Gary Verster

Gary Verster currently serves as the North America Security Practice Lead at Avanade, responsible for shaping and executing the practice's strategy and growth while supporting regional business groups. With extensive experience at Microsoft from March 2004 to April 2023, Gary held several key roles, including Senior Director of Security Strategy & Solutions, where oversight of a $250M revenue Security Service Line was a key responsibility. Other roles included Director of Worldwide Security/Identity Consulting and Senior Product Manager for Security Solutions, contributing to major security transformations and the development of customer-focused solutions. Gary began a career in IT as a Support Consultant at the South African Broadcasting Corporation and accumulated further experience across companies like Amdahl SA and Business Connexion Solutions. Educationally, Gary holds an Executive Certificate in Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame and a Certificate in Marketing from Northwestern University, along with an NDip in Electrical Engineering from the University of Johannesburg.