Chris Hughes, CISSP

Chris Hughes is a seasoned cybersecurity sales leader with over 15 years of experience in driving strategic sales initiatives and managing high-performance teams. As the Executive Director at MACROPRAXIS Research Institute, Chris is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the non-profit, identifying key cybersecurity issues, and leading research into the application of generative AI technologies to enhance cybersecurity sales processes. He regularly represents the Institute in public forums, conferences, and media, articulating its mission and stance on various cybersecurity issues.

Before joining MACROPRAXIS, Chris served as the Cybersecurity Product Sales Director at Rackspace Technology, where he managed a team of security specialists and provided technical sales support to over 1,000 global enterprises. His team was instrumental in positioning Rackspace's security services and influencing the development and deployment of Zero Trust security architectures. Chris has a proven track record in leading high-performance sales teams, underpinned by his expertise in the 'Challenger Sale' and 'MEDDIC' sales methodologies. His leadership approach emphasizes trust, commitment, and accountability, employing models like Amazon's "Top 3 and Bottom 3" and Netflix's "4A's" to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement. Chris’ tenure at Rackspace earned him a place in the 2022 President’s Club, reflecting his strategic impact and ability to help build and lead cybersecurity teams.

Chris’ career also includes notable leadership roles at BT Security, Verizon Enterprise Solutions, and VMware, where his teams consistently exceeded revenue targets and developed robust security sales strategies. His expertise in Zero Trust security solutions, combined with his proficiency in leading large sales teams and cultivating key partnerships, has positioned him as a thought leader in the cybersecurity industry. Chris holds an MBA from the University of California, Irvine, and a CISSP certification, underscoring his deep knowledge and commitment to the field. At MACROPRAXIS, Chris leverages his experience and strategic insights to advance the institute's mission of fostering innovation and excellence in cybersecurity.