Cyber-security firm Skout opens EMEA HQ in Laois

SKOUT Secure Intelligence is to create 30 jobs with the opening of its new Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) headquarters in Portlaoise, County Laois.

The roles being created are across a number of areas including management, sales and business development, engineering and technical support.

Recruitment will start immediately, with the company especially interested in hearing from emerging tech talent at college and university level.

Describing Ireland as a “critical digital hub” that allows the company to service its clients across the EMEA region, JP Kehoe, senior director of EMEA, Skout, said the company had “ambitious expansion and hiring plans” for the EMEA region.

“We believe that there are a lot of talented people who are looking to have a great career in cyber security, and we are looking to meet people who share our ambition,” Mr Kehoe said.

The opening of the headquarters is supported by the Government through IDA Ireland, with yesterday’s announcement welcomed by both the Minister for Business, Enterprise and Innovation, Heather Humphreys, and Mary Buckley, of IDA Ireland.

“Access to highly skilled technical talent, the cluster effect of related businesses and the ease of doing business, were all contributing factors when [Skout were] deciding to locate their cyber business here,” Ms Buckley said.

“It is great that Portlaoise meets all of these requisite needs.”

Established in 2013 by Irish entrepreneur Aidan Kehoe, pictured, Skout is based in the US and has over 800

clients globally.