McAfee CEO Peter Leav steps down, Greg Johnson takes the lead

Cybersecurity firm McAfee Corp has appointed consumer tech veteran Greg Johnson as global president and chief executive officer. He succeeds Peter Leave, who joined the company in 2020 and will now step down from this position.

“Greg brings more than 25 years of consumer business experience at truly innovative, leading brands,” said Bruce Chizen, Chairman of McAfee’s Board of Directors. “As we continue to build on McAfee’s 30-year history as a global leader in online protection, Greg’s proven expertise makes him the leader of choice to spearhead future growth for the company.”

Johnson’s appointment comes as part of the company’s transition to a pure-play consumer protection company, which began following the divestment of McAfee’s Enterprise security business in 2021, the company said in a statement.

Johnson previously served as executive vice president and general manager of US-based technology company Intuit. Prior to that, he has held leadership roles in companies such as Kraft, Kodak, Best Buy, Gillette, and Advanced Auto Parts. He also currently serves on the Board of Directors at Qualcomm.

“The McAfee brand holds an enviable reputation of trust, quality and innovation and I’m excited to lead the company in its next phase of growth,” said Johnson.

Meanwhile, under Leav’s leadership, McAfee also recently completed a $14 billion sale to an investor group led by Advent International, and funds advised by Permira, Crosspoint Capital Partners L.P., Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, GIC Private Limited, and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority.

 “I wish Greg and the team even greater success and have the utmost confidence in the future of McAfee,” Leav said commenting on Johnson's appointment.