SecureNative AI selects Peter Lillywhite as co-founder

Lillywhite recently led the Microsoft practice at CyberCX.

Microsoft partner SecureNative AI has appointed Peter Lillywhite as its new co-founder as it continues on its growth trajectory.

Lillywhite will work alongside founder Sean Roberts who has extensive experience working in the UK and Australia in various ITSPs.

Roberts built SecureNative AI to create an independent, Microsoft-native cybersecurity partner focused purely on helping organisations maximise the value of their Microsoft investments.

Speaking to CRN Australia, Lillywhite said his focus is on ensuring their customers succeed and build strong partnerships.

“For any new venture, putting customers first is critical — understanding their risks and helping them strengthen how they protect and manage their data in an increasingly complex threat landscape,” he said.

“What excites me most is working with customers to reduce risk in an increasingly complex threat landscape. The rapid adoption of AI is accelerating both opportunity and risk, which makes strong data security and governance more important than ever.”

One of the biggest challenges in the market is the speed of AI adoption and the evolving threat landscape, according to Lillywhite.

“At the same time, there’s a major opportunity to help organisations unlock the security capabilities they already own — particularly within platforms like Microsoft E5, where many features remain underutilised,” he said.

“Identity is another critical focus, as strong identity foundations are essential for securing AI and protecting access to data.”

This appointment also coincides with SecureNative AI achieving Microsoft Solutions Partner designation.

Lillywhite said what sets SecureNative AI apart from its competitors is being a “genuine trusted advisor” to their customers.

“We take a fundamentals-first approach to AI security, grounded in principles such as Zero Trust and the Essential Eight,” he explained.

“For us, security isn’t about adding more tools — it’s about understanding risk and helping organisations implement the right controls so they can adopt AI safely and confidently.”

Prior to joining SecureNative AI, Lillywhite led the Microsoft practice at CyberCX.

Dicker Data partnership

SecureNative AI has also signed a strategic partnership with distributor Dicker Data that will introduce modern commercial models that better align customer needs with a flexible and contemporary delivery framework.

“Dicker Data is a highly trusted partner within the Microsoft ecosystem, and the CSP model provides the flexibility to help customers maximise their existing investments while reducing risk,” Lillywhite told CRN Australia.

“Partnering with Dicker Data allows SecureNative AI to deliver that value at scale, and as the partnership develops we’re looking forward to sharing further announcements.”

Lillywhite wants customers to unlock greater value from their technology investments and improve their security posture.

Ultimately, it’s about combining our strengths to help organisations reduce cyber risk and adopt new technologies like AI with confidence,” he added.

“It’s great to be back working closely within the Microsoft ecosystem.

“Together with Microsoft and Dicker Data, we’re focused on helping organisations strengthen their security foundations and confidently adopt technologies like AI,” Lillywhite ended.