Amit Yoran, CEO of cybersecurity company Tenable, passed away unexpectedly on Friday after a brief battle with cancer. He was 54 years old.
Yoran, who had taken medical leave in December 2023, was a prominent figure in the cybersecurity industry with an illustrious career spanning both private and public sectors. Under his leadership since 2016, Tenable successfully went public on the Nasdaq, transforming into a trusted name in cybersecurity with over half of Fortune 500 companies as clients.
Before joining Tenable, Yoran served as president of RSA Security and founded NetWitness, which was later acquired by RSA. His dedication to national security was evident in his role as National Cybersecurity Director for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security from 2003 to 2004.
In his final message to employees in December, Yoran expressed optimism about his treatment and gratitude for the company's community. "As I take a brief pause to prioritize my health, I will stay as connected as I can while giving myself the space to heal fully," he wrote.
Art Coviello, who succeeds Yoran as board chair, praised him as an "extraordinary" leader whose strategic vision shaped Tenable's culture and mission. The company's CFO Steve Vintz and COO Mark Thurmond will continue serving as interim co-CEOs while the board searches for a permanent successor.
Funeral arrangements are pending announcement by the company.