Palo Alto Networks appoints KP Unnikrishnan as New Chief Marketing Officer

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 Lisa Sim assumes the role as Head of Marketing, Asia Pacific & Japan

Palo Alto Networks marketing veteran KP Unnikrishnan (Unni) has been elevated to the position of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). He will be based in the company’s Santa Clara, California headquarters and report directly to Palo Alto Networks Chairman and CEO, Nikesh Arora.

A seasoned executive with broad international experience, Unni has a proven track record of helping organisations envision their marketing strategy and develop an economic business case. He most recently served as Vice President, Marketing, Asia Pacific and Japan for almost a decade. A transformative marketer with a growth mindset, Unni will lead the global marketing team to further strengthen the positioning of Palo Alto Networks as the distinctive leader in cybersecurity.

Taking over his role as Head of Marketing, Asia Pacific & Japan, Lisa Sim will be responsible for the company’s regional growth strategy, enhancing brand visibility, and driving opportunities by amplifying demand for Palo Alto Networks’ next-generation cybersecurity solutions. Lisa has been with the company since 2017 and was most recently the Head of Marketing for South Asia. She is also the Program Director for Cybersafe Kids.

The transition comes at a time when Palo Alto Networks is uniquely positioned to help customers consolidate their security architectures and support them in their network transformation journey.

“The past 9 years have been among the most fulfilling years of my career. I have been part of the phenomenal growth story of this company, one that saw a startup of near anonymity catapult into a world leader in cybersecurity.” Unni reflected. “I am excited to take on this role as we deepen our presence and impact across the world. With the most comprehensive cybersecurity portfolio, my goal is to continue to build on our mission of being the cybersecurity partner of choice, protecting our digital way of life.”

“I am really excited about joining the JAPAC leadership team for the next chapter of our growth journey. Protecting our digital world deeply aligns with many of our customers’ values. It's rewarding work to protect organisations and to also drive social impact through our education programs.” said Lisa Sim.

Zeynep Ozdemir has decided to step away from her related responsibilities for personal reasons. Zeynep played a key role in helping achieve in a short period what very few marketers have done in their careers by building a globally recognized brand in the cybersecurity industry with Palo Alto Networks.

About Palo Alto Networks

Palo Alto Networks is the world’s cybersecurity leader. We innovate to outpace cyberthreats, so organizations can embrace technology with confidence. We provide next-gen cybersecurity to thousands of customers globally, across all sectors. Our best-in-class cybersecurity platforms and services are backed by industry-leading threat intelligence and strengthened by state-of-the-art automation. Whether deploying our products to enable the Zero Trust Enterprise, responding to a security incident, or partnering to deliver better security outcomes through a world-class partner ecosystem, we’re committed to helping ensure each day is safer than the one before. It’s what makes us the cybersecurity partner of choice.

At Palo Alto Networks, we’re committed to bringing together the very best people in service of our mission, so we’re also proud to be the cybersecurity workplace of choice, recognized among Newsweek’s Most Loved Workplaces (2021 and 2022), Comparably Best Companies for Diversity (2021), and HRC Best Places for LGBTQ Equality (2022). For more information, visit www.paloaltonetworks.com.

Palo Alto Networks, Prisma, and the Palo Alto Networks logo are registered trademarks of Palo Alto Networks, Inc. in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other trademarks, trade names, or service marks used or mentioned herein belong to their respective owners. Any unreleased services or features (and any services or features not generally available to customers) referenced in this or other press releases or public statements are not currently available (or are not yet generally available to customers) and may not be delivered when expected or at all. Customers who purchase Palo Alto Networks applications should make their purchase decisions based on services and features currently generally available.

 

Ben&Ben, Zack Tabudlo, Ebe Dancel and more to headline Zark’s Fest 2023

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 This year’s edition of the Manila-based food and music festival gets bigger with a more exciting lineup of performers, activities, and programs

After a hugely successful debut in 2019, Zark’s Fest returns this summer with their biggest offering in live music and comfort grub.

Presented and produced by Zark’s Burgers, a popular burger joint in the Philippines, and organized by GNN Entertainment Productions, the hybrid festival promises to treat its patrons with an exciting music lineup, more inclusive programming, a dedicated space for lifestyle, crafts, and arts merchants, and most especially, a hearty serving of American comfort food, the Zark’s way.

Headlining the festival are the award-winning and best-selling Filipino band Ben&Ben and 2021/2022’s most-streamed solo artist Zack Tabudlo. The Manila-based food and music festival are also set to feature some of the most prominent names in the local music industry, including Ebe Dancel, Urbandub, Sandwich, The Itchyworms, BINI, Kiyo, SOS, Autotelic, Any Name’s Okay, Lola Amour, Hey June!, and Eli & Six The Northstar.

“We’re coming out stronger this year with a more diverse lineup and activities,” says Zark’s Burgers CEO Zark Varona. “Make sure to pack your sunscreen as Zark’s Fest brings a festive experience in the best possible way. We’re scaling up our game with headline-worthy music representing various genres and demos, and we’re also holding the event in a bigger, outdoor venue that allows people to move freely around the site and celebrate food, arts, and crafts with their family and friends. What we have is something game-changing and special, and I hope more people will get to experience that.”

This year’s edition ups the ante of the festival format by doubling down on the experience with fair-themed booths and a more family-friendly vibe. “Our goal is to create a safe space where everyone is welcomed and included,” Varona explains. “Hopefully with Zark’s Fest, we’ll be able to deliver a music-filled destination for people from all walks of life.”

Tickets to Zark’s Fest will go on sale, starting Monday, March 13 at 12 noon via bit.ly/zarksfest2023.

Check out the ticket prices:

VIP (P2,500)

Express lane, dedicated restroom, 1 free drink, exclusive VIP area near the stage, Zarkada kit

Regular (P1,500)

General admission

 

Early Entry (P800)

Entrance is strictly until 2pm only

 

SM Supermalls, SM Cares recognized for programs on inclusion, sustainability, employee experienc

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From encouraging mall-goers to adopt more sustainable ways to dispose of their solid waste, to promoting emergency and disaster preparedness that is inclusive of persons with disabilities and the elderly, to employee engagement efforts that ensure a happy and productive workforce, SM Supermalls and its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares are known for their advocacies that continuously leave a positive impact on communities and the environment.

SM Supermalls and SM Cares took home a total of three Silver Anvils at the recently concluded "Gabi ng Parangal" of the 58th Anvil Awards last March 8 for SM Cares' Environmental Programs on Solid Waste Management, Emergency Preparedness Forum 2022, and SM Life. Shown in the photo are (from left to right) Program Director for SM Environment and Sustainability Engr. Liza Silerio; Director of SM Cares Program on Persons with Disabilities Engr. Bien Mateo; and SM Supermalls' Human Resources Vice President Cheryll Agsaoay, holding their respective awards.

In recognition of their unwavering commitment to these advocacies, SM Supermalls and SM Cares took home a total of three awards at the recently concluded “Gabi ng Parangal” of the 58th Anvil Awards, organized by the Public Relations Society of the Philippines last March 8 at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

SM Cares took home a Silver Anvil award for its efforts to help address solid waste pollution in the country through its Trash-to-Cash and Plastic Waste Collection initiatives, which are part of its Environmental Programs on Solid Waste Management.

By the end of the eligibility period, SM Cares successfully collected a total of 1,247 tons of solid waste, and has helped many SM mall-goers develop the habit of disposing of their solid waste properly.

SM Cares also took home a SIlver Anvil award for the 2022 iteration of its "Emergency Preparedness Forum," an event designed to provide emergency preparedness training that is tailored to the unique needs of PWDs and senior citizens.

Held from July 13 to August 3, 2022 in four of the most disaster-prone cities in the country--Baguio City, Quezon City, Legazpi City, and Cebu City--the forum was able to help more than 1,900 participants become better equipped to keep themselves safe during disasters.

Meanwhile, SM Supermalls won a Silver Anvil award for its initiative SM LIFE, which aims to promote purpose, performance, and passion and help employees adapt and grow to the evolving needs of the business, and to stay happy, resilient, and productive at work.

Through the initiative, SM Supermalls was able to retain 93 percent of its high-potential talents, and saw an average of 98 percent in terms of training coverage, with participation in engagement programs at 100 percent, among other positive results. The company also recovered and sustained its mall revenue, foot traffic, and occupancy through 2021 and 2022.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, supporting initiatives focused on communities and the environment. Aside from the program on PWDs, its advocacies include Programs for the Environment, Women & Breastfeeding Mothers, Children & Youth, Senior Citizens, and the SM Bike-friendly initiative.

To learn more about these programs, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.

Ebe Dancel to stage repeat of “Sa Wakas: 20th Anniversary” Concert

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The award-winning singer-songwriter will be joined by ex-Sugarfree drummer Mitch Singson to honor the album’s lasting impact in the Philippine music scene

Due to insistent public demand, Filipino singer-songwriter Ebe Dancel stages a repeat of Sa Wakas: 20th Anniversary Celebration, happening on March 31, 2023 (Friday), from 6pm onwards at 123 Block, Mandala Park.

Celebrating the enduring legacy of Sugarfree’s iconic debut album, Sa Wakas The Repeat: 20^th Anniversary Celebration will feature a longer, full-length set by Ebe Dancel and drummer Mitch Singson, as well as guest performances and surprises.

Presented by GNN Entertainment Productions and Backspacer Records, in partnership with 123 Block and Balcony Entertainment, the headline show will accommodate more people in the venue as requested by fans who were not able to attend the first one, which sold out in less than a day.

Part of the earnings will be donated to Parokya Ni Edgar guitarist Gab Chee Kee’s hospital and medical expenses. Sa Wakas: official merch is also available via Backspacer Records official website, and will also be sold at the venue.

Sugarfree's Sa Wakas, which came out in 2003, took confessional songwriting to a new level with anthems that reveal stories and experiences that are too embarrassingly painful to talk about in public. Critically acclaimed when it first came out in the early 2000s, the influential album eventually inspired a huge following, and prompted a fan to write/produce an award-winning rock musical centered on its narrative.

Tickets to Sa Wakas The Repeat: 20th Anniversary Celebration are available for purchase starting March 13 (Monday) at 6pm via bit.ly/sawakas20.

Ticket Packages Available:

Regular Admissions (P1,500) - entrance to the event grounds

VIP (P2,200) - entrance to the event grounds, plus meet and greet with Ebe Dancel before the show, and a signed event poster.

VIP + Vinyl Bundle (P3,500) - entrance to the event grounds, a Habangbuhay 10-inch signed silver vinyl, plus meet and greet with Ebe Dancel before the show and a signed event poster.

 

LG's Inverter Direct Drive motor reaches milestone with 100 million units produced

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A Key Component of Premium LG Washing Machines for More than Two Decades, Company’s Innovative Motor Technology Continues to Evolve for Excellence

LG Electronics (LG) announces that production of its Inverter Direct Drive™ (DD™) motor has exceeded 100 million units. The company’s differentiated motor technology is a major factor in the strong, reliable performance and continuing global popularity of LG’s industry-leading laundry solutions.

From 1998 to the end of 2022, the company produced, on average, over 12,000 Inverter DD motors per day. LG’s Inverter DD motor connects directly to the washing drum, an innovation that helps make LG washing machines more durable and dramatically reduces noise and energy consumption during operation.

LG has refined the Inverter DD motor over four generations, continuously improving the technology and its performance capabilities to deliver greater customer value. The company holds over 240 Inverter DD motor related technology patents in Korea and internationally. In 2019, the company applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) to the Inverter DD motor to further enhance its efficiency and effectiveness. Used in LG’s premium washing machines and dryers, the AI DD motor leverages deep learning technology to detect the weight of each load and the types of fabrics being washed. It then selects the optimal combination of drum movements from the company’s proprietary 6 Motion tech – which enables six discrete drum movements – to care and clean for users’ laundry.

Last year, LG brought its advanced Inverter DD motor to its dryers for the first time. Like the company’s washers, LG dryers also offer 6 Motion (Tumble, Swing, Rolling, Stepping, Scrubbing, and Filtration) technology to boost drying performance and minimize fabric damage. LG’s inverter motor technology – specifically, the AI DD – became the first home appliance technology to earn Deep Learning AI Verification from global safety science company, (UL) Underwriters Laboratories.

“The number of Inverter DD motors produced points to the excellence of the motor technology LG has developed for its premium laundry solutions,” said Kim Yang-sun, head of the Component Solution Business Unit at LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company. “We will continue to create highly efficient core components that boost the performance and reliability of our products while also reducing carbon emissions during operation.”