Dragos appoints Japan Country Manager to expand market

Dragos has appointed Kaori Nieda as its first Country Manager in Japan, expanding the company's presence in the market.

Nieda will lead efforts to grow Dragos's business in Japan, focusing on industrial and critical infrastructure organisations and other operators of cyber-physical systems. The appointment builds on the company's existing partnership with Macnica.

Japan has become a bigger focus for cybersecurity providers as manufacturers, utilities and infrastructure operators connect more operational systems to digital networks. That shift has increased concern about threats to industrial environments, where disruption can affect production, logistics and essential services.

Based in Hanover, Maryland, Dragos specialises in operational technology cybersecurity. In Japan, it plans to continue investing in regional innovation and partnerships to support industrial groups facing a more complex threat environment.

Executive background

Nieda brings more than 20 years of experience in threat intelligence, extended detection and response, network security, and software-as-a-service security products. Her background includes roles serving enterprise, service provider, and public sector organisations in Japan.

Most recently, she was Country Manager at Amplitude Analytics GK, where she reorganised the local business, doubled fiscal 2023 performance, secured strategic customers, and rebuilt the market approach and team.

The appointment also gives Dragos a more formal local structure in Japan. Until now, its presence in the country had been built partly through channel and partnership activity, including its relationship with Macnica, a distributor and technology partner with a broad position in the Japanese market.

Japan focus

Industrial cybersecurity has gained prominence in Japan as operators respond to rising geopolitical risk, tighter supply chain scrutiny, and the growing use of connected equipment in factories and infrastructure. These systems, often designed for reliability and long operating lives rather than internet exposure, present distinct security challenges.

By appointing a country manager, Dragos is signalling that direct local leadership is important to winning business and working with customers in a market where relationships, local-language support, and domestic partnerships often shape procurement decisions.

Hayley Turner, Vice President for Asia Pacific at Dragos, described Japan as a priority market. "Japan is a critical and fast-growing market for Dragos. Industrial and critical infrastructure organisations are at the centre of security and resilience in this region. Expanding our presence in Japan is a top priority, and we are thrilled to welcome Kaori Nieda to lead our next growth phase. Her deep cybersecurity expertise and proven leadership make her an exceptional addition to the Dragos team," said Turner.

Nieda said the threat picture for Japanese industrial and infrastructure operators was becoming more difficult to manage, increasing demand for more specialised operational technology security support.

"I am excited to join Dragos at such a critical moment for the company's growth. Industrial and critical infrastructure organisations in Japan face an increasingly complex threat landscape, and Dragos's mission and capabilities are exactly what the market needs. I look forward to collaborating with customers and partners to strengthen OT cyber resilience throughout Japan," said Nieda.