SafeNet Secures Steve Messick as SVP of Worldwide Sales via Benchmark Executive Search

RESTON, Va., Nov. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Benchmark Executive Search announced today the placement of Steve Messick as Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales at SafeNet, a leader in data protection and cloud-based encryption to both commercial and government organizations. The position reports to EVP & Chief Revenue Officer, Phil Saunders, and reinforces the company's commitment to growth.   

To fill the key role of SVP of Worldwide Sales, SafeNet relied on Benchmark's industry experience, reputation and proven track record of success recruiting high-impact  executives for leading federal contractors and technology providers. 

Messick will serve as a strategic leader for SafeNet's global sales and will serve as an integral part of SafeNet's senior leadership team. Messick brings deep expertise in security and information technology and nearly three decades of sales leadership experience.  Prior to joining SafeNet, Messick served as the Chief Sales Officer for Fishnet Security and dramatically accelerated channel opportunities and revenue for the organization. Messick was instrumental during his tenure at Symantec in the transformation and expansion of the business.  Messick also held top executive positions with Axent and Inktomi, where he provided the strategic direction required to successfully penetrate new markets, develop product strategies, and improve alignment between sales and marketing.

"We worked very closely with Benchmark and were impressed with their access, market insight, and the personalized attention and time they dedicated to our search", said Phil Saunders, EVP & Chief Revenue Officer at SafeNet. "They truly exceeded our expectations and stand out as a unique partner in connecting federal and commercial IT organizations with the best talent available. They can be trusted with the most mission-critical assignments. I found their integrity refreshing, and believe it's one of the things that really sets them apart."

"Steve Messick has a distinguished record and is a true industry veteran. He understands how to leverage SafeNet's unique capabilities and successfully implement their strategy to take advantage of new market opportunities on a worldwide scale," said Benchmark Managing Partner, Jeremy King.

To find out how Benchmark can help your organization assess business and organizational needs and recruit exceptional executive talent, board members and key federal advisors, visit www.BenchmarkES.com.

Benchmark Executive Search:
Benchmark's mission is to build high impact leadership teams that achieve extraordinary results for our clients.  Our partners have over seventy years of executive search experience for public and private companies providing technology, cyber security, systems engineering and military products to the federal and commercial markets. Our proprietary business assessment approach, search model and commitment to our client's success is ensured by our strong belief that fewer searches per partner fosters more intimate relationships that are essential to achieving extraordinary results. Benchmark builds long-term collaborative partnerships with individuals and organizations to develop high quality executive connections and lasting executive placements.

SOURCE Benchmark Executive Search