VP, Threat Intelligence - Unit 42

Palo Alto Networks

About The Position

Want to lead threat intelligence at the world's leading cybersecurity company? As the Vice President, Unit 42 Threat Intelligence, you will lead our global threat intelligence practice —responsible for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating world-class finished intelligence. As the most senior leader for Unit 42 Threat Intelligence, you will set the vision and strategy for your team, ensure successful delivery of intel products and services, and drive ongoing innovation in threat intelligence offerings. This role requires cybersecurity expertise, business acumen, and demonstrated thought leadership. You will serve as a trusted advisor to clients, build and lead high-performing intel teams, and create strategic partnerships that accelerate growth and market presence for Unit 42. The ideal candidate has a track record of delivering differentiated finished intelligence, scaling a threat intel business, attracting and retaining top talent, and delivering profitable growth.

Requirements

15+ years in cybersecurity, intelligence, or technology leadership (with at least 5 years at the Director level or above.
Proven executive leadership in designing, building, and scaling a threat intelligence business —working across large, matrixed organizations, setting GTM strategies, and achieving aggressive growth targets.
Recognized thought leadership in threat intelligence, driving innovative solutions that shape market trends.
Experience with data models and systems that support collection, analysis, and dissemination of intelligence at scale.
Strong business and financial acumen, adept at high-level strategic planning and day-to-day operational execution.
Excellent communication skills, including public speaking, executive presentations, and technical/business deliverables.
Results-oriented and collaborative, capable of building trust-based relationships with colleagues, clients, and cross-functional teams.
Client services mindset with a deep understanding of client needs and a focus on delivering tangible business outcomes.
Strategic vision backed by a history of creating and executing multi-year strategies aligned with organizational goals.

Nice To Haves

Industry-leading certifications (CISSP, CISM, etc.) are a plus.
An advanced degree (e.g., MS, MBA, JD) or equivalent military experience is preferred.

Responsibilities

Own and drive the strategic vision, goals, and growth plan for Unit 42 threat intelligence, ensuring alignment with executive leadership and Palo Alto Networks objectives.
Establish quarterly and annual objectives, guiding the team to successful execution.
Manage multiple intel practice areas (e.g., strategic research, publishing, external engagement, product delivery), providing leadership and mentorship to foster a culture of execution, collaboration, and innovation.
Drive cross functional collaboration and alignment with Unit 42 consulting, managed services, and Palo Alto Networks GTM and product research teams.
Serve as the external face of Unit 42 Threat Intelligence, engaging with C-suite and Boards to generate new business and manage strategic client relationships.
Work closely with GTM teams and sales leadership to shape go-to-market strategies, develop pipeline, and win new business for Unit 42 Threat Intelligence.
Act as a trusted advisor in expanding Unit 42 customer relationships, positioning services and cross-selling Palo Alto Networks products.
Provide executive oversight of intelligence delivery in high-impact, high stakes research and outcomes, ensuring top-quality deliverables and on-time, on-budget performance.
Intervene when necessary to address escalations or complex customer scenarios, offering strategic guidance and serving as an executive sponsor.
Recruit, develop, and retain world-class intelligence talent, fostering an environment where professionals can thrive.
Establish operational rhythms—regularly reviewing finished intel outputs, and offering improvement outcomes, to ensure consistent high quality and drive continuous improvement.
Champion new intel service offerings aligned with evolving market needs and emerging cybersecurity threats.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Product, Consulting, Threat Intelligence, GTM) to integrate Palo Alto Networks technologies, driving product pull-through
Continuously mature our intel service portfolio, identifying opportunities to retire outdated offerings and introduce forward-looking capabilities.
Serve as an industry luminary—speaking at conferences, engaging with media, and publishing content that elevates Unit 42’s brand.
Share knowledge internally, mentoring intel analysts and shaping ongoing training and enablement efforts.
Manage budget for the Intel practice, including bookings, revenue forecasting, headcount, expenses, and meeting quarterly and annual targets.
Partner with executive leadership to refine organizational structures, processes, and policies that ensure efficiency and profitability.