Forcepoint, a global leader in AI-driven data security, has announced the appointment of Vincent Merlin as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). The move is aimed at accelerating worldwide adoption of the company’s AI Data Security platform and strengthening its position in the rapidly evolving AI security market.
Reporting directly to CEO Ryan Windham, Merlin will oversee Forcepoint’s global marketing strategy, including brand development, demand generation, product marketing, and analyst relations. His appointment comes as organizations increasingly seek ways to harness artificial intelligence while maintaining control over sensitive data, governance, and compliance requirements.
A seasoned technology and cybersecurity executive with more than 20 years of experience, Merlin joins Forcepoint from Proofpoint, where he spent a decade in senior marketing leadership roles. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President of Global Growth Marketing, helping drive the company’s expansion and AI-led transformation as annual recurring revenue grew from approximately $400 million to over $2.4 billion. He has also held leadership positions at AVEVA, Dell EMC, and RSA.
“Forcepoint is giving enterprises the confidence to put their best information to work while staying in control. As AI adoption accelerates, organizations need security that enables innovation without compromising governance, visibility, or trust,” said Vincent Merlin, Chief Marketing Officer, Forcepoint.
Forcepoint CEO Ryan Windham said enterprises are entering a new era where trust must be embedded into every AI interaction and decision. He noted that organizations that successfully maintain control of AI systems and the data they access will be best positioned to thrive in the coming decade.
Forcepoint’s AI Data Security platform is designed to help businesses identify, manage, and protect sensitive data across cloud, web, email, network, endpoint, and AI environments through a unified policy framework. The company believes this approach is essential as enterprises increasingly deploy agentic AI and autonomous systems across their operations.
Merlin is expected to play a key role in advancing Forcepoint’s vision of AI data security and will join company executives and industry experts at the upcoming Forcepoint AWARE: Decoding Agentic AI Security virtual conference on September 16, 2026, where discussions will focus on securing the future of enterprise AI adoption.
