Quisitive is investing deeply in Security, Data, and AI-enabled applications to meet customers where they are and align with Microsoft’s leadership.

To further this vision, we are proud to welcome Derek Tannahill as our new Vice President of Security. With extensive expertise in Microsoft Security, Identity, and Compliance, Derek will help shape our security strategy, expand our offerings, and strengthen delivery for customers.

In this interview, Derek shares his perspective on the evolving security landscape, the role of AI and data, and how Quisitive will continue to drive outcomes in partnership with Microsoft.

1. Welcome to Quisitive, Derek. What drew you to join the team, and what excites you most about leading security here?

I joined Quisitive because of its vision to be more than a solutions provider. It is about being a true strategic partner for Microsoft and our customers. What excites me most is the opportunity to elevate client conversations by leading with strategy, business outcomes, and trust. We have the people and the Microsoft partnership to guide organizations through complex challenges in identity, security, and AI readiness. That is the kind of impact I want to make.

2. You have built a career around Microsoft Security, Identity, and Compliance. How do you see these areas evolving, and what should organizations be focused on right now?

These areas are converging rapidly. Identity is becoming the foundation for Zero Trust and AI. Compliance is shifting from checkbox-driven to risk-driven. Security is increasingly about resilience. Right now, organizations should double down on the fundamentals: clean identity foundations, strong detection and response, and clear governance. Without those, it is difficult to confidently embrace AI or modernize at scale.

3. Quisitive is investing heavily in Security, Data, and AI-enabled applications. How do you see these three areas intersecting, and what opportunities does that create for customers?

The intersection is where real transformation happens. Security and identity create the trust fabric. Data provides intelligence. AI unlocks new possibilities for productivity and decision making. Together, they allow organizations to innovate without increasing risk. For customers, it means they no longer need to choose between speed and security. They can achieve both if the foundation is right.

4. Microsoft has been clear about its vision for Security. Where do you see the biggest opportunities for Quisitive to align and help customers adopt Microsoft Security solutions?

Microsoft’s vision is broad and comprehensive, but customers often struggle to connect it to their specific business context. That is where Quisitive adds value. We help organizations prioritize, adopt, and integrate Microsoft Security solutions in ways that align with business outcomes. Our role is to ensure clients capture the full value of their Microsoft investments.

5. From a customer perspective, what challenges are you seeing most often, and how will your team help address them?

The most common challenges are fragmentation, technical debt, and uncertainty around AI. Many organizations have too many tools, too little integration, and not enough visibility. My team will help by simplifying the landscape, addressing identity and security gaps, and building clear roadmaps that balance risk reduction with innovation.

6. Looking ahead, what is your vision for Quisitive’s Security practice and the impact you hope to deliver for both customers and Microsoft?

My vision is for Quisitive to become the go-to Microsoft partner for enterprise-level security and identity strategy. That means helping clients move beyond point solutions toward holistic, business-aligned security outcomes, while strengthening Microsoft’s market presence. I want our impact to be measured not only in revenue but also in the trust we earn as a strategic advisor to both our clients and Microsoft.

7. Outside of work, what hobbies or interests keep you energized and inspired?

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family. My wife and I have been married for 25 years and have two amazing children. My daughter is 20, a junior at Iowa State University studying mechanical engineering with an interest in robotics. My son is 18 and a senior in high school.

Together, we enjoy traveling, alpine skiing and racing, boating, golfing, tennis, participating in the local car club scene, and sharing jokes around the dinner table. I also stay engaged in the security and identity community through mentoring and sharing perspectives with peers. For me, the balance of family, passion projects, and professional growth is what keeps me energized.