From Malware Research to Mission-Driven Leadership: Craig’s Journey at McAfee

For over 20 years, Craig has played a pivotal role in shaping McAfee’s innovation and commitment to customer protection. His journey began in 2000, when he joined as a research scientist in the then-nascent field of malware analysis. Drawn by the fast-paced, purpose-driven nature of cybersecurity, Craig found his calling in solving complex challenges alongside passionate peers.

Today, Craig’s impact spans across research, development, marketing, support, and IT—bringing data-driven insights and cross-functional collaboration to the forefront of McAfee’s mission. We sat down with him to reflect on his career, the culture that’s kept him inspired, and what drives him outside of work.

A Career Rooted in Purpose

“My first role at McAfee was a dream come true,” Craig shares. “I joined as a research scientist focused on malware analysis, and I was immediately drawn to the dynamic, altruistic nature of the work. That sense of purpose has stayed with me ever since.”

Over the years, Craig’s career has evolved through continuous learning and collaboration. He’s worked across nearly every facet of the business, applying insights to help guide strategy and innovation.

A Milestone That Stands Out

One of Craig’s proudest moments was helping lead the development of McAfee’s Next Generation Threat Protection stack—a major leap forward in cybersecurity.

“It was an incredible experience working with such talented individuals,” he says. “CTO Steve Grobman set a high bar for excellence and was right there with us, challenging assumptions and modeling what great engineering looks like.”

Why McAfee Still Feels Like Home

Craig attributes his long tenure to three key factors: strong leadership, collaborative teams, and meaningful work.

“I’ve stayed because of managers who are truly focused on protecting our customers, peers who are engaged and aligned, and the constant opportunity to tackle interesting challenges,” he explains.

Culture That Connects

When asked to describe McAfee’s culture, Craig calls it a “melting pot of diverse perspectives” where cross-team collaboration is encouraged.

“It’s a place where people come together from all backgrounds to solve problems and innovate. That diversity of thought is one of our greatest strengths.”