Palo Alto Networks lands former Fortinet executive Rajeev K Abichandani as director, channels for India & SAARC

The appointment comes as cybersecurity vendors strengthen partner-led business and MSSP ecosystems across the region.

Palo Alto Networks has appointed former Fortinet executive Rajeev K Abichandani as director, channels for India & SAARC, strengthening its channel leadership as cybersecurity vendors continue expanding partner-led business across the region.

Rajeev joins Palo Alto Networks after spending over five years at Fortinet, where he most recently served as head of enterprise channels and MSSP for India & SAARC.

At Fortinet, he worked closely with enterprise channel partners and managed security service providers (MSSPs) across the region. His role involved partner business development, ecosystem expansion and driving enterprise security engagements through the channel.

The appointment comes at a time when cybersecurity vendors are increasing investments in channel ecosystems as enterprises accelerate deployments around cloud security, SASE, SOC modernisation, AI security and managed security services.

Rajeev announced his exit from Fortinet through a LinkedIn post, where he reflected on his tenure with the company.

“After 5.5 incredible years at Fortinet, I bid farewell with immense gratitude for a journey that has shaped my career and personal growth in so many meaningful ways,” he wrote.

“Looking back, this phase has been filled with learning, teamwork, success and countless memorable moments. From building strong partner relationships to leading and mentoring a talented team, every experience has contributed to my journey as a professional and leader,” he added.

In the post, Rajeev also thanked partners, team members and mentors who supported him during his tenure at Fortinet India.

His move to Palo Alto Networks comes as security vendors continue strengthening regional channel leadership to support enterprise demand and partner-led services opportunities across India and SAARC markets.

Expanding partner-led cybersecurity business across the region

The cybersecurity market in the region is seeing growing demand around managed detection and response, zero trust architecture, network security modernisation and cloud workload protection. This has increased the role of channel partners, systems integrators and MSSPs in enterprise security deployments.

Vendors are also working closely with partners to deliver consulting, deployment, managed services and governance capabilities around cybersecurity transformation projects.

Rajeev brings experience in enterprise channel management and partner ecosystem development across the cybersecurity and enterprise technology sectors.

Before joining Fortinet, he held leadership roles across companies, including NTT, Dimension Data and Avaya.

Over the years, he has worked with enterprise partners, service providers and regional channel ecosystems across India and SAARC markets.

Palo Alto Networks has expanded its presence across enterprise security segments, including cloud security, AI-driven security operations, SASE and platform-based cybersecurity offerings.

The company has also been increasing engagement with channel partners and service providers as enterprises move towards integrated security platforms and managed security models.

As enterprises consolidate security operations and adopt platform-led security architectures, vendors are relying more on partners for implementation, managed services and customer lifecycle support.

Rajeev’s appointment is expected to support Palo Alto Networks’ channel growth strategy across India and SAARC as the company continues to expand enterprise and partner engagement in the region.