Amit Yoran, CEO of cybersecurity firm Tenable, dies unexpectedly after battle with cancer

Amit Yoran, who led Tenable as its CEO and chair, passed away on Friday at the age of 54. His death, described as unexpected, was confirmed by Tenable in a press release on Saturday. Yoran had taken medical leave last month as he faced cancer, a condition he had described as “treatable.”

Funeral arrangements have yet to be shared, the company stated.

“It is with profound sadness that Tenable Holdings, Inc. announces the passing of our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Amit Yoran. Amit passed away unexpectedly yesterday. He had been battling cancer,” Tenable said in news release.

Yoran’s tenure at Tenable began in 2016, marking another milestone in his long career in cybersecurity. Before his role at Tenable, he served as president of RSA Security from 2014 to 2016. Earlier, he founded and led NetWitness as its CEO, steering the company through its acquisition by RSA in 2011.

Beyond the corporate world, Yoran played significant roles in government and nonprofit initiatives. From 2003 to 2004, he served as National Cybersecurity Director at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. He was also a member of the board at the Center for Internet Security starting in 2019.

“Amit was an extraordinary leader, colleague, and friend,” said Art Coviello, Tenable’s lead independent director. “His passion for cybersecurity, his strategic vision, and his ability to inspire those around him have shaped Tenable’s culture and mission. His legacy will continue to guide us as we move forward.”

Under Yoran’s leadership, Tenable went public on the Nasdaq in 2018. The IPO was celebrated as a success, solidifying the company’s reputation in cybersecurity. Yoran highlighted Tenable’s unique focus on identifying vulnerabilities in business technology and its pivot to a subscription model. By 2018, more than half of the Fortune 500 were Tenable clients.

“We’ve become one of the most trusted and beloved brands in cybersecurity,” Yoran told CNBC during the IPO. “Only the best and highest-performing private companies have the opportunity to go public. And that gives us a spot on a much larger stage to be able to tell our story.”

Since Yoran’s medical leave in December, CFO Steve Vintz and COO Mark Thurmond have shared responsibilities as co-CEOs. The board of directors will continue the search for a permanent successor.

Before stepping back for his health, Yoran expressed optimism and gratitude in a note to employees on LinkedIn. “We have much to do and there is no time to waste,” he wrote. “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. I am deeply grateful for each of you, not only for the dedication you bring to your work but for the sense of community we’ve built together.”

Art Coviello, Tenable’s lead independent director, will now chair the board. In a statement, Coviello reflected on Yoran’s influence. “His passion for cybersecurity, his strategic vision, and his ability to inspire those around him have shaped Tenable’s culture and mission. His legacy will continue to guide us as we move forward.”

Yoran’s contributions to cybersecurity spanned decades, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.