with him more than 25 years of extensive experience in technology and cybersecurity. Most recently, he served as CEO of Trellix—a major player formed through the high-profile merger of FireEye and McAfee Enterprise. His leadership has left an indelible mark on several leading global organizations, including Cisco, Boeing, EDS, PepsiCo, and even the U.S. Secret Service. His background spans both public and private sectors, offering a rare combination of operational prowess, strategic insight, and technical vision.

Academically, Palma holds three degrees: an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, a master’s in education from the University of Maryland, and a BA from the University of Richmond. He also serves on notable advisory boards such as the President’s National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee and the board of CloudBees, a software delivery platform.

In his first public remarks as CEO, Palma emphasized KnowBe4’s critical position in the cybersecurity ecosystem, specifically highlighting its dual focus on human risk management and artificial intelligence. He expressed enthusiasm about leading a company that not only pioneers in cybersecurity but also empowers individuals and organizations to become the first line of defense against threats.

Stu Sjouwerman, the driving force behind KnowBe4’s ascent, has long championed the human element in cybersecurity. Under his leadership, the company secured multiple rounds of venture funding, executed strategic acquisitions, completed a successful IPO, and expanded its services to over 70,000 customers worldwide.

As executive chairman, Sjouwerman will continue to steer the company’s strategic initiatives, particularly in the realm of AI innovation, working closely with Palma during the transition to ensure continuity and vision alignment.

This leadership handoff signals KnowBe4’s intention to scale even further while deepening its commitment to solving cybersecurity’s most human problem: people.

What Undercode Say:

The leadership change at KnowBe4 signals not just a routine executive shuffle, but a strategic pivot that could shape the future of cybersecurity training and human risk mitigation globally. Bryan Palma’s appointment as CEO represents a merging of vision and experience. Having led powerhouse organizations like Trellix—an entity born from two cybersecurity giants—Palma knows the stakes involved in managing risk on a global scale. His track record of turning legacy systems into agile, innovation-focused ecosystems speaks directly to KnowBe4’s ambition.

What sets Palma apart is his depth across industries—moving from government agencies to private sector tech titans, always focused on transformation. This cross-pollination of insight is particularly valuable for KnowBe4, whose approach to cybersecurity hinges on behavior, psychology, and technology. Cyber threats are no longer just a matter of hardware or software; they’re rooted in social engineering and human error. Palma’s educational background in business and education uniquely positions him to address these issues both strategically and culturally.

Moreover, the emphasis on artificial intelligence is no accident. As KnowBe4 continues to expand its AI capabilities, Palma’s experience will be crucial in navigating ethical challenges, ensuring regulatory compliance, and integrating machine learning into existing training modules and platforms. His tenure may also bring a more aggressive approach to market expansion, product innovation, and possibly more acquisitions.

Stu Sjouwerman’s continued involvement as executive chairman ensures the company retains its original spirit while embracing future-forward innovation. His legacy as a pioneer of the human-centric cybersecurity model will likely inform the next generation of AI-driven training tools, behavior monitoring systems, and perhaps even predictive threat modeling.

In a broader industry context, KnowBe4’s leadership move reaffirms a growing trend: cybersecurity can no longer be approached solely from a technical lens. Human error remains the most exploitable vulnerability. Companies like KnowBe4, under visionary leadership, are poised to transform this weak point into a fortress of education, awareness, and real-time responsiveness.

This transition, then, is more than just a change in command—it’s a milestone in the evolution of cybersecurity. By combining technical depth with human insight, KnowBe4 under Bryan Palma may redefine how organizations think about their frontline defense: their people.

Fact Checker Results:

Bryan Palma’s appointment as CEO is officially confirmed by KnowBe4.
Palma has previously served as CEO of Trellix and held leadership roles at major organizations.
Stu Sjouwerman remains involved as executive chairman, focusing on AI innovation and strategic guidance.