Mark Kerrison: Visionary Cybersecurity Leader Who Transformed IT Risk and Compliance

Introduction

Mark Kerrison is a seasoned technology executive best known for founding and leading New Net Technologies (NNT), a company that became a recognized provider of cybersecurity and compliance software. Over decades in the IT and security industry, Kerrison has earned a reputation for combining practical operational expertise with strategic vision, helping organizations manage risk, compliance, and system integrity in complex digital environments. His career reflects both innovation and pragmatic leadership, offering lessons for professionals and businesses navigating the ever‑evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

Quick Bio

Early Career and Professional Foundation

Mark Kerrison’s Path into IT

Mark Kerrison built his early foundation in information technology and operations, gaining extensive experience in roles that spanned IT service delivery and leadership before launching his own company. During this phase, he held senior leadership positions at Cable & Wireless and Allen Systems Group, which helped him understand both corporate IT challenges and opportunities for innovation.

Transition to Entrepreneurship

Driven by the desire to solve real‑world problems in IT risk and compliance, Kerrison co‑founded New Net Technologies in 2008. This marked the beginning of a new chapter, where he applied his operational insights to cybersecurity solutions that could meet compliance demands while improving service quality and reliability.

The Rise of New Net Technologies (NNT)

Foundation and Vision

New Net Technologies was created to address growing concerns in cybersecurity—especially around system integrity, change control, and continuous compliance. Kerrison envisioned a platform that didn’t just detect risk but helped organizations maintain secure systems proactively, reducing vulnerabilities before they became breaches.

Product and Innovation Focus

Under Kerrison’s leadership, NNT developed products such as the Change Tracker platform, which delivered advanced monitoring, change validation, and audit capabilities, making it easier for enterprises to meet compliance standards and reduce operational noise.

Expansion and Industry Impact

Throughout the 2010s and early 2020s, NNT expanded its offerings to include cloud and container security tracking, partner programs, and extended compliance solutions. Kerrison emphasized the importance of SecureOps, a strategic blend of security and operations discipline, which became central to the company’s philosophy.

Leadership Style and Industry Reputation

Visionary but Practical Approach

Peers and industry observers describe Mark Kerrison as a leader who balances vision with operational realism. Rather than chasing hype, he focused on creating technology that served real customer needs—integrating best practices from frameworks like CIS and NIST into usable solutions.

Collaborative Strategy

Kerrison’s leadership prioritized teamwork across departments, aligning product development, sales, and customer support to ensure that NNT solutions delivered superior value. His approach underscores that cybersecurity is not just about tools but about cohesive strategy and execution.

Strategic Growth and Market Recognition

Global Partner Programs

Under his guidance, NNT launched initiatives like the Partner First Program, enabling resellers worldwide to deliver NNT’s SecureOps solutions and strengthen cybersecurity practices across industries. This effort expanded the company’s reach while supporting partners’ business growth.

Innovation in Service Offerings

The company also introduced new service models such as SecureOps‑as‑a‑Service (SOaaS), helping organizations maintain compliance and security continuously without overwhelming internal resources. This demonstrated Kerrison’s commitment to evolving products in line with changing customer needs.

Acquisition and Strategic Transition

In 2021, New Net Technologies was acquired by Netwrix, a move that integrated NNT’s technology and expertise into a broader cybersecurity portfolio. Kerrison’s role in the acquisition highlighted his ability to build a company with sustainable value and relevance in a competitive market.

This acquisition wasn’t just a business milestone; it reflected how Kerrison’s emphasis on practical, best‑practice driven cybersecurity solutions resonated within the broader technology ecosystem, signaling trust and confidence from industry peers.

Positive and Challenging Aspects of Leadership

Positive Influence

Mark Kerrison’s strengths include a long‑term view of market needs, the ability to unify teams toward shared goals, and a consistent commitment to customer‑centric innovation. These qualities helped NNT become a respected name in cybersecurity and compliance.

Challenges and Realities

Despite his accomplishments, the cybersecurity domain is inherently complex and rapidly shifting. Kerrison navigated challenges such as evolving threat landscapes, compliance changes, and heightened expectations for automation—requiring continuous adaptation without losing sight of strategic priorities.

Legacy and Contribution to Cybersecurity

Mark Kerrison’s legacy is rooted in his ability to build solutions that bridge IT operations and security, helping organizations not only monitor threats but systematically manage risk and compliance. His work at NNT contributed to shaping how enterprises think about protection, change management, and system integrity.

His career stands as a compelling case study of how experience, strategic clarity, and a customer‑oriented mindset can create impactful technology solutions in an ever‑challenging industry.

Conclusion

Mark Kerrison’s journey from seasoned IT professional to influential cybersecurity leader demonstrates how deep operational knowledge and strategic vision can lead to sustainable innovation. Through New Net Technologies, he championed solutions that helped organizations manage complex compliance needs while improving overall security posture. His legacy continues through the technologies and frameworks that remain relevant in today’s digital risk landscape.

FAQs about Mark Kerrison

Q1: Who is Mark Kerrison?
Mark Kerrison is the founder and long‑time CEO of New Net Technologies, a cybersecurity and compliance software company focused on system integrity and operational security.

Q2: What industry does Mark Kerrison work in?
He works in the cybersecurity, IT compliance, and technology leadership sectors.

Q3: What is Mark Kerrison known for?
He is known for leading NNT’s development of innovative security solutions, including Change Tracker and SecureOps strategies.

Q4: How long has Mark Kerrison been CEO at NNT?
He has served as CEO since 2008, building the company’s global presence and technology offerings.

Q5: What happened to New Net Technologies?
In 2021, New Net Technologies was acquired by Netwrix, expanding the reach of its cybersecurity technologies.

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