Vargo Tapped as Akamai’s EMEA SVP

25 Jan, 2012 By: Ashley Ratcliff

Akamai has appointed Mark J. Vargo as SVP and GM of its Europe, Middle East and Africa, or EMEA, markets.

Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Vargo will manage all sales, services and marketing across those regions, and will report to Robert Hughes, Akamai's EVP of global sales, services and marketing.

“Mark is a seasoned, global leader and will be instrumental in leading and scaling our cross-functional EMEA organization,” Hughes said. “… As we pursue our next phase of growth in this important region, I am extremely confident in the hands-on experience and leadership Mark brings to our company as a proven player in EMEA.”

A 25-year IT veteran, Vargo most recently served as chief strategy officer for IBM's Northern European Systems and Technology Group, a position he has held since 2006.

While at IBM, Vargo launched strategies for the company's storage systems and cloud-computing businesses across EMEA. He also has held senior management positions at IT companies, including IDC, GiantLoop Networks and Memorex Telex.

“Looking ahead, I see significant opportunity in our existing markets across EMEA, as well as in the many markets and countries Akamai has yet to serve,” Vargo said. “I look forward to working closely with our customers in these regions as they leverage the Internet for success.”