Expel, a prominent managed detection and response (MDR) provider, made headlines today as it welcomed cybersecurity expert Kevin Mandia to its board of directors. Mandia, known for his extensive experience in security leadership and venture capital, brings over three decades of expertise to help guide Expel through its next phase of growth.
The announcement of Mandia’s appointment to the board comes at a time when Expel is experiencing significant momentum in the industry. The company has solidified strategic partnerships with major players in the security space, such as Wiz, Visa, and modePUSH, to enhance joint capabilities and address a wider range of customer security needs. Expel’s growth is evident in its 50% year-over-year revenue increase and surpassing $100 million in annual recurring revenue, achieving “centaur status” as of FY24.
Dave Merkel, co-founder and CEO of Expel, expressed his excitement about Mandia joining the board, highlighting their long-standing professional relationship and mutual commitment to cybersecurity. Merkel emphasized Expel’s leadership, products, and services, underscoring the company’s dedication to solving critical security challenges for its customers.
As technology continues to advance rapidly, Expel remains focused on leveraging AI-powered solutions to address evolving threats in the cybersecurity landscape. The company’s customer base has grown by 67% since early 2023, with an industry-leading Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 75. Expel’s emphasis on delivering measurable customer outcomes is reflected in its impressive metrics, including a 20-minute mean-time-to-remediate (MTTR), an 87% reduction in customers’ MTTR with auto-remediation, and 99% of customers expressing trust in the brand.
Mandia’s reunion with Merkel on the board signifies a merging of their expertise and shared background in the defense community. Their collaboration underscores Mandia’s confidence in Expel’s leadership team, including co-founders Yanek Korff and Justin Bajko, and their ability to safeguard organizations against emerging threats.
Customers of Expel have praised the company for its exceptional service and commitment to security. Kristina Sisk, Cyber Security Defense Operations Director at AstraZeneca, commended Expel for its unwavering focus on customer security and superior outcomes. Robert M. Lee, co-founder and CEO of Dragos, highlighted the critical role that MDR plays in modern cybersecurity programs, emphasizing the importance of Mandia’s addition to Expel’s board.
Expel continues to lead the MDR market, providing 24/7/365 coverage across various attack surfaces, including cloud, with 100% transparency. The company’s approach combines skilled analysts with its AI-driven platform, Expel Workbench™, to deliver quick and effective responses to security threats. By maximizing security investments and building trust with customers, Expel remains at the forefront of the cybersecurity industry.
The addition of Kevin Mandia to Expel’s board marks a significant milestone for the company as it positions itself for continued growth and success in the evolving cybersecurity landscape. With a strong leadership team and a commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for customers, Expel remains a trusted partner for organizations looking to enhance their security posture and resilience.

