F5 announces new leadership including Chief AI Officer

Multicloud application security and delivery company F5 on Tuesday announced key leadership appointments including the appointment of Kunal Anand as Chief Technology and artificial intelligence (AI) Officer.

These changes aim to strengthen F5’s operational capabilities and accelerate its AI strategy as the company continues its growth trajectory.
 
Tom Fountain, previously Executive Vice President of Global Services and Chief Strategy Officer, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO). In his new role, Fountain will focus on improving operational efficiency and driving digital transformation across the organisation. His responsibilities include overseeing Global Services and advancing the company's overall execution and productivity.
 
Chad Whalen, who was serving as the Executive Vice President of Worldwide Sales, has taken on the role of Chief Revenue Officer (CRO). As CRO, Whalen will lead F5’s sales and marketing efforts, focusing on revenue growth across the company’s software solutions. He will also spearhead the expansion of F5’s “land-and-expand” strategy, which targets over 20,000 large enterprise, service provider, and government customers worldwide.
 
Meanwhile, Kunal Anand has been promoted to Chief Technology and AI Officer. Anand, who recently served as Chief Technology Officer, will now be responsible for leading F5’s AI initiatives, including the integration of generative AI across its product suite.
 
All three appointments are effective immediately, and the leaders will report directly to F5 President and CEO François Locoh-Donou.
 
“With these leadership changes, we are positioning F5 for its next phase of growth. Our goal is to drive agility and productivity while accelerating innovation in areas that matter most to our customers,” said Locoh-Donou.
 
Additionally, F5 has announced the upcoming departure of Kara Sprague, Executive Vice President and Chief Product Officer. Sprague, who has played a pivotal role in F5’s transition to a software-led business, will leave the company in November 2024 to become the CEO of a private technology firm. An external search for her replacement is currently underway.