Cato Networks, a company developing a network security platform tailored for the AI era, has announced that Tristan Elder has been appointed Vice President of the Partner Channel for EMEA. The appointment is part of the company’s effort to expand and strengthen its partner ecosystem across the region and meet rising demand for AI-related security solutions.
In his role, Elder will lead Cato Networks’ channel strategy across EMEA and further develop the partner program, focusing on global system integrators, managed service providers, consulting firms and strategic resellers.
Elder joins Cato Networks from ExtraHop Networks, where he led channel operations in EMEA. Earlier in his career, he was part of the early leadership team at CrowdStrike, helping to build and expand the company’s presence in EMEA during a period of rapid growth. He has extensive experience growing partner channels and driving revenue in sectors such as financial services, the public sector and large enterprise customers.
The appointment comes at a time when demand for AI security expertise is increasing across the EMEA region. Organizations are increasingly relying on channel partners for guidance on AI governance, risk management and secure implementation of AI solutions.
Cato Networks says its platform gives partners a scalable foundation to meet this growing demand and to support customers throughout the lifecycle — from deployment to ongoing operations and security management.
“I’m already seeing strong demand for strategic conversations with both existing and prospective Cato partners,” says Tristan Elder.
“Joining a fast-growing partner ecosystem is both inspiring and challenging, and I look forward to working with our partners to ensure we continue to accelerate our growth.”
“We are pleased to welcome Tristan to Cato Networks as our new Vice President of the Partner Channel for EMEA,” says Karl Söderlund, Global Channel Chief at Cato Networks.
“What stood out about Tristan was not only his track record, but that he has successfully led this kind of journey before. He has built channel organizations in high-growth environments, partnered closely with channel partners, and helped organizations scale. That experience is exactly what we need as we continue to invest in and expand our presence in the region.”
The appointment coincides with continued strong growth for Cato Networks. The company closed 2025 with annual recurring revenue (ARR) exceeding $350 million, representing a 43 percent increase year-over-year and outpacing growth in the broader SASE market.
Growth was further supported by a Series G financing round of $409 million in the past year. That funding round valued the company at more than $4.8 billion and pushed total capital raised past $1 billion.
During the year, Cato Networks also acquired Aim Security, strengthening the company’s capabilities in securing AI applications and protecting AI-driven interactions.
What this means for Swedish companies
Tristan Elder’s appointment as Vice President of the Partner Channel for EMEA underscores Cato Networks’ commitment to partner-led growth, SASE, network security and AI security. For Swedish companies, this can translate into a stronger regional channel strategy from Cato, clearer partner support and greater capacity to address demand for secure AI solutions, Zero Trust architectures and modern network security platforms.
What this means for MSPs in the Nordics
For Nordic MSPs, resellers and system integrators the appointment may open new opportunities to develop services around SASE, AI security, network protection, secure cloud access and managed security services. Tristan Elder’s background at ExtraHop Networks and CrowdStrike could help strengthen Cato Networks’ partner program and create better conditions for channel partners across EMEA.
Risks and opportunities
The growing demand for AI security presents significant opportunities for companies and partners looking to modernize their security architectures. At the same time, complexity is increasing around AI governance, secure deployment, data protection and control of AI applications. Cato Networks’ investment in the EMEA partner channel positions the company to address these needs through a stronger ecosystem of partners, MSPs and system integrators.
Further context
Cato Networks continues to expand its presence in SASE and network security after closing 2025 with ARR above $350 million. With a $409 million Series G financing round, a valuation above $4.8 billion and the acquisition of Aim Security, the company has bolstered its position in AI security, safe AI usage and protection of AI interactions.
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