Aviatrix Blog

Why Cloud Network Security is Key to the Global Economy—My Journey to Aviatrix

New CRO Ken Horner shares why joining Aviatrix’s cloud-network-security revolution protects the digital economy—and how it can secure yours.

From Security Pioneer to Global Economy Guardian: My Journey to Aviatrix image

In an era where digital transformation has become the backbone of global commerce, I’ve come to understand the critical intersection of cloud security and economic stability in ways I never imagined when I first started my career.

My recent appointment as Chief Revenue Officer at Aviatrix represents more than a career milestone—it’s the culmination of a journey that has led me to what I believe is the most important work of my professional life: protecting the digital infrastructure that powers our global economy.

 

My Evolution Through Security’s Transformation

Looking back, my career trajectory reads like a roadmap of the cybersecurity industry’s evolution, and I’ve been fortunate to witness and contribute to its transformation at every stage. From my foundational years at Cisco, where I first glimpsed the potential of network security, to my transformative tenure at HP, where I watched enterprise security mature before my eyes, each role prepared me for this moment.

At Splunk, I discovered the incredible power of data-driven security insights. The ability to turn raw data into actionable intelligence wasn’t just technically fascinating—it was revolutionary. During my time at Flexera, I grappled with the complexities of software asset management in an increasingly distributed world, learning firsthand how challenging it becomes to maintain visibility and control as organizations scale.

But it was at Cloudflare where everything clicked for me. Leading the enterprise segment to nearly 100% year-over-year growth for two consecutive years, I witnessed something profound: every DDoS attack we thwarted, every malicious bot we blocked, every secure connection we established wasn’t just a technical victory—it represented transactions preserved, businesses protected, and economic activity safeguarded. Edge security, SD-WAN, and zero trust networking weren’t just concepts to me anymore; they were the guardians of digital commerce itself.

 

Why I Chose Revolution Over Evolution

When I say “the companies that appeal to me are revolutionary, not evolutionary,” I’m not just talking about technology—I’m talking about impact. After spending years in this industry, I’ve learned to recognize the difference between companies that incrementally improve existing solutions and those that fundamentally change how we think about problems.

Aviatrix is revolutionary in the truest sense. This isn’t just another networking company trying to optimize existing approaches. This is a company whose very existence addresses one of the most critical challenges of our time: securing the cloud networks that have become the nervous system of the global economy.

Aviatrix customers are more than just clients—they’re the organizations that process millions of transactions daily, manage critical healthcare records, facilitate financial transfers, coordinate supply chains, and maintain the infrastructure that keeps our modern world functioning.

 

Understanding What We’re Really Protecting

The significance of what we’re doing at Aviatrix becomes clear when I consider the stakes. Today’s global economy operates on a cloud-first foundation, and I’ve seen how a single network breach can cascade into billions in losses—not just for individual companies, but for entire economic ecosystems.

When IP exhaustion threatens connectivity, when Azure NAT gateway policy changes disrupt operations, when shared infrastructure creates security gaps—these aren’t just technical challenges to solve. They’re threats to economic stability itself, and that realization has fundamentally changed how I approach my work.

Our cloud network security platform serves as the immune system for this digital economy. By embedding zero trust principles directly into cloud networks, we ensure that every data packet, every connection, every transaction is authenticated and secured. The distributed perimeter security with centralized control that we provide creates a fortress around the cloud infrastructure powering everything from e-commerce platforms to banking systems, from manufacturing operations to government services.

 

The Platform That Enables Prosperity

What excites me most about Aviatrix is our understanding that cloud security isn’t just about preventing breaches; it’s about enabling economic growth. Our AI-driven insights don’t just detect threats; they provide the intelligence organizations need to make informed decisions that drive business forward. Our automated setup and intuitive workflows don’t just simplify operations; they allow companies to innovate faster and compete more effectively in the global marketplace.

I think about the ripple effects constantly:

  • When we secure a financial institution’s cloud network, we’re protecting not just that bank’s data but the economic transactions of millions of customers.
  • When we safeguard a healthcare provider’s infrastructure, we’re enabling telemedicine services that keep the economy moving during crises.
  • When we secure a manufacturer’s IoT network, we’re protecting supply chains that feed into countless other businesses.

 

My Mission Beyond Revenue

Leading revenue operations at Aviatrix means more than hitting financial targets for me—it means expanding the protective shield that keeps the global economy functioning. My proven track record of scaling go-to-market teams and driving over $500 million in revenue growth now serves what I consider a higher purpose: ensuring that more organizations can access the cloud network security they need to operate safely in our interconnected world.

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated and cloud adoption accelerates, the work we’re doing becomes increasingly critical. Every new customer I help onboard, every network we secure, every threat we mitigate represents another victory in the ongoing battle to protect the digital infrastructure that modern prosperity depends upon.

In joining Aviatrix, I haven’t just taken on a new role—I’ve become a guardian of the global economy itself. And I can’t think of more important work to be doing right now.

 

Learn more about Aviatrix’s commitment to cloud network security: