Jill Popelka is CEO of Darktrace, a global leader in AI for cybersecurity that protects nearly 10,000 organizations globally from evolving threats across their digital environment, including cloud, email, network and operational technology. As CEO, Jill sets the vision for and execution of Darktrace’s strategy to deliver excellence for customers, create an unmatched experience for a global workforce of 2,400 employees, and build foundations to drive long-term value and sustainable growth.
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Jill has over 20 years of experience in the technology industry, driving growth and innovation for global software companies. Jill first joined Darktrace in January 2024 as a Non-Executive Director on the Darktrace plc Board and then served as Chief Operating Officer. She was appointed Chief Executive Officer in September 2024 as the company transitioned to private ownership under Thoma Bravo, one of the largest software-focused investors in the world.  

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Jill joined Darktrace from Snap Inc., where she served as the Head of Enterprise Services. Prior to this, she spent most of her career at global enterprise applications provider SAP, becoming President of SAP SuccessFactors, the company’s cloud-based human capital management software, in 2020. Under Jill’s leadership, SAP SuccessFactors grew to support more than 7,000 customers, with 120 million users worldwide. During her time at SAP, Jill also spent three years based in Singapore running SAP Consulting and SuccessFactors’ Asia Pac operation.  

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She began her career at Accenture, after earning a BA in International Studies from Texas A&M University. Jill is also the author of the Wall Street Journal bestseller “Experience, Inc.: Why Companies That Uncover Purpose, Create Connection and Celebrate Their People Will Triumph.”