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A New Era at Check Point Begins
Gil Shwed, the iconic founder of Israeli cybersecurity giant Check Point, recently took a bold and reflective step by announcing his resignation as CEO after more than three decades. Known as one of the longest-serving CEOs on the Nasdaq, Shwed shared his thoughts on leadership, legacy, and the future of Check Point during a candid discussion at Calcalist’s Growth Conference. This pivotal moment in Israeli tech history marks not just a leadership change, but also a significant shift in how Check Point is preparing for the future amidst global and local challenges.
Gil Shwed’s Reflections and Transition Journey
After over 30 years of leading Check Point, Gil Shwed officially stepped down as CEO, passing the torch to Nadav Zafrir. In his own words, Shwed revealed he may regret not stepping aside earlier and giving others a chance to lead, but expressed deep satisfaction with his successor. Zafrir, admired for his charisma and innovation-driven mindset, was chosen from outside the company to ignite meaningful transformation at Check Point—signaling that incremental changes are not enough for the cybersecurity giant anymore.
Shwed spoke with emotion and pride, describing Check Point as his “child” and expressing hope that it will scale even greater heights under the new leadership. Despite speculation that his departure was long overdue, he emphasized that success invites scrutiny and high standards. According to Shwed, expecting more from a strong company is a natural and healthy part of growth.
Notably, the transition comes during a period of proactive investment and expansion. Check Point is currently hiring 500 new R\&D employees in Israel—a 25% increase in its research team—and investing NIS 500 million into new real estate, defying the broader industry trend of moving operations abroad. Shwed attributes this optimism to faith in Israeli talent and the potential of the cybersecurity market.
Amid ongoing geopolitical tensions—including a prolonged war in Israel and shifting global alliances—Shwed remained apolitical in his public comments. He emphasized that Check Point’s reputation should rest on the quality of its products, not its nationality. While acknowledging challenges, he noted that the business has remained strong, crediting the resilience of employees—even those serving in military reserves.
When questioned about his silence on political issues, especially those impacting Israel’s democracy or economy, Shwed defended his neutrality, saying the national conversation doesn’t need more noise. He also defended the right of high-tech workers to protest, reinforcing that the tech sector is built on hard work, not entitlement.
Looking ahead, Shwed avoided giving firm predictions about Check Point’s valuation compared to rivals like CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks, though he expressed hope the new leadership could narrow the gap. As executive chairman, Shwed intends to enjoy his new freedom without rushing into other investments. For now, his focus remains on Check Point’s continued success and evolution.
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The Strategic Shift Behind the Scenes
Gil Shwed’s decision to step down marks more than just a career milestone—it symbolizes a strategic evolution for Check Point. For years, the company has maintained a solid presence in cybersecurity, but often lagged behind in valuation and growth compared to U.S.-based competitors. The appointment of Nadav Zafrir, an external candidate with strong leadership and innovation credentials, is a direct response to this challenge.
Zafrir’s military intelligence background and track record at Team8 hint at a bold vision for Check Point, possibly one that prioritizes product modernization, aggressive scaling, and more assertive global positioning. Shwed’s own words confirm this intent: “More of the same isn’t enough.” This reflects a keen awareness that disruption and reinvention are key to staying relevant in tech.
Cultural and Economic Commitment to Israel
At a time when many Israeli tech firms are relocating operations, Check Point is doubling down on local investment. This move strengthens Israel’s image as a cybersecurity powerhouse and provides meaningful jobs during uncertain times. Shwed’s optimism is clearly data-driven, grounded in market demand and talent quality. In the broader context of Israeli resilience, Check Point’s hiring and infrastructure investment serve as a vote of confidence in the nation’s future.
Balancing Business with Geopolitical Realities
Shwed’s deliberate political neutrality may be a calculated business strategy. By staying focused on product excellence rather than political identity, he positions Check Point as a global player, not just an Israeli brand. This approach could help the company better navigate international partnerships and sales—especially when clients prefer to avoid geopolitical entanglements.
Facing the Global Competition
Check Point’s trail behind CrowdStrike and Palo Alto Networks in valuation is a pressing concern. But Shwed’s calm and confident tone—highlighting long-term product strength and recent financial performance—suggests that value creation may come through innovation rather than marketing alone. With Zafrir at the helm and Shwed still guiding as chairman, the potential for a breakthrough exists.
Humanizing Leadership in Tech
Finally, Shwed’s reflections underscore a rare emotional intelligence in tech leadership. His admission of potential regret, avoidance of ego, and emphasis on values like humility, resilience, and empowerment mark a departure from typical Silicon Valley-style bravado. This human-first leadership approach might be Check Point’s true competitive edge.
✅ Fact Checker Results
✅ Shwed’s resignation and leadership change are verified by Calcalist coverage.
✅ Check
❌ Claims of business decline during the war are inaccurate—Check Point reports strong performance.
🔮 Prediction
Check Point is poised for a transformation phase. With Nadav Zafrir driving change and Shwed still contributing strategically, the company may finally narrow the valuation gap with its competitors. Expect increased innovation, renewed branding, and possibly strategic acquisitions over the next 3–5 years. If Zafrir’s vision takes hold, Check Point could redefine its global market position—evolving from a stable veteran to a bold industry disruptor.
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Reported By: calcalistechcom_01abb817c9ac424a2e5b9ec9
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