GrIDsure, the pioneer in pattern based authentication, has appointed Daniel Mothersdale as the new chief executive officer (CEO). He will be responsible for driving international growth for GrIDsure, capitalising on the company’s award-winning technology and market leadership in secure authentication with dynamic one-time passcodes.

Daniel brings with him an exceptional track record successfully developing and growing companies on an international basis within the IT security, networking, telecoms and software sector. He has joined GrIDsure from a history of leading global sales and marketing teams within IT security organisations. In 2007, he joined n-Cipher, where he spearheaded the growth of the international structure taking the company to its most profitable period, and through to acquisition by Thales. Daniel was also responsible for launching Webroot Inc and Brightmail into EMEA, and was part of the management team that successfully took Brightmail through to acquisition by Symantec.

At GrIDsure Daniel will focus on cementing the company’s position in the authentication marketplace and establishing pattern based authentication as the technology of choice.

“GrIDsure is in the business of selling confidence: confidence for the IT team that they are providing secure, reliable access to company systems to the correct users. And confidence for users that their online identities are safe,” says Daniel Mothersdale.

“Secure authentication is a key requirement of any security system. GrIDsure’s technology is truly unique in that it’s so simple to use, yet much safer than traditional PINs and passwords. It works for any organisation that needs to restrict access to sensitive data, personal details, physical devices or company premises. There has been a lack of innovation in the security industry resulting in continued use of legacy technology. It is time that strong authentication became available to a broad range of applications and users in a way that is easy to acquire, implement, administer and use.”

“Daniel’s appointment strengthens the executive team and enables us to build on our early success and target opportunities in broader European markets,” adds GrIDsure founder Stephen Howes. “His direction and vision will drive the change that’s needed to establish the company as a leading player in the IT security marketplace.”

Stephen Howes, who previously acted as joint CEO and chief technology officer (CTO), will continue to lead GrIDsure’s technology innovation and technical direction in his position as the company’s CTO.