Mark Patton

Energizer
DISC Type : I

Chief Technology Officer at KnowBe4

Clearwater, Florida, United States

Overview

Mark Patton is the Chief Technology Officer at KnowBe4, an accomplished software executive with deep expertise in the cybersecurity sector. He has a history of scaling product engineering teams at companies like Malwarebytes and Sunbelt Software. Colleagues describe him as a passionate, charismatic, and exceptional leader.

He is a double graduate of Michigan Technological University, holding both a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Mechanical Engineering. His interests extend to the business side of technology, including an interest in tech-focused private equity firms.

Unique fact: Mark is a co-inventor on a patent for systems that improve the effectiveness of simulated phishing campaigns.

Personality Overview

Informal

Full Of Energy

Imaginative

They are people oriented, friendly and like creating new connections.  They are not always early adopters but can be pursuaded by leveraging strong relationships. They are naturally enthusiastic, so take their promise with a pinch of salt.

Topics They Care About

Cybersecurity Culture
He is a certified Security Awareness and Culture Professional (SACP) and frequently emphasizes the importance of changing security culture within organizations.
Human Risk Management
A core theme in his public communications, focusing on protecting humans as a critical layer of security and using tools to manage that risk.
AI-Driven Threats
He actively discusses emerging threats like deepfakes and the necessity of using AI-powered solutions to detect and respond to them effectively.

Media Appearances

KnowBe4 Promotes Four Leaders to Executive and C‑Level Positions. Featured in PR Newswire

See Now

KnowBe4 taps former Malwarebytes exec for leadership role. Featured in St. Pete Catalyst

See Now

Work History

9-2019
Chief Technology Officer at KnowBe4
1-2014 - 8-2019
Senior Vice President of Engineering at Malwarebytes
9-2013 - 12-2013
Principal Program Manager - Windows Phone at Microsoft
6-2010 - 1-2013
Global Vice President of Research and Development at GFI Software
1-2005 - 6-2010
VP of Research and Development at Sunbelt Software

Education

1981 - 1983
MSME from Michigan Technological University
1977 - 1981
BSME from Michigan Technological University

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 20 Location : Clearwater, Florida, United States Job Level : Leadership Designation : Chief Technology Officer at KnowBe4
URL has been copied!

Insights For Selling To Mark

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Use phrases like ‘people will love’, ‘massive impact’ etc.
  • Be friendly and entertaining in your conversation
  • Invite them for a lunch or a drink/coffee

DONT's

  • Avoid ifs and buts, don’t talk too much about the risks etc.
  • Don’t be too formal, focus on building comfort and trust
  • Don’t push them to make a decision too fast, let them get comfortable first

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Mark is

  • Relationship and trust can be vital with them, sometimes more than anything else.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Mark

  • They are unlikely to say no directly, you have to make that decision yourself.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Mark move?

  • They are not the fastest decision makers, their friendly approach can give false positive signals.
  • Can Mark take some risk or not?

  • They may take certain risks that they deem unlikely of personal repercussions.

You And Mark

Personality Compatibility


Other KnowBe4 Employees

Explore more public profiles from related professionals at the same organization.

More Profiles

Discover additional public profiles from our index.

Search more profiles

Looking for someone else? Search here for anyone.

Or visit Humantic AI to know more.