Akamai CEO Tom Leighton Pivots Company to Cybersecurity and Cloud
Translated & summarized from TheMarker by baba
Akamai CEO Tom Leighton has transformed the company from a content delivery network into a cybersecurity firm by acquiring Israeli startups. The company will also become a cloud provider for AI giant Anthropic. Leighton recently made a brief, half-day visit to Israel despite security concerns.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Akamai CEO Tom Leighton transformed the company into a cybersecurity leader.
- The company is set to become a cloud provider for AI giant Anthropic.
- Akamai was co-founded with Daniel Lewin, who died on 9/11.
- Leighton acquired Israeli startups to drive the company's cybersecurity focus.
- Leighton made a brief, half-day visit to Israel amid security concerns.
Akamai CEO Tom Leighton, who co-founded the company with Daniel Lewin, a student murdered in the 9/11 attacks, has led a significant transformation of the U.S.-based firm. At age 56, Leighton stepped out of his comfort zone, steering Akamai from a content delivery network into a major cybersecurity player by acquiring Israeli startups. The company is set to become a cloud provider for AI giant Anthropic.
Despite heightened security concerns in the Middle East, Leighton recently made a brief visit to Israel in early October. Security officials limited his on-the-ground presence to just half a day due to fears of further escalation in the region. However, even during such tense periods, Leighton remains committed to maintaining Akamai's connections with Israel.