COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., April 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- root9B Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RTNB) ("RTNB"), a leading provider of Cybersecurity and Regulatory Risk Mitigation Services, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Eric Hipkins as Chief Executive Officer effective May 25, 2017.

Mr. Hipkins, 49, is the founder of root9B, LLC, RTNB's wholly-owned cybersecurity division, and has served as its CEO since 2011.  He has been a member of RTNB's Board of Directors since 2016.  Mr. Hipkins succeeds Joseph J. Grano, Jr., who will remain with RTNB as Non-Executive Chairman of the Board.  Dan Wachtler will remain as the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer.

"There is no question that Eric is the right leader for root9B Holdings given his experience and background in cybersecurity," said Mr. Grano. "Our transition to a pure-play cybersecurity company is on track and we are making good progress on several associated initiatives, including the sale of our IPSA International subsidiary. I recommended this change to the Board because I believe a focused pure-play cyber company needs to be led by an industry subject matter expert."

Mr. Hipkins has led the development of root9B's proprietary capabilities and HUNT methodologies. Eric is an accomplished Cyber, Intelligence and Cryptology professional with more than 25 years of specialty experience in advanced cyber and technical intelligence operations. He is a military veteran with an extensive background across the Department of Defense, Intelligence and Commercial community. His professional background spans numerous assignments across the Cyber and Cryptology community including senior positions within the U.S. Intelligence, Special Programs and Special Operations Community. These assignments included direct support to the President of the United States and members of Congress. Mr. Hipkins is professionalized by the National Security Agency as an Intelligence Analyst and Adjunct Faculty. He is the recipient of the distinguished Knowlton Award for significant intelligence contributions to the United States of America.

Eric is also a member of the Homeland Security Advisory Council's Cybersecurity subcommittee.

"I am humbled and honored to become the Chief Executive Officer of root9B Holdings," said Mr. Hipkins. "We created root9B because we believe cybersecurity is the number one threat facing our nation and the international community. For years, I witnessed the adversary shift their focus towards critical infrastructure, financial and commercial markets.  This shift provided the inspiration to create an organization that was focused strictly on the adversary, their tactics, standard operating procedures and tradecraft. The market required an advanced Human vs. Human solution. This solution brings the human defender back to the center of cyber defense while leveraging advanced technology to meet and defeat the human adversary. This defender must occupy the center of cyber defense while leveraging advanced technology to meet and defeat the human adversary residing in the uncontested network space.

root9B has developed the most advanced technology, process, and market strategy in the industry. This would not be possible without the great men and women that represent the best in cyber operations, threat intelligence and development. I look forward to working with Joe Grano, Dan Wachtler and the entire root9B team to continue creating the finest cybersecurity company in the world."

About root9B

Ranked as the #1 Cybersecurity company for five consecutive quarters by Cybersecurity Ventures, root9B stands in defiance of the unwanted human presence within our clients' networks by attacking the root of the problem—the adversary's ability to gain entry and remain undetected. root9B's application of advanced technology developed through cutting-edge R&D and engineering and refined through relevant, hands-on training is revolutionary. root9B combines next generation technology, tactics development, specialty tools, and deep mission experience. root9B personnel leverage their extensive backgrounds in the U.S. Intelligence Community to conduct advanced vulnerability analysis, penetration testing, digital forensics, incident response, Industrial Control System (ICS) security, and Active Adversary Pursuit (HUNT) engagements on networks worldwide. For more information, visit www.root9B.com. 

About root9B Holdings, Inc.

root9B Holdings is a leading provider of Cybersecurity and Regulatory Risk Mitigation Services. Through its wholly owned subsidiaries root9B and IPSA International, the Company delivers results that improve productivity, mitigate risk and maximize profits. Its clients range in size from Fortune 100 companies to mid-sized and owner-managed businesses across a broad range of industries including local, state and government agencies. For more information, visit www.root9bholdings.com

Forward Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release may include certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements regarding future financial performance, future growth, and reorganization efforts. These statements are based on RTNB's current expectations or beliefs and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Actual results may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the statements herein due to changes in economic, business, competitive and/or regulatory factors, and other risks and uncertainties affecting the operation of RTNB's business. These risks, uncertainties and contingencies are indicated from time to time in root9B Technologies filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information set forth herein should be read in light of such risks. Further, investors should keep in mind that RTNB's financial results in any particular period may not be indicative of future results. RTNB is under no obligation to, and expressly disclaims any obligation to, update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions or otherwise.

SOURCE root9B Holdings, Inc.

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