Hot on the heels of being named top SentinelOne partner for the entire Asia Pacific/Japan region, managed security services specialist Advantage has continued its hiring spree by bringing on board Christophe Demoor as a security consultant in its Auckland office. Christophe brings with him extensive experience in the infosec industry, including at executive and Senior Leadership Team level, and has ambitious plans for the Advantage consulting division.
Advantage Auckland Region general manager Steve Smith, alongside whom Christophe will predominantly work, says the company’s focus on excellence starts with its people. “Christophe is a significant addition to our team generally, and our consulting division in particular. Well versed in the operational aspects of security, he is also proven in building, leading and managing teams; with effective security for the enterprise resting heavily on teamwork, we’re looking forward to an enhanced experience for our customers.”
Hailing from Belgium and married to a Kiwi, Christophe started and spent most of his career in Europe, though New Zealand isn’t entirely unfamiliar: he worked with the Dairy Board in Wellington from 2001-2002 as a Network and Security Engineer. On return to Europe, he spent two years at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then worked for a decade in retail with the Delhaize Group in his native Belgium as Security Team Lead and Network and Security Manager, then took a position in telecom with Telenet as Manager Security Engineering and subsequently Infrastructure and Security Strategy Manager. Before returning to New Zealand, Christophe held the position of Head of eConnectivity at global pharmaceutical company ECB. His first role back in New Zealand was Chief Information Security Officer for a MSP.
“I saw an opportunity to get back to the tactical aspects of security while building a consulting capability targeting the mid-market to enterprise space,” says Christophe when signing up with Advantage.
He says this represents an elevation in terms of targeting larger companies. “There is a global skills shortage and every company needs advanced expertise in solving their security challenges. I’m looking forward to putting my 25 years’ experience to work for Advantage’s client base – while also growing the market and the consulting team.”
He says Advantage is a natural home, as the company enjoys a sound reputation for quality, delivery and culture. “Advantage has growth potential. It is aligned with the right vendors and has an ambitious team looking to make New Zealand secure with technology that just works. And as builder, I’m looking forward to making a difference for the company, and for our customers.”
Christophe Demoor graduated from HoGENT University in Flanders with a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechatronics. He holds multiple qualifications and licenses in the cybersecurity space, including ITIL Foundation, Certified Information Security Manager, and a GIAC Critical Controls Certification. As a keen cyclist, as all Belgians should be, he is also an active guitar player with a particular interest in indie, blues and jazz, and is happily married with a son and daughter both at Intermediate school level.
His appointment is with immediate effect.
