Fortinet hires Nicole Henry to head A/NZ govt affairs

Fortinet has hired former Department of Industry, Science and Resources general manager Nicole Henry as its head of government affairs for Australia and New Zealand (A/NZ).

In the role, Henry will lead the cyber security vendor’s strategic engagement with government stakeholders to enhance cyber security policy development and support related public sector initiatives across the region.

She will also oversee Fortinet’s government affairs strategy in A/NZ as well as leading its efforts in advancing cyber security legislation and regulatory frameworks region-wide.

“Effective cyber security policy is foundational for protecting critical infrastructure, economic stability, and national security. This role brings together the core of my career, including strategic policy, digital capability, and system reform through innovation and cross-sector collaboration,” Henry said.

She will work closely with the vendor’s regional public sector teams to offer insights into government priorities and cyber security requirements and contribute to shaping regional strategies that “reflect national interests, evolving compliance obligations and global cyber trends”, Fortinet noted.

Henry enters the role with over two decades of experience in public policy advocacy, government relations, and stakeholder engagement.

Prior to Fortinet, she worked at the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science for just over a year after two previous stints with the Department, over six years.

She has also worked in several other public sector roles, including as a counsellor to Indonesia as part of the Department, head of business engagement and program management for the Simplified Trade System Implementation Taskforce, and chief of staff to the Chief Scientist of Australia.

Fortinet A/NZ regional director Dale Nachman said Henry’s appointment reinforces its commitment to “partnering with government and key stakeholders across Australia and New Zealand as the cyber security landscape continues to evolve”.

“Her extensive experience in public sector engagement and policy leadership positions Fortinet to play an even greater role in enhancing cybersecurity resilience and protecting CI [critical infrastructure] and national security interests in Australia, New Zealand and beyond,” he said.

Fortinet vice president of corporate and government affairs Hugh Carroll echoed Nachman’s sentiments, adding that Henry’s “extensive public sector experience, strategic mindset and deep policy expertise will help advance Fortinet’s contribution to strengthening the region’s cyber resilience”.