Darktrace CEO Poppy Gustafsson Resigns Amid $5.3 Billion Thoma Bravo Takeover

Jill Popelka steps in as new CEO as the cybersecurity firm prepares to transition to private ownership.

Poppy Gustafsson co-founded Darktrace in 2013 and led the company through its public listing and subsequent growth.
Jill Popelka, previously COO, takes over as CEO with extensive experience from Snap Inc. and Accenture.
The resignation follows the recent death of Darktrace's early backer, Mike Lynch, and the company's ongoing links to his controversial legacy.
Darktrace's valuation peaked at £5.7 billion in 2021 but has since fluctuated, prompting the Thoma Bravo acquisition.
The $5.3 billion deal is pending final regulatory approval, with completion expected by the end of September.