16 Sep 2024

Global Tech Company Proofpoint announce 250 new jobs for Cork

Proofpoint Inc opened a new office in Cork city centre today.

The city centre hub will initially house key functions for the business. These will include engineering, research and development (R&D), customer support, finance, and marketing. The 250 new jobs for Cork announced will support this new expansion.

This expansion is a testament to Ireland’s attractive business environment and our commitment to fostering innovation and growth in the cybersecurity sector. The creation of over 250 new jobs for Cork is a significant boost for the region. It highlights our ongoing efforts to support enterprise development and employment opportunities across the country. We look forward to seeing Proofpoint thrive and contribute to Ireland’s dynamic tech ecosystem.”

Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Peter Burke

We invest more than 20 percent of our revenue back into research and development – among the highest rates in the industry – to stay ahead of attackers’ evolving tactics. Our expansion into Ireland is critical to our international growth, solidifying our ability to protect European organisations and our commitment to delivering innovative technology that addresses our customers’ needs.”

Remi Thomas, Chief Financial Officer, Proofpoint

Speaking to the Irish Examiner, Mr Thomas outlined the three key reasons Cork was chosen as its preferred location over other counties and countries in Europe.

  • The availability of talent, not just in engineering but across other functions. Additionally, the two Cork universities have the best in-class engineering programmes.
  • The ecosystem, with more than 40 cybersecurity firms based in the Cork area.
  • Cost also factored, with Cork coming out on top from a competitiveness perspective.
Michael Lohan, CEO, IDA Ireland, Remi Thomas, CFO, Proofpoint, Minister of Enterprise, Trade & Development, Peter Burke, Kim Sullivan, Chief People Officer, Proofpoint, Tom Foley, Proofpoint.

Proofpoint currently has over 4,500 employees globally – with over one hundred existing employees in Cork.

The company was recently recognised across multiple categories at Comparably’s 2024 Quarterly Best Places to Work Awards. These include Best Company Outlook, Best Global Culture, Best Engineering Teams, Best Sales Teams, and Best HR Teams.

“We are thrilled at the selection by Proofpoint of Cork as its new international hub. This choice emphasises the critical importance of regional investment and showcases the South-West region’s established cybersecurity cluster and the abundant talent available regionally and indeed across the country.

Proofpoint’s expansion further solidifies Ireland’s reputation as a premier location for global cybersecurity and compliance companies. We eagerly anticipate supporting their growth and continued success in Cork.”

Michael Logan, CEO of IDA Ireland

The announcement by Proofpoint Inc of 250 new jobs for Cork is one of a number of positive jobs and investment announcements for Cork in recent weeks.

  • Cara Partners, a member of the Schwabe Group has announced a €130m modernisation and expansion of its Little Island Facility in Cork. This multi-million-euro investment is expected to create 60 new highly skilled roles over the next four years.
  • Cork-based cybersecurity company Smarttech247 to create 50 jobs. Expansion plans will focus on channel and strategic partnerships with creation of new jobs
  • Smarttech247, a multi-award-winning provider of AI-enhanced cybersecurity services providing automated managed detection and response for a portfolio of international clients, announces the launch of a new route to market strategy. The launch is part of its wider growth plans and expansion of their Cork-based team over the next 12 months.
  • NetApp, a global, cloud-led, data-centric software company, today announced the creation of 60 new jobs in Cork. Their international headquarters office is in Navigation Square within Cork’s Docklands, Ireland’s largest and most ambitious urban regeneration project.
  • Eli Lilly unveiled its new $800 million (€723.5m) investment in Cork at its facility in Kinsale. This additional investment in Cork is part of the most ambitious manufacturing expansion agenda in the company’s history. Since 2020, Lilly has committed more than $20 billion to build, expand and acquire manufacturing facilities.

Live, work, study and invest in Cork

These recent announcements highlight the crucial role Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plays in igniting the economy in the region. These companies are undoubtedly drawn to the talent emerging by the city’s two universities, University College Cork (UCC) and Munster Technological University (MTU). Additionally, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, IDA, Cork Chamber and other stakeholders have nurtured a highly innovative, supportive, and collaborative business ecosystem.

To find out more about Living, Working, Studying and Investing in Cork visit WeareCork.ie.