Amit Yoran, who was the chief executive of cybersecurity company Tenable, died at the age of 54. His passing was confirmed by Tenable in a press release on a Saturday. Yoran had been on medical leave for cancer treatment prior to his death. Yoran took on the role of CEO at Tenable in 2016, following previous leadership positions in the cybersecurity field, including as president of RSA Security from 2014 to 2016. He had also founded and led NetWitness as CEO from 2006 to 2011 before it was acquired by RSA.
Yoran’s career in cybersecurity also included government and nonprofit work. He served as National Cybersecurity Director for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2003 to 2004 and sat on the board of the Center for Internet Security since 2019. Two years into Yoran’s leadership at Tenable, the company went public on the Nasdaq. The IPO was seen as a success story for cybersecurity companies on Wall Street, with Tenable’s focus on vulnerabilities and shift to a subscription model being highlighted as key factors.
Tenable CFO Steve Vintz and COO Mark Thurmond have been acting as co-CEOs since Yoran went on medical leave. They will continue sharing the role while the board of directors looks for a permanent successor. Yoran had expressed his trust in Vintz and Thurmond to lead the company in his absence, stating that his medical condition was treatable and that he hoped to return in a few months. Yoran’s role as chair of Tenable’s board will now be taken over by Art Coviello, the company’s lead independent director.
In a note to employees published on his LinkedIn page, Yoran expressed gratitude for the dedication of the Tenable team and emphasized the importance of continuing the company’s mission even during his absence. He acknowledged the need to prioritize his health and indicated his intention to remain connected while focusing on his recovery. Coviello, in a statement, praised Yoran as an extraordinary leader, colleague, and friend, highlighting his passion for cybersecurity and strategic vision that have shaped Tenable’s culture and mission.
Yoran’s legacy as a leader in the cybersecurity industry will continue to guide Tenable as it moves forward. The company had become one of the most trusted brands in cybersecurity under his leadership, with a significant presence among Fortune 500 companies as customers. Yoran’s contributions to Tenable’s success and his impact on the cybersecurity sector as a whole have left a lasting mark that will be remembered by his colleagues, industry peers, and the broader community.
