Check Point Software Technologies has appointed Lorna Hardie, a former VMware executive, as regional director for Africa.

According to the cyber security company, Hardie will be in charge of expanding Check Point's market share across the continent by broadening its distribution and partner network and driving cybersecurity adoption in the region.

Hardie joins Check Point from VMware by Broadcom, where she led multimillion-dollar businesses in 33 Sub-Saharan African countries.

She has over 20 years of experience in the IT industry, according to Check Point, and has held leadership roles spanning pan-African sales, business unit management, and regional leadership in multinational companies, where she successfully led multiple mergers and acquisitions.

The company also stated that Hardie received industry accolades during her time at VMware, including Broadcom's Presidents Club Winner awards for Top Sales Achievement in 2020 and 2023.

This year, she was also a top five finalist in the Wired4Women Awards' IT Business Development Executive category, according to the business.

According to Check Point, Hardie is committed to developing diversity in technology and has continuously advocated for inclusive teamwork and the advancement of women in IT.

It said: "At VMware, she established a strong network of women leaders through impactful round tables focused on developing young female talent."

Hardie commented on her appointment, saying, "I see great opportunity through my role as regional director for Africa at Check Point to encourage more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity."

Check Point stated that, in line with this strategy, it is actively participating in strengthening Africa's cybersecurity skills through Secure Academy, which collaborates with educational institutions to provide free instructor training, courseware, and low-cost certification exams.

"These initiatives not only aim to close the critical skills gap in Africa but also to create a resilient cybersecurity workforce capable of protecting the continent's growing digital economy," Hardie said.