David Maginnes - Sales Director at HTG
Describe your career ambitions and background.
Growing up, I was drawn to the world of advertising due to my innate creativity and fascination with design. While my journey led me through studying graphic communications and business management, I ultimately found my niche in IT sales, initially in web and application design before transitioning to infrastructure managed services and cloud.
Tell us about your current role.
I recently joined HTG to spearhead the development and expansion of a sales team with a focus on the UK and Ireland markets. Additionally, I’ve taken on responsibilities in marketing, aiming to enhance brand awareness and support sales efforts.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Ranking 1st in EMEA sales at Dell stands out as a significant achievement for me. It was a proud moment, especially being selected by Senior Leadership to attend the annual Presidents Club event, which celebrates the performance of high achievers.
How has your industry evolved in the last 10 years?
The last decade has seen an unprecedented surge of technological innovation, reshaping both the corporate landscape and everyday life. From the ubiquitous presence of smartphones to the advent of cloud computing and artificial intelligence, the pace of change has been dizzying. These advancements have not only enhanced efficiency and convenience for consumers but have also revolutionised the way businesses operate.
One of the most significant shifts in the industry has been the escalating focus on cybersecurity. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into every aspect of our lives, the threat of cybercrime has grown exponentially. Despite substantial investments in cybersecurity solutions by organisations worldwide, cybercriminals continue to exploit vulnerabilities, resulting in significant financial and reputational damage. It’s estimated that by 2025, the global cost of cybercrime could exceed $10.5 trillion, surpassing the GDP of many nations.
For businesses, the challenge lies in staying ahead of evolving threats and safeguarding sensitive data from sophisticated cyberattacks. This necessitates a proactive approach to cybersecurity, encompassing robust defence mechanisms, continuous monitoring, and rapid incident response protocols. As the digital landscape evolves, organisations must prioritise cybersecurity to mitigate risks and ensure the integrity of their operations.
What are you currently working on?
Amidst this evolving threat landscape, HTG has recently developed and launched HTG Overwatch, a comprehensive managed security services solution designed to address the complex cybersecurity needs of modern businesses. Drawing upon our extensive experience in professional services, HTG Overwatch offers a proactive and adaptive approach to cybersecurity, tailored to requirements of our customers.
At its core, HTG Overwatch provides round-the-clock monitoring, threat detection, and incident response capabilities, leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms to identify and mitigate potential security breaches in real-time. Our team of seasoned cybersecurity experts employs a combination of automated tools and human intelligence to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure the resilience of our clients’ IT infrastructure.
Beyond threat detection and response, HTG Overwatch also encompasses comprehensive vulnerability management, compliance monitoring, and security awareness training programs. By taking a holistic approach to cybersecurity, we empower organisations to fortify their defences, comply with regulatory requirements, and safeguard sensitive data from internal and external threats.
Moreover, HTG Overwatch is specifically tailored to meet the needs of small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs), providing enterprise-grade security capabilities without the prohibitive costs typically associated with cybersecurity solutions. By democratising access to advanced security technologies and expertise, HTG Overwatch enables SMBs to enhance their cyber resilience and focus on driving business growth without compromising on security.
HTG Overwatch represents a paradigm shift in cybersecurity, offering affordable yet comprehensive protection, dependable and demonstrable recovery granting peace of mind for businesses in an increasingly digital world.
Describe your team dynamics?
At HTG, we foster a culture of passion and curiosity, which drives innovation and high performance across the organisation. I’m privileged to work alongside dedicated colleagues who continually inspire and guide me.
What is the best business advice you have received?
The wisdom of “If you’re the smartest person in the room, find another room” resonates deeply with me. Embracing humility and continuous learning has been instrumental in my professional growth.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Adapting to the remote work environment during the pandemic posed significant challenges, particularly for someone accustomed to face-to-face interactions in sales. However, I remain optimistic about returning to pre-pandemic working practices.
What does the future hold?
At HTG, our focus is on aggressive scaling over the next few years, with managed services playing a pivotal role in our growth strategy.
How do you maintain a work/life balance?
Outside of work, I prioritise spending time with my family, exploring the outdoors with our dogs, engaging in sports activities, and visiting my extended family back home in Northern Ireland.
Favourite book and boxset?
David Baldacci’s suspense novels and TV series like House of Cards, Jack Reacher and Jack Ryan are among my top choices for leisure.