# Nikesh Arora

> Nikesh Arora is chairman and CEO of Palo Alto Networks, which he joined in June 2018 after senior roles at Google and SoftBank. His career spans finance, telecommunications, advertising and cybersecurity; at Palo Alto Networks he has pursued broader security platforms through product development and acquisitions. He also serves on the boards of Uber and Richemont.

- **Role:** Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Palo Alto Networks
- **Organizations:** Palo Alto Networks, Uber Technologies, Richemont, Google (former executive), SoftBank Group (former executive), T-Mobile International (former executive), T-Motion (founder and former CEO), Fidelity Investments (former employee), Putnam Investments (former employee), Glean Technologies (adviser), Auradyne (adviser)
- **From:** Ghaziabad, India
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** B.Tech., Electrical Engineering, Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (now IIT (BHU) Varanasi), MBA, Northeastern University, M.S., Finance, Boston College
- **Known for:** Advanced from leading Google Europe to chief business officer during a decade at the company., Led Palo Alto Networks from June 2018; fiscal revenue was approximately $2.3 billion in 2018 and $11.48 billion in 2026, including acquired businesses., Expanded Palo Alto Networks’ security portfolio through development and acquisitions, including CyberArk.

## Career timeline

- **1989** — Graduated in electrical engineering; early work included computer sales at Wipro.
- **1992** — Completed Northeastern MBA and began a finance career that included Fidelity and Putnam.
- **2000** — Established T-Motion, later merged into T-Mobile International in 2002.
- **2004** — Joined Google to lead its European business; later held regional and global commercial leadership roles.
- **2011** — Became Google senior vice president and chief business officer.
- **2014** — Joined SoftBank as vice chairman and CEO of its internet and media business.
- **2015** — Became SoftBank president and COO.
- **2016** — Left SoftBank leadership after differing succession timelines with Masayoshi Son.
- **2017** — Joined Richemont’s board.
- **2018** — Became Palo Alto Networks chairman and CEO, effective June 6.
- **2024** — Accelerated Palo Alto Networks’ platformization strategy.
- **2025** — Became Richemont lead independent director and joined Uber’s board.
- **2026** — Led Palo Alto Networks as it completed the CyberArk acquisition.

## Achievements

- Advanced from leading Google Europe to chief business officer during a decade at the company.
- Led Palo Alto Networks from June 2018; fiscal revenue was approximately $2.3 billion in 2018 and $11.48 billion in 2026, including acquired businesses.
- Expanded Palo Alto Networks’ security portfolio through development and acquisitions, including CyberArk.
- Delivered Northeastern’s 2013 graduate commencement address and received an honorary degree.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — CTech reported on October 14 that Arora entered a prepaid variable share forward contract on October 12, receiving approximately $147.3 million against up to 500,000 shares, with settlement expected in October 2029.
- **2026-09** — In a September 29 Axios interview, Arora urged a constructive approach to AI adoption and security.
- **2026-09** — Palo Alto Networks reported fiscal 2026 revenue of $11.48 billion and fourth-quarter next-generation security ARR of $9.10 billion.
- **2026-08** — A Timeless interview explored his childhood moves, early job rejections and career decisions.
- **2026-06** — Returned to 20VC to discuss AI models, token economics, enterprise adoption and leadership.
- **2026-02** — Palo Alto Networks completed its CyberArk acquisition on February 11.

## Links

- Website: https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/perspectives/author/nikesh-arora/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikesh-arora-02894670
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/nikesharora

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/nikesh-arora
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-21