Nir Zuk

What is the biggest project you have recently led?

In recent years, we have led a series of acquisitions of Israeli startups costing approximately $1.7 billion. These moves have positioned the R&D site in Israel as a very central innovation center of the company, at the same level of the one in California.

In your opinion, what are the biggest strengths/advantages of the company?

Our most significant strength was and remains the ability to enter new markets successfully, despite our size and market position. In cyber, size matters as bigger means access to more cyber information. Palo Alto Networks is a global cybersecurity leader and can therefore protect its customers in the best way.

But most important of all - the people. The best cyber people in Israel choose to work at Palo Alto Networks. We are proud of the work we do. We use our power and abilities to help make every day more safe and secure than the one before.

What are the main moves that have been made recently and will lead to the strengthening of the company in the coming years?

In the coming years, we will continue to expand our activities in new markets such as secure access services edge (SASE), cloud security, automation (security operations), and information security at home - and I predict that we will take the lead in these markets. We are definitely heading there.

What are the company's main challenges in the coming years?

Like many companies, the main challenge in Israel is recruitment, given the shortage of human capital in the Israeli high-tech industry. Another challenge is maintaining a balance between investing in innovation and the profitability of the company.

What advice would you give to a manager beginning their career?

I recommend starting your career  in a large and multinational company. It allows you to gain experience working with people from different backgrounds, different countries, improves your English, and most importantly - it teaches the craft of management in the best way.

Also – never "cut corners", as well as allow employees to choose (the ability to make a choice, on any matter, is empowering).

What would you say is important to remember even in difficult times?

What matters is the people around you. Make sure you surround yourself with good and talented people. The right group of people will always know how to get out of difficult situations.