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James Segil
President and Co-Founder at Openpath Security Inc.
Professional Background
James Segil is an accomplished serial entrepreneur and technology executive with a wealth of experience in creating, growing, and turning around leading technology businesses. His impressive career is marked by a consistent ability to manage priorities while building robust teams around a shared vision. Presently, James serves as the President and Co-Founder of Openpath Security, a progressive company dedicated to providing next-generation access control solutions for modern workplaces. Under his leadership, Openpath Security has emerged as a key player in enhancing workplace security through innovative technology solutions.
Before his tenure at Openpath Security, James made significant strides in the technology landscape while serving as the Chief Marketing Officer for Verizon Digital Media Services. In this role, he was responsible for overseeing all marketing and strategic alliances for this vital division within Verizon. His journey to Verizon began with EdgeCast Networks, a company that he co-founded and which later achieved a remarkable acquisition by Verizon in December 2013, valued at approximately $400 million. EdgeCast Networks gained recognition as one of the world’s leading Content Delivery Networks (CDN), an accomplishment stemming from James' visionary leadership and strategic planning.
James has an impressive history of successfully building and selling companies throughout his career, with notable ventures including:
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EdgeCast Networks Inc.: As co-founder and President, James played a pivotal role in establishing EdgeCast as a leading CDN provider, which transports more than 5% of global internet traffic and supports numerous cloud hosting and telecommunications giants (find out more at www.edgecast.com). His leadership contributed to positioning EdgeCast at the forefront of internet infrastructure services.
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KnowledgeBase Solutions Inc.: James co-founded and presided over this enterprise software company, driving its evolution into a profitable industry leader. KnowledgeBase Solutions was recognized by Forrester as the Industry Leader in eService before its acquisition by Talisma Corporation (now known as Moxie Software) in March 2005 (more information available at www.talisma.com).
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Virtualis Systems Inc.: In the role of Chief Operating Officer, James managed operations of this venture-backed hosting company, successfully leading the company through pivotal growth before its acquisition by Allegiance Telecom in 2000 (check out www.hosting.com).
Earlier in his career, James laid the groundwork for his impressive trajectory in consumer product marketing as a Product Manager for the Hot Wheels brand at Mattel Toys. This experience further honed his skills in marketing, product development, and consumer engagement.
Education and Achievements
James Segil boasts an impressive educational background that has equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the competitive technology landscape. He is an alumnus of the prestigious Harvard Business School, graduating from the MBA program in 1999. His education at Harvard helped shape his business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit, laying a solid foundation for his ventures.
In addition to his MBA, James holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations and Spanish from The Johns Hopkins University. This dual major not only reflects his commitment to personal growth but also his proficiency in navigating diverse cultural environments, an invaluable asset in the globally-driven technology sector.
Notable Achievements
James Segil's career is punctuated by a series of notable achievements that underscore his exceptional capabilities as an entrepreneur and executive.
- Recognition as a Leader: During his tenure at KnowledgeBase Solutions Inc., the company secured its status as an industry leader in eService as recognized by Forrester, solidifying James' reputation as a visionary within the software industry.
- Pioneering EdgeCast Networks: As the architect behind EdgeCast Networks, James played a crucial role in establishing a global edge network that supports a staggering volume of internet traffic. His commitment to innovation and quality service has made a lasting impact in the CDN space.
- Key Acquisition Successes: Successfully negotiating the sale of multiple companies, including EdgeCast, KnowledgeBase, and Virtualis Systems, showcases James' prowess in growing ventures to attract lucrative acquisition opportunities. His strategic insights have not only benefited himself and his colleagues but have also contributed to the broader technology ecosystem by enhancing the capabilities and offerings of larger companies like Verizon and Talisma.
In summary, James Segil exemplifies what it means to be a successful serial entrepreneur in the technology sector. His blend of innovative thinking, business strategy, and leadership has propelled him to heights of success, with a legacy that undoubtedly leaves a mark on the future of technology solutions. Through Openpath Security and his previous ventures, James continues to redefine access control and security in an increasingly digital world, demonstrating the power of entrepreneurship combined with technology-led innovation.