Flash storage software and hardware firm VAST Data has bolstered its commercial leadership team as it continues to expand its channel.
Marianne Budnik has been named VAST’s chief marketing officer, and will lead all marketing functions, including product marketing, field marketing, customer advocacy, communications and public relations, content, and creative and brand strategy.
Budnik has previously held positions at CrowdStrike, CyberArk and CA Technologies, along with nearly a decade in marketing leadership roles at EMC Corporation.
She will “partner closely” with VAST Data co-founder Jeff Denworth (pictured), who previously held the position of chief marketing officer, who will “maintain his responsibilities leading the company’s product and commercial strategies”, said VAST. Denworth will continue to work closely with VAST’s most strategic customers and partners, said the firm, to “realise the promise of AI-powered transformation”.
Additionally, Stacey Cast has been named vice president of global operations, responsible for VAST’s operational processes that ensure product quality and delivery. She has previously held exec roles at H20.ai, SentinalOne, Cohesity, Nimble Storage and NetApp.
Budnik, Cast and Denworth each report directly to CEO Renen Hallak.
"I welcome these talented domain experts to our leadership team to help us expand our market share and execute on our vision," said Hallak. "With Marianne and Stacey joining our ranks, and with Jeff able to spend more time focusing on our business with customers, we are well positioned for the company’s next stage of growth.”
In June, 2022, on the IT Press Tour of Silicon Valley, Denworth said he expected VAST to triple the number of partners it had in EMEA to 150 within a year, including system integrators, OEMS, distributors, MSPs and resellers.
