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New CEO Dennis Monner Embarks on Global Expansion Strategy at Open Systems
Open Systems has appointed Dennis Monner, the former chief commercial officer at Aryaka, as its new CEO to enhance sales efficiency and refine the company’s market approach in North America. This Swiss-based managed SASE provider has tasked Monner with utilizing its unique combination of managed services and technical expertise to appeal to corporations seeking alternatives to U.S. and Israeli cybersecurity solutions.
Monner highlighted that the company’s integrated SASE offerings, which encompass SD-WAN, ZTNA, and continuous managed support, are meticulously crafted for large global enterprises wishing to minimize vendor complexity. “My expertise lies in go-to-market strategies aimed at efficiency and growth,” he stated in an interview with Information Security Media Group. “I am determined to elevate Open Systems to a leading position in Europe.”
Founded in 1990 and employing around 300 staff, Open Systems was acquired in September 2024 by Swiss Post from private equity firm EQT. Recently, the company transitioned its managed detection and response services into a standalone entity, Ontinue. Monner previously founded and managed the German SASE provider Secucloud for eight years, eventually selling it to Aryaka, where he served as chief commercial officer.
Strategic Vision for Open Systems
Monner’s decision to join Open Systems was strongly influenced by Swiss Post’s long-term investment philosophy, contrasting sharply with the short-term financial pressures often experienced under private equity ownership. He appreciates the focus on cultivating a sustainable cybersecurity enterprise, especially in the European market, as opposed to merely chasing returns on investment.
Now at the helm, Monner is focused on evaluating the performance of the sales team, refining messaging, and possibly restructuring how the company aligns its services with client requirements. His admiration for Open Systems’ engineering-driven culture, which draws talent from premier technical institutions in Europe, is evident.
In his initial 100 days, Monner aims to ramp up sales efficiency, enhance engagement with enterprise clients, and drive tangible revenue growth. His emphasis will be on organizations with 1,000 to 30,000 employees, identifying this segment as Open Systems’ primary market focus.
Innovative Approach to SASE Services
As investment trends diverge between EMEA and U.S. markets, Monner observes that American firms are increasingly modernizing by shifting from legacy VPN systems to advanced SASE frameworks. The model that Open Systems employs is particularly well-suited to global organizations with dispersed operations and multifaceted infrastructures.
Unlike many competitors who offer technology solutions but require external providers for implementation and oversight, Open Systems integrates both network and security functionalities with around-the-clock management directly from their own engineers. This strategy creates a continuous feedback loop between product development and frontline support.
Monner emphasized that their commitment includes providing continuous monitoring, management, and expert-level support, ensuring that cybersecurity specialists handle customer interactions directly. Engineers regularly rotate through support roles, maintaining a hands-on understanding of customer challenges, which Monner identifies as a key asset for ongoing improvement in service and product quality.
With cybersecurity experts managing client needs 24/7, Open Systems is poised to strengthen its offerings and meet the unique demands of its clientele as it continues to navigate the evolving cybersecurity landscape.
