Swapna Bapat

Swapna Bapat

Managing Director and Vice President, India and SAARC

Palo Alto Networks•Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

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Experience26+ Years
LevelCXO

Executive Overview

With over 25 years in the tech world, I’ve been fortunate to build a career centered around innovation, collaboration and sales growth. As Vice President and Managing Director for India and SAARC at Palo Alto Networks, I focus on driving market expansion, forging meaningful partnerships, and supporting our customers in navigating the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Before stepping into my current role, I led product strategy as Vice President of Product Management, shaping solutions for both the Asia Pacific region and global markets at Palo Alto Networks. My journey has included leadership roles at Microsoft, Cisco, Brocade, and Automation Anywhere, where I explored exciting spaces like cybersecurity, AI, data analytics, and product development. Having worked across diverse markets—including the United States, India, the Middle East, and Africa—I’ve developed a deep appreciation for cultural nuances and how they shape the way we do business. I’m passionate about harnessing technology to solve real-world challenges, building teams that thrive, and making an impact that matters.

Career Timeline

Professional employment history
  • Sep 2022–Present· 4 yrs 1 mo
    • Managing Director, Vice President, India and SAARCCurrent
      Nov 2024–Present
    • Vice President, Products
      Sep 2022–Nov 2024
  • Jul 2019–Sep 2020· 1 yr 2 mos
    • Senior Director Sales Engineering
      Jul 2019–Sep 2020
  • 2016–Sep 2022· 6 yrs 8 mos
    • Senior Director, Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence
      Sep 2020–Sep 2022
    • Director Technical Sales
      2016–Sep 2020
  • Dec 2014–2016· 1 yr 1 mo
    • Director Technical Sales India & SAARC
      Dec 2014–2016
  • Feb 2012–Dec 2014· 2 yrs 10 mos
    • Senior Manager Product Management - Go To Market Enterprise Group
      Feb 2012–Dec 2014
  • Jul 2011–Apr 2012· 9 mos
    • Senior Manager, Product Management
      Jul 2011–Apr 2012
  • Aug 2010–Jul 2011· 11 mos
    • Senior Manager, Product
      Aug 2010–Jul 2011
  • May 2008–Sep 2010· 2 yrs 4 mos
    • Senior Manager, Product Line
      May 2008–Sep 2010
  • 2006–2008· 2 yrs
    • Manager, Product
      2006–2008
  • 2000–2004· 4 yrs
    • Manager, Technical Product
      2002–2004
    • Software Engineer
      2000–2002

Education

Women's Leadership Program - Tanmatra

Indian Institute of Management Bangalore

Master of Science

Computer Science with a major in Telecommunications

University of Massachusetts Lowell

B. Tech

Electrical and Electronics Engineering

VR Siddhartha Engineering College - Vijaywada

Executive Relationship Map

Reports To
Swapna Bapat
Vice Chair & President
Chief Financial Officer
Chief Technology Officer
Chief Operating Officer

Executive Network Preview

BizKonnect has mapped this leadership network including reporting hierarchies, peer connections, and cross-functional relationships.

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Skills & Expertise

19 of 19 skills
LTEProduct ManagementP&L ManagementVoIPEmbedded SystemsNew Business DevelopmentTelecommunicationsMobile DevicesGo-to-market StrategySales EnablementIPRoutingCloud ComputingEthernetCybersecurityMPLSBusiness-to-Business (B2B)Process ImprovementWireless