Duo's Kendra Ross steps aside to take on board role

Duo cofounder and general manager Kendra Ross is stepping down from her role and moving to a position on the company's board of executives, the company announced today.

Duo, which was purchased by local distributor Sektor in 2019, was first founded by Ross and cofounder Jackie Hatchwell in 1995.

Ross says she will reduce her operational involvement in the business and focus more on strategic initiatives for the company.

She says, "The timing is right for me to step away from the day-to-day operations and let the next generation of leaders shine. I am very grateful for the support I have from the Sektor management team".

"I love the strategic aspect of this business and by taking on the board role I will continue to contribute to this exciting Industry while also balancing more time with my family.

Duo regional sales director Jo Haanstra will take over as the company's new general manager. Haanstra, who has worked with Duo for the last 17 years, acknowledges Ross' importance as both a friend and a mentor to the team, and an inspiration to women in IT.

"We value her contribution across the business and the Industry and are thrilled she will continue to be involved with the business," says Haanstra.

"Kendra will also remain involved in the community groups she co-founded in cybersecurity: 1stTuesday and Project Wednesday which is excellent news for the industry.

Ross was also appointed to CERT NZ's Establishment Board in 2016, and the Government Cyber Security Skills Taskforce in 2018. In 2020, she was named as one of the IFSEC Global Top 20 Influencers.

Sektor Group CEO Rhys Warren adds that Duo has been a great addition to the Sektor family.

"Having Kendra on the Duo Board will greatly assist with our expansion plans for cybersecurity across the group."