Fortinet has appointed Nicole Quinn to the newly-created role of head of government relations – APAC.
Nicole will be responsible for positioning Fortinet with key government stakeholders to contribute to the public policy debates critical to protecting the networks and data that are the foundation of our digital society. She will engage on the cybersecurity requirements of organisations within the APAC region and will also work closely with the local public sector team to provide insights into government programs and requirements.
Nicole has more than 20 years of experience in advocacy and stakeholder engagement including working for federal ministers and parliamentarians and member-based organisations. Nicole joins Fortinet from Quinntessential GR, a Canberra-based government relations advisory firm that she founded.
Prior to establishing Quinntessential GR, Nicole was director of government relations for Parker and Partners (part of Ogilvy PR), heading up the organisation’s Canberra office. Nicole’s previous roles also include general manager and board member of The Institute for Regional Security, national convenor for Defence Families of Australia, director of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Commerce Centre for the State Chamber of Commerce (NSW) and various communication, marketing, and membership roles in both the private and public sectors.
Nicole is currently a board member of The Sir Richard Williams Foundation and ACT Gift For Life as well as a member of the Australian Professional Government Relations Association.
Hugh Carroll, head of government affairs, Fortinet, said, “Nicole has worked extensively in and around the national security community. Her knowledge of policy and process will help better position Fortinet as a trusted partner to governments across APAC. With the significant uptick in cyberattacks and increased attention on cybersecurity laws and regulations, the time was ideal for Fortinet to make this important investment in the region. We look forward to Nicole being a key part of our growth story.”
Jon McGettigan, regional director Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands, Fortinet, said, “The cybersecurity landscape is changing rapidly with threats escalating every day. It is critical that government and business work together to ensure the security posture of the nation is protected. Fortinet is committed to playing its part in that, with Nicole playing an integral role of elevating Fortinet’s partnership with government to expand its contribution to the legislative and policy environment across APAC.”
Nicole Quinn said, “Cybersecurity is at the forefront right now, touching everyone’s lives from consumers, enterprises and right up to the highest level of government. It is critical to ensure that the technology being used and the related policy settings and legislation are keeping up with the evolving cybersecurity demands. Coming to Fortinet at a time of rapid growth affords me with a great opportunity to elevate Fortinet’s position on the national security agenda. I look forward to sharing the insights and lessons that a company with global stature like Fortinet can offer the public sector.”
