Darktrace Names Charles Goodman Interim CEO Following Jill Popelka’s Departure
Goodman has a 30-year career in the software industry, including as COO and CEO of a number of fast-growing businesses.
Darktrace, a global leader in AI for cybersecurity, announced that Jill Popelka has stepped down as Chief Executive Officer. Charles Goodman, the current Chairman of the Darktrace Board, has been appointed interim CEO while the Board leads the search for the next CEO.
“Jill led a significant transformation of Darktrace into a more mature, established software business, and we are grateful that she will remain with us in an advisory capacity. Darktrace is a special company with exceptional people, and we are committed to finding an excellent new leader for the business, who has deep experience in leading and scaling Software-as-a-Service businesses.”
– Charles Goodman, Chairman, Darktrace
Popelka joined Darktrace in January 2024 as a Non-Executive Director on the Darktrace plc Board and then served as Chief Operating Officer. She was appointed Chief Executive Officer in September 2024. Popelka will remain an advisor to Darktrace during this transition.
“It has been a privilege, both personally and professionally, to lead this great business and I am proud of our transformation program that has established stronger operational foundations for Darktrace, which can now be leveraged for growth. Charles brings extensive experience in guiding software companies through different stages of transition, and we have an excellent leadership team, so I know I am leaving Darktrace in good hands.”
– Jill Popelka, Former CEO, Darktrace
Goodman has a 30-year career in the software industry, including as COO and CEO of a number of fast-growing businesses. More recently, he has served as Chairman of several businesses, including Coupa and Proofpoint.
“Our innovative AI cybersecurity products are industry-leading, helping companies to grapple with the radically expanding threat of cyberattack from ambitious technology adoption and an increasingly complex geopolitical environment. Darktrace continues to be a company with strong growth potential, and our focus now needs to be on re-accelerating that growth, in line with our existing strategy.”
– Charles Goodman, Chairman, Darktrace
