SYDNEY, Australia, June 02, 2025 – Fortinet®, the global cybersecurity leader driving the convergence of networking and security, today announced the appointment of Nicole Henry as Head of Government Affairs for Australia and New Zealand. In this role, Nicole will lead Fortinet’s strategic engagement with government stakeholders to enhance cybersecurity policy development and support public sector cybersecurity initiatives across both countries.
Nicole Henry, Head of Government Affairs for Australia and New Zealand, Fortinet, shared, “Effective cybersecurity policy is foundational for protecting critical infrastructure (CI), economic stability, and national security. This role brings together the core of my career including strategic policy, digital capability, and system reform through innovation and cross sector collaboration. I’m honoured to lead Fortinet’s engagement with government across Australia and New Zealand, leveraging global insights and expertise to help shape policy frameworks that strengthen cyber resilience. With emerging technologies reshaping CI, trusted communication and enhanced collaboration between industry and government is essential for digital security. I look forward to advancing Fortinet’s position as a trusted partner in this critical mission.”
Advancing Cyber Resilience Through Public Policy Leadership
Nicole will oversee Fortinet’s government affairs strategy across Australia and New Zealand at a time when public-private collaboration is critical to addressing escalating cyber threats and safeguarding national interests. In her new role, she will lead Fortinet’s efforts in advancing cybersecurity legislation and regulatory frameworks across Australia and New Zealand.
Nicole will work closely with Fortinet’s regional public sector teams to provide critical insights into government priorities and cybersecurity requirements, keeping Fortinet’s cybersecurity innovations aligned with the evolving needs of government agencies and institutions. She will also contribute to shaping regional strategies that reflect national interests, evolving compliance obligations, and global cyber trends, positioning Fortinet as a proactive partner in public sector transformation and digital trust.
A Proven Leader In Policy, Innovation, And Government Engagement
Nicole brings more than two decades of experience in public policy advocacy, government relations, and stakeholder engagement. She has held senior advisory roles across both the public and private sectors, working at the intersection of government, industry, and research to drive national strategies and foster international partnerships.
Before joining Fortinet, Nicole was responsible for the Trade, Americas, Europe, and India branch within the International Strategy and National Security Division of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. Prior to this, Nicole served as the inaugural Counsellor to Indonesia on a diplomatic posting for the Department, establishing strategic relationships and opportunities aligned with the government’s priorities. She has also held roles including Head of Business Engagement and Program Management for the Simplified Trade System Implementation Taskforce and Chief of Staff to the Chief Scientist of Australia, as part of a distinguished career in the Australian public service.
Nicole has led national initiatives in areas including hydrogen, battery technologies, digital trade, and regulatory reform. She has also represented Australia in international forums such the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Nicole has built a reputation for turning complex policy into practical outcomes and for fostering collaboration between government, research, and industry to shape impactful national strategies. Her deep understanding policy, regulation, and cross-border engagement makes her uniquely positioned to drive outcomes that align with Fortinet’s mission to strengthen cyber resilience and protect critical infrastructure.
“Cybersecurity is a team sport requiring strong collaboration across the private and public sectors. Nicole’s extensive public sector experience, strategic mindset, and deep policy expertise will help advance Fortinet’s contribution to strengthening the region’s cyber resilience.” Hugh Carroll, Vice President, Corporate and Government Affairs, Fortinet
“Nicole’s appointment reinforces Fortinet’s commitment to partnering with government and key stakeholders across Australia and New Zealand as the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve. Her extensive experience in public sector engagement and policy leadership positions Fortinet to play an even greater role in enhancing cybersecurity resilience and protecting CI and national security interests in Australia, New Zealand, and beyond.” Dale Nachman, Regional Director, Australia and New Zealand, Fortinet
About Fortinet (www.fortinet.com)
Fortinet is a driving force in the evolution of cybersecurity and the convergence of networking and security. Our mission is to secure people, devices and data everywhere, and today we deliver cybersecurity everywhere our customers need it with the largest integrated portfolio of over 50 enterprise-grade products. Well over half a million customers trust Fortinet’s solutions, which are among the most deployed, most patented and most validated in the industry. The Fortinet Training Institute, one of the largest and broadest training programs in the industry, is dedicated to making cybersecurity training and new career opportunities available to everyone. Collaboration with esteemed organisations from both the public and private sectors, including Computer Emergency Response Teams (“CERTs”), government entities, and academia, is a fundamental aspect of Fortinet’s commitment to enhance cyber resilience globally. FortiGuard Labs, Fortinet’s elite threat intelligence and research organisation, develops and utilises leading-edge machine learning and AI technologies to provide customers with timely and consistently top-rated protection and actionable threat intelligence. Learn more at https://www.fortinet.com, the Fortinet Blog, and FortiGuard Labs.
