Chris Carlson

Chris Carlson is the VP of Product Management at Critical Start. Chris has over 25 years of experience in product management and marketing, with a focus on cybersecurity. Chris has a strong track record in successfully launching and growing products and businesses.

Prior to joining Critical Start, Chris was the VP of Products at Dragos, Inc., a leading industrial (OT/ICS/IIoT) cybersecurity company. Chris was responsible for Dragos’ product strategy, roadmap, and execution. Under Chris’ leadership, Dragos launched several new products, including the Dragos Platform, which is used by some of the largest industrial organizations in the world to protect their critical infrastructure from adversaries.

Before Dragos, Chris was the VP of Product Management at Qualys, a leading provider of cloud-based security and compliance solutions. At Qualys, Chris launched several new products, including the Qualys Cloud Platform and Qualys Policy Compliance.

Chris began their career in product management and marketing at Hexis Cyber Solutions, Inc., where they launched and grew the Hexis Cyber product line. Hexis Cyber was acquired by WatchGuard in 2016.

Chris holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Minnesota.

After graduating from Andover High School in Andover, MA, Chris Carlson attended the University of Maryland, where they earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing. Chris then transferred to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute to study Electrical Engineering (transferred to Business). Chris Carlson's educational career also includes a high school stint in Rome, Italy at St. Stephen's School.

Their manager is Rob Davis, CEO. They work with Alan Bain - Chief Revenue Officer, Carrie Kelly - Chief Marketing Officer, and Andrew Kaufman - CFO.